Little Columbans Transition Program
The Journey Begins
Starting school is an exciting milestone for young children and their families. At St Columba College, our Little Columbans’ Transition Program is designed to make this transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
This program runs over three consecutive Wednesdays and is available for both start-of-year and mid-year Reception students. It helps children become familiar with their new school environment, meet their Reception teachers, and make new friends before their first day.
A Gentle Introduction to School Life
The Little Columbans Transition Program is structured to provide a welcoming and supportive experience for children moving from kindergarten to school. Sessions run from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and offer a balance of play-based learning and structured activities to build confidence in a school setting.
The program concludes with our Little Columbans’ Welcome Liturgy after the final transition session from 12 - 12:30 pm. Our newest students will receive their welcome pack, which includes their very own Colin the Bear, Little Columbans' t-shirt, storybook, and a certificate introducing their teacher and the House team they will be in. Parents and extended families are invited to attend.
What Will My Child Learn?
The sessions closely mirror kindergarten experiences but introduce key elements of school life, helping children:
- Settle into a classroom routine
- Meet their new classmates and make new friends
- Participate in small group learning activities
- Learn where to place their bag, lunchbox, and water bottle
- Become familiar with bathroom locations and general school facilities
- Experience drop-off routines to ease separation anxiety
- Visit key spaces such as the Library, Music Room, Playground, and Performing Arts Centre
- Get to know their teachers and support staff, making their first days of school feel more comfortable
Personalised Support for Every Child
Our Reception teachers take the time to make connections with each child’s kindergarten before the program begins. This allows us to gain a deeper understanding of your child’s unique interests, strengths, and needs, ensuring a personalised and supportive transition into school life.
A Transition for Parents and Carers
We recognise that starting school is not just a big step for children—it’s also a significant transition for parents and carers. That’s why we offer an information session 9.15 – 10.15 am on the first transition morning as part of the Little Columbans’ Transition Program.
These sessions provide an opportunity to:
- Learn about school routines and expectations
- Meet the Reception teachers and the Head of Junior School
- Ask questions about daily life at St Columba College
- Connect with other families who are beginning their school journey
We aim to ensure parents and carers feel informed, supported, and confident as they begin this exciting new chapter alongside their child.
To support students' transition to school, Reception students will finish at 12 pm during the first week of school. Normal school hours will begin from Week 2.
To learn more, please contact our Enrolments Team at enrolments@stcolumba.sa.edu.au or click APPLY NOW to begin the online enrolment process.