Transitioning to Primary School
Starting school is an exciting time of change for children and families. There are many things you can do to prepare for the change. Helping children to feel confident and positive about school will give them a good start.
Teachers and school staff at Springwood PS are available to help you and your child transition smoothly to this next exciting phase in life’s journey.
Starting School is an exciting time as this family explains.
Starting School is an exciting time as this family explains.
Click here to find the Getting Ready for Primary School Guide - which will provide lots of valuable information for starting school in 2026.
The Department of Education Website also provides invaluable resources to support you and your child through this enormous developmental stage - First Day Advice from a Kindergarten teacher has many great tips and advice for this new adventure.
Daisy's First Day - Join Daisy on her first day at primary school. Who will she meet? What will she learn? What adventures await her?
Preparing for Kindergarten Checklist
If your child attends an early childhood education service, talk to staff about their transition to school.
-
Attend a school orientation or transition to school program and make sure you have the school’s phone number. If you need help with English, ask for an interpreter to be present at the orientation meeting. The school will arrange one if required.
-
If your child takes medication or has an allergy, a medical condition, disability or additional learning and support needs, inform the school as early as possible and make an appointment to speak with school staff.
-
Practise safely walking or travelling to and from school.
-
Apply for a school Opal card if needed. Phone 131 500 or go to Transport for NSW student traveExternal link l.
-
Contact the school for an enrolment pack.
-
Take your child to your local community health nurse or doctor for a health check and make sure their immunisations are up to date before school starts. For details visit NSW Health immunisationExternal link.
-
Organise outside of school hours care, if needed.
-
Talk about the plan for after school pickup
The Big Day
The Night Before
- Lay out your child’s clothes, shoes and socks.
- Make your child’s morning tea and lunch and put itin the fridge.
- Help your child pack their school bag.
- Pack a spare pair of underpants, socks and a change of clothes. Let your child know these are there in case they have any toilet accidents at school..
On the day
- Have confidence in your child and let them dress themselves.
- Apply sunscreen and get your child to wear their hat on the way to school.
- Don’t forget to take photos!
- Make sure you pick your child up on time.