transition at lauriston...2015 november 13 kindergarten orientation morning: 9.30–11am 2016...

Lauriston Girls’ School

38 Huntingtower Road, Armadale,Vic,3143t: 9864 7555 f: 03 9822 7950 www.lauriston.vic.edu.au

Transition at Lauriston

At Lauriston we often refer to education as a journey that begins with the very early steps of learning at kindergarten and continues beyond our school years and throughout life.

Like most journeys, success is often dependent on possession of a good map to help guide the way and a compass to help keep us on track.

At Lauriston, our pedagogical and pastoral programs act together as the map for our students and their families.

We use these programs to chart a course for our students and to help each one reach their personal best.

However, it’s a rare journey that doesn’t encounter some hurdles along the way; education is no different.

As girls progress through their school years they will encounter challenges and obstacles. This is a natural part of life and at Lauriston we teach students to embrace this change and to learn from the challenge.

To help with these challenges and opportunities our Transition Programs act as a compass for our students and their families. We prepare and work together to help our students navigate some of the trickier terrain on their educational journey.

Transition and adjustment happen every year a student moves up a year level. However, some transitions are milestone transitions. At Lauriston we have developed dedicated programs to ensure that these transitions are smooth and that students and their families are able to navigate them with ease.

This booklet highlights the main activities that are run each year as part of our Transition Programs. I encourage you to review this as it pertains to your daughter/son(s) and to raise any questions about the program with the Heads of Junior and Senior Schools or me as applicable.

I look forward to us together using our map and compass to help guide your child on her journey.

SUSAN JUSTPrincipal

MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER

Lauriston Girls’ School 38 Huntingtower Road, Armadale, Vic 3143 t: 9864 7555 f: 9822 7950 e: [email protected] www.lauriston.vic.edu.au

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You will be provided full orientation details at the 2016 Kindergarten Parent’s Information Evening on October 27.

Niall House (NH) four-year-old kindergarten Transition Program 2016:Staggered entry procedure.

Date Activity AudienceCurrent Students

FutureStudents Parents

2015September 8 Blairholme Concert: 5.30pm – 6.30pm

2015October 16

Children new to Niall House visit Lauriston: 9:30am–10:30am

2015October 27

2016 Kindergarten Parents’ Information Evening: 7pm

2015November 13 Kindergarten Orientation Morning: 9.30–11am

2016 February 1 Interviews

Michael House (MH) three-year-old kindergarten Transition Program 2016: Staggered entry procedure for Emu and Koala Groups (E/K) and Possum and Pelican Groups (P/P)

Date Activity Audience

Current Students


2015October 27

2016 Kindergarten Parents’ Information Evening: 7pm

2016 February

Interviews Feb 1 - (E/K) Feb 2 - (P/P)

Our play-based kindergarten programs offer each child the opportunity to discover and explore, to question and predict, to wonder, to imagine and to dream. Inspired by the Reggio

Emilia philosophy the programs provide an emphasis on play, engagement and developing at an appropriate pace.

This is a much-anticipated time for parents, students and their family; Lauriston has developed

a comprehensive program for our kindergarten families to ensure a smooth transition.

Transition Schedule 2015 – Kindergarten 2016

You will be provided full orientation details at the 2016 Kindergarten Parent’s Information Evening on October 27.

Marking the beginning of formal education, entry into Prep is an exciting time for students, their parents and their families.

The move to a longer structured day, the wearing of a uniform and the introduction of new classes and teachers is both exciting and daunting.

At Lauriston we have developed a comprehensive transition program designed to both inform and excite. Our Prep Transition Program will enable parents and students to prepare together

alongside future friends for this important life stage.

Transition Schedule 2015 – Prep 2016

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2015 Term 2

P-4 Teaching Mentor visits students and parents at Lauriston’s Niall House. Head of Junior School teaches lesson/s with Lauriston Kinder students.

June 18 Blairholme/Kinder Footy Day at Blairholme

2015 Term 3

Prep teachers alternately visit Lauriston Kinder students each week to meet with Prep 2016 girls.Head of Junior School teaches lesson/s with Kinder students.

August 25 Prep 2016 Information Evening: Blairholme, 7pm September 8 Blairholme Concert (Irving Hall): 5.30pm–6.30pm

October 9 Transition Day 1: 9.30am–10.15am(Includes Parent Morning Tea)

October 20 Transition Day 2: 9.30am–10.15am October 28 Transition Day 3: 9.30am–10.15am November 6 Orientation Morning: 9.00am–11am

November 27 Blairholme Market Day: 9.00am–9.30am 2016

January 29 First Day of School: 8.30am – 3.15pm

2016 February 3, 10, 17, 24

No school for Prep students on these Wednesdays. Individual Interviews with Prep students instead (individual appointment times will be made).

2016 February 29 First full week of school begins for Prep 2016


These early years in Year 1 and 2 are a very important stage in your daughter’s development. Our program aims to provide girls with the best foundations for the future.

During these foundation years, we have designed programs which enable the girls to be curious, explore, question, experiment and take responsible risks.

Through the Australian Developmental Curriculum and Inquiry Units, the girls are engaged in a rich learning environment that promotes self-discovery and independence.

In Year 1 and Year 2, there a very strong focus on Literacy and Numeracy and the girls have explicit lessons in Literacy and Numeracy every day. Establishing these fundamental skills will underpin future

academic and personal achievement.

Our Transition Program enables the girls to make a smooth transition into Year 1 and Year 2.

Transition Schedule 2015 – Year 1 & 2 2016

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Date Activity Audience

Current Students

Future Students Parents

2015 September 8

Blairholme Concert (Irving Hall): 5.30pm–6.30pm

2015November 6

Prep – Year 7 2016 Orientation Day: 8.45am - 12.45pm

2015November 27 Blairholme Market: 9.00am–9.30am

2015 January 28

Year 1 & 2 students new to Lauriston in 2016 visit with class teachers 9am–10am

2016January 29 First day of School: 8.30am – 3.15pm


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At Lauriston, the beginning of Year 3 marks the move from our Blairholme campus to our main Armadale campus.

Year 3 girls study together with peers in Years 4-6 as Montrose students. This move is more than just geographical; the new year brings new experiences, new teachers and new learning

spaces to explore.

To help prepare for these changes, our Year 3 Transition program begins early. Girls are introduced to their new spaces and teachers and time is devoted to ensuring that they are

comfortable in their new surroundings and amongst older peers.

New Students entering Year 4 are warmly invited to attend the Year 4 transition activities below.




2015 November

Year 2 girls write to the Year 3 girls to ask them about Year 3. Year 3 girls write a letter back to each child to reply to their questions.

2015November

Year 2 girls visit Year 3 classrooms, meet teachers and have lunch

2015November 6 Orientation Day 8.45am - 12.45pm

2015 November 12

Year 3 Information Morning for Parents and Year 2 girls in the Junior School Library (Montrose). Tours of Year 3 classrooms are made available to parents.

2015December

Year 3 girls visit Blairholme and share the books they have written and illustrated with the girls

2016 January 28


2016 January 29

First Day of School

2016 Term 1 Year 2 teachers visit the Year 3 girls at Montrose

Term 1 Year 3-6 Parent Information Evening (Date TBA)


The Year 5/6 centre is an exciting time for our girls. During their time in 5/6, the girls enjoy highlights such as participating in the Courage Conference, Leadership Conference, Creativity and Challenge Day, participating in the Leadership Program and the girls receive their laptops.

There are engaging camps to Sovereign Hill and Canberra which are linked to study completed within in the classroom.

There is an emphasis on independence, resilience and developing positive relationships with each other.

Our Transition Program assists the girls in being well-prepared for their entry into the Year 5-6 Centre.


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2015 September 9 CC Day

2015November 6

Prep – Year 7 2016 Orientation Day8.45am - 12.45pm

2015November 11 Year 5 2016 Parent Information Evening

2016January 28


2016January 29 First Day of School

2016Term 1

Year 3-6 Parent Information Evening(Date TBA)


Transition to Senior School is an important part of the Lauriston education journey for Junior School students. This is a time of excitement and anticipation but can also be a time of

heightened anxiety as girls prepare to leave Junior School.

The Lauriston Year 7 Transition Program is designed to enable girls to adjust to the changes that the next year will bring and to ensure that they – and their families – are fully-prepared on the

first day of Year 7 in 2016.

This transition period is a journey that families take together and we encourage parents and students alike to talk about the year ahead with each other. If parents have specific questions about the program and/or plans for Year 7 in 2015 they are invited to make contact with their

daughter’s class teacher and/or the Heads of Junior and Senior School respectively.

Transition Schedule 2015 – Year 7 2016

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201525 August

4.00–5.00pm

Welcome Afternoon Tea and Information Session (Optional)An afternoon to begin to learn more about the program, the transition schedule and to meet academic staff. Afternoon tea available from 3.30pm.

8 September2.30-4.30

School at Work (Optional)A chance to learn more about Year 7, tour the Lilian Bayly Centre, explore the School, participate in a fun sample class and see our teachers and students at work.

During October

Interviews with the Head of Senior SchoolA ‘get to know you’ meeting for all girls and parents new to Lauriston. Parents will be called to arrange a convenient time.

6 November

Students 9.00 am– 2.00 pm

Parents 9.00 am–10.00

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Orientation Day (Compulsory) Students: Participate in ‘getting to know you activities’, find out class groups for 2016, attend classes in Art, Science, Drama and PE and ‘smile’ for the class photo!

Parents: Meet other parents at the Lauriston Parents’ Association hosted morning tea

2016January 28

Orientation Day (For all Year 7)


Feburary 2016 Meet the Tutor


Transition to Senior School is an important part of the Lauriston education journey for Junior School students. This is a time of excitement and anticipation but can also be a time of

heightened anxiety as girls prepare to leave Junior School.

The Lauriston Year 7 Transition Program is designed to enable girls to adjust to the changes that the next year will bring and to ensure that they – and their families – are fully-prepared on the

first day of Year 7 in 2016.

This transition period is a journey that families take together and we encourage parents and students alike to talk about the year ahead with each other. If parents have specific questions about the program and/or plans for Year 7 in 2015 they are invited to make contact with their

daughter’s class teacher and/or the Heads of Junior and Senior School respectively.


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Year 8 is a time when girls become young women and the Year 8 program continues to develop the students in terms of academic and socio-emotional development.

Students are given opportunities to build resilience and independence through a broad range of academic, cultural, creative, community service, sporting and outdoor education opportunities.

The transition experiences aim to have in place all that a new student needs to commence their time at

Lauriston, and feel part of the community.


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2015November

Interviews with the Head of Senior SchoolA ‘get to know you’ meeting for all girls and parents new to Lauriston. Parents will be called to arrange a convenient time.

2016January 28 Orientation Day (New students only)

2016January 29 First Day Of School (All Students)

Feburary Meet the Tutors


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Preparing for the Howqua program is an exciting time for a Lauriston girl. For those who have been with the School prior to Howqua, the program is a much anticipated right of passage. These students have waited excitedly for their turn living and studying in the Victorian High Country and many will have friends and/or relatives who have completed the program.

For girls new to Lauriston, they will be preparing to meet new friends, new teachers as well as for the move to a residential community. It’s a daunting and exciting prospect and one that

Lauriston teaching staff are well experienced in managing.

For both groups, transition is a vital part of the Howqua program. It is crucial that girls and their families are prepared for all aspects of Howqua. We ensure that our Howqua Transition

is informative, transparent, fun and exciting. From the first information session to the first weeks on-campus, we are committed to ensuring that each girl begins her Howqua experience well-

informed and equipped to tackle each aspect of the program.

Transition Schedule 2015 – Howqua 2016Date Activity Audience

Current Students


2015August 5 Year 8 Howqua Q and A Session (Informal) - 9.00–

10.00am

August 19 Year 8 Howqua Q and A Session (Informal) 6.30–7.30pm

October 15 7.00–9.30pm Howqua 2016 Information Session (Compulsory)

October 1811am–2pm

Howqua Open DayCurrent Year 8 Students and new students attending Howqua in 2016 are invited, along with their families, to join current Howqua Families for our October Open Day. Enjoy tailored information sessions, tours, performances and lunch (BYO picnic) and explore the campus.

NovemberYear 8 Howqua SHINE dayA special day dedicated to our SHINE pastoral program.

During November

Parent Principal Interveiw Parents and students attend scheduled one-on-one meetings with Principal Susan Just. Parents will be called to arrange a convenient time.

December 3

Year 9 2016 Transition A compulsory transition day designed to prepare students socially and physically for the year ahead.

Departure Date 29 January 2016

First week activities

February 2016

Howqua Students arrive on-campus and commence the program. Dedicated on-going activities are planned to help support transition.

MelbourneParents are invited to a dedicated Term 1 information session where Howqua staff provide updates on progress and are available to answer questions. (Date TBA).


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Each year our Year 10 cohort comprises girls returning from the Howqua program as well as girls new to the School. The beginning of Year 10 at Lauriston marks entry to Lauristons’ Senior

College and the commencement of the final years of Secondary School.

Our transition is reflective of both journeys and designed to encourage girls and their families to begin thinking about life beyond Year 12.

Our schedule includes time spent early in term adjusting to a new timetable, environment and subjects. Later in the year girls participate in our Careers program and information sessions to help them choose their senior study pathway – the Victorian Certificate of

Education (VCE) or the International Baccalaureate Programme (IB).

This is a time of excitement and important decision making and we work with both girls and their families to ensure that the process is clear and transparent.

Transition Schedule 2015 – Senior College 2016



2015November

Headstart Program For Year 10-12

2016 January 28 Orientation Day (New Students Only)


February

SHINE Transition DayYear 10 students learn more about our Year 10 pastoral program ‘SHINE’ via a fun day of activities including a SHINE Amazing Race.

May

Careers NightInformation night held at Lauriston where Years 10-12 can hear from Universities and Old Lauristonians about career pathways.

JuneWork ExperienceGirls participate in a one-week work experience program at the placement of their choice.

August - November

Information SessionsSeveral information sessions are conducted in Terms 3 and 4 to explain subject selections for Years 10 and 11 as well as both the IB and the VCE programs. Check the school calendar for dates.


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At Lauriston, our learning partnerships between teachers, students and their parents are central to every girl achieving her potential, both academically and in her personal and social development.The mutual responsibility of all partners is framed by our School Values.

What parents and students can expect from the School

• a learning environment with curriculum and teaching methods designed to provide students with skills, knowledge and understanding relevant to their future.

• a calm, focused learning environment.• mutual respect based on our value of fostering positive relationships.• a safe and supportive environment where students of all abilities can thrive.• a high level of engagement with, and communication between the School and parents/

carers.• a culture of excellence.

What the School expects from its students and their parents/carers

• support of the School Values which place positive relationships at the centre of all we do.• regular and timely student attendance including minimal absences in term time for activities

which may be scheduled during school holiday periods.• students who are prepared to be active participants in their own learning.• high standards of presentation.• regular reference to the School’s information sources including: the electronic newsletter, the

Parent Communication Portal and the Learning Management System.• appropriate communication standards, especially in the use of electronic and social media

including: email, the intranet and the internet.• timely communication of any concerns about (or for) the student’s learning or personal and

social development.• attendance at performances and celebrations applicable to the year level.• knowledge of and adherence to the Student Behavior Guidelines.

How you can assist your daughter at home

• establish good communications with your daughter’s teachers, Tutor and Head of House.• access her academic progress via the Parent Communication Portal, and regularly discuss this

with her.• encourage her successes and assist her to see that mistakes are valuable learning

experiences.• expect high but realistic standards based on a good understanding of her strengths and

weaknesses.• take an interest in her learning and allow her to explain key aspects of her learning to you in her

own words.• encourage her to read widely and regularly.• use information and social media as a learning tool eg. Podcasts, online media, as well as• television news and current affairs broadcasts.• monitor her access to and use of social media at home. The School strongly recommends that

smart phones, iPads and other internet connected devices are not kept in bedrooms overnight.• engage jointly with and, as appropriate, co-view of digital resources.• create a well-lit and ventilated study space away from major distractions.• monitor her health and wellbeing and sharing concerns with relevant School staff as they arise.

This could include her Tutor, her Head of House or one of the School Counsellors.


transition at lauriston...2015 november 13 kindergarten orientation morning: 9.30–11am 2016...

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