Our transition to kindergarten program

At Guyra Central School, we are dedicated to making the transition to kindergarten smooth, welcoming, and supportive. Our transition program helps children feel confident and comfortable by introducing them to the school environment, routines, and new friendships. Through engaging activities and strong partnerships with families, we ensure every child is ready to thrive, fostering a love of learning from day one. Join us as we celebrate this important milestone and set the foundation for a successful school experience!

Starting school is a big step for children and families. Our school runs orientation and transition activities to help your child feel ready for Kindergarten and to support you as parents and carers.

Read the Getting ready for primary school guide for detailed tips and checklists.

Before your child starts Kindergarten

Enrolment interview

Before your child begins, all families meet with our principal. This is a time to share:

• medical conditions or allergies
• learning support needs
• family circumstances that may affect your child’s start

We want every child to feel safe, supported and included in school life.

Kindergarten orientation and information sessions

Our orientation sessions help children:

• meet teachers and classmates
• explore classrooms and playgrounds
• practise simple routines

Parents and carers join information sessions to learn about daily schedules, uniforms, lunches and communication. If you need an interpreter, let us know.

Getting ready at home

You can help your child get ready by encouraging independence and routines. Try:

• packing and unpacking their school bag
• dressing themselves and practising hygiene
• following simple routines at home.

For more advice, see the Getting ready for primary school guide.

What to expect in Kindergarten

Learning and development

Kindergarten follows the NSW curriculum. Children build early skills in literacy, numeracy, creative arts, health and physical activity, science and technology. Learning through play also supports social, emotional and academic growth.

Daily routines

Children learn routines such as morning arrival, snack and lunch breaks, lining up, using bubblers and moving safely around the school. Teachers guide children as they settle in, but practising at home helps.

Best Start Assessment

At the start of the year, all Kindergarten children take part in the Best Start Assessment. This is a friendly, one-on-one activity where teachers learn about your child’s literacy and numeracy skills. It is not a test and needs no preparation.

Transition to high school

Starting high school is an exciting milestone for students and families. Moving from Year 6 to Year 7 can feel like a big change. We help every child feel confident and supported during the transition to high school.

Find out more in the Getting ready for high school guide.

What to expect in high school

High school brings new experiences and routines, including:

• a larger school with more subjects, teachers and classrooms
• a timetable with different lessons each day
• moving between classrooms and carrying books and equipment
• more independence and responsibility for homework and study
• new friendships and opportunities to join activities and clubs.

Before your child starts Year 7

Enrolment interview

Before your child begins, families may be asked to meet with our principal. This is a time to share:

• medical conditions or allergies
• family circumstances that may affect your child’s start
• any learning or wellbeing needs.

We will also explain the supports our school provides, such as:

• support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through personalised learning pathways
• extra support for students learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D)
• support for students with disability or other learning needs through inclusive education programs.

Learn more about additional learning support and enrolment requirements at our school.

Our Transition Program

Moving into the secondary years of schooling is a significant milestone, offering new experiences, challenges, and opportunities for personal growth. During this transition, students will have the chance to delve into different subjects, form new friendships, and engage in activities and experiences that may shape their future academic and career paths. It is worth noting this shift in education also entails changes to daily routine, with a stronger emphasis on organisation and independence. Having the privilege of being a Central School with many integrated activities across K-12, means that students currently attending Guyra Central School start their secondary schooling already having formed connections with staff. For current GCS students and those students entering secondary school from our partner schools and further afield we offer experience days where student are able to attend 'taster' lessons in subjects they will engage in from Year 7. These days are in Week 4 of terms 2 & 4 and conclude with a Parent Information Evening in Week 5 Term 4.

A feature of our Year 6 into 7 transition program is the annual school camp. This camp for Year 7 is held early in Term 1 to foster belonging and connections, as students have the opportunity to develop their friendships with peers and staff. For many students, being away from home represents another opportunity to develop their resilience and independence. Through learning about camp craft and the outdoors, students are more likely to return feeling confident to be themselves amongst their peers and feel a greater sense of belonging. The camp is held at Lake Ainsworth, Lennox Head between Ballina and Byron Bay.

We work closely with local primary schools to help students feel ready. Our transition to high school programs help Year 6 students get ready for Year 7.  Activities include:

• orientation days Week 4 of terms 2 & 4 and school tours
• parent information evening in Week 5 Term 4
• subject tasters and classroom visits
• peer support activities with older students.

Students, parents and carers can join these sessions to learn about daily schedules, uniforms, lunches and communication. If you need an interpreter, let us know.

Contact us to learn more.

Getting ready at home

You can help your child prepare by:

• talking positively about starting high school
• buying uniforms, shoes, stationery and school supplies
• checking if a laptop or device is needed
• practising their travel route to school
• making sure they know your phone number and emergency contacts
• encouraging routines such as packing their school bag
• encouraging them to check their timetable and school bell times the night before day 1 of Term 1.

For more advice, see the Getting ready for high school guide.

Post School Transition

Options, options, options - you have so many, including:

• university entry schemes
• vocational education and training
• Smart and Skilled
• support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth
• support for students with disability
• support for students from refugee backgrounds
• Emergency services
• Defense Force
• Gap year
• Volunteering
• full-time employment
• combination of employment and training
• Travel

Have a question for us?

Our friendly office team can help.

Contact us