BIG TRANSITIONS

Starting school is one of the biggest milestones in a child’s life – and for many parents, one of the most nerve-wracking. Handing over your little one, backpack almost bigger than they are, can feel like a leap of faith. At Pottsville Beach Public School, Assistant Principal (Early Stage 1) Kathy Frost has been guiding children – and their parents – through this transition for nearly 30 years. With warmth, wisdom, and a deep understanding of children’s evolving needs, she has seen first-hand how the process has changed.

Kathy explains that starting school is a transition for parents as much as it is for children. “We no longer have the traditional ‘village’ of grandparents and extended family, so children – and parents – are often less used to trusting others with their care. That’s why it’s so important to make the process feel safe, supported, and welcoming.”

To make this leap gentler, Pottsville runs a carefully designed transition program that begins in Term 2 of the year before school starts. Kathy meets with local preschools, then hosts a series of parent information sessions to answer questions and build reassurance. The fun really begins with a Teddy Bears’ Picnic, where children meet their Year 5 “buddies” and start to explore their new environment through play.

Across four half-days, children are gradually introduced to school life – from developmental play activities to tours of the library and playground. Importantly, the Year 5 buddies take a lead role, greeting each child by name, handing out badges, and helping them feel safe and welcome. This relationship is more than symbolic. It gives the younger children an anchor in the schoolyard, and teaches the older students responsibility, empathy, and leadership.

“Our transition mornings look like fun and games, but everything is intentional,” Kathy says. Teachers quietly observe fine and gross motor skills, social interactions, and preferences, using this information – along with preschool reports – to plan classes that support each child’s needs.

For parents, there’s comfort in knowing their children aren’t being thrown in the deep end. There are safe spaces for the littlies to play and eat, plenty of communication from staff, and a strong focus on social wellbeing.

“Starting school really is a trust fall,” Kathy says. “But with the right support, children quickly discover they belong here – and parents find reassurance too. It’s a big transition, but it doesn’t have to be a scary one.”

At schools like Pottsville Beach Public, careful planning, caring staff, and a welcoming community ensure your little one steps into big school smiling – and you can breathe easy knowing they’re in safe hands.