Changing schools in the Primary years

Changing schools may be a difficult decision for many parents and children. Leading Queensland independent school Matthew Flinders Anglican College in Buderim on the Sunshine Coast is making it easier with their dedicated intake years primed to welcome and support new students to the College.

Principal Stuart Meade explains that Flinders accepts students in all year levels from Prep to Year 12 as places become available, however, the specific intake years are Prep, Year 3, Year 5, Year 7 and Year 10.

“In particular, our Year 5 intake year is a popular choice,” Stuart said.

“New families who choose a quality education at Flinders enrol their children in Year 5 so that they feel settled and confident by the time they progress in Year 7 to our Middle School, as part of our Secondary School,” he said.

Ross and Karen Harris agree with this theory of transitioning children to a new school in Senior Primary to pave way for a smoother start to Secondary schooling.

The Harris family joined Flinders three years ago when their eldest daughter commenced Year 5.

Ross notes his daughter was naturally apprehensive about the move, however, they are thrilled they made the transition.

“Our eldest daughter was most concerned about leaving her friends at her old school, however, the Flinders Orientation Program for new students is excellent,” Ross said.

“She was matched with three buddies from the school with similar interests and received hand-written notes from them before school started,” he said.

“She also met her buddies on Orientation Day and for a play date before their first day of school, which made her first few days on campus so much easier on her and us!

“Flinders’ transition process was so good that when it was time for our younger daughter to join Flinders in Year 4, she was so keen to get to Flinders – having observed her older sister’s positive experience – that she happily joined part-way through the third term.

“With the support of her buddies she assimilated into the school from day one.

“Both Karen and I could not be happier with our decision to move our girls to Flinders when we did.

“Our daughters are now in Year 7 and Year 8, and revel in the school culture and the opportunities provided.

“Having moved our girls to Flinders in Year 4 and Year 5 enabled them to develop a strong understanding of the school and to gain a firm foundation academically, which has set them up excellently for Senior Primary and Secondary School.”

Flinders’ Buddy Program and Orientation Days are just some of the ways that new families and Year 5 students are supported in their transition to the College to help make them feel welcome.

Head of Primary Trudi Edwards says, “Flinders’ rich and engaging academic program and caring culture are often the primary reasons new families join our College.

“Parents find that when their children join in Year 5 they have access to two years of strong academic focus and support that helps set them up for a confident start to Secondary School,” she said.

“What new families also appreciate is that students are encouraged to try new sports, music, cultural activities and leadership projects to experience a broad range of learning and co-curricular opportunities.

“During such activities, our children often uncover talents and passions which they continue with through to graduation in Year 12.

“Strong friendships and a genuine sense of belonging, confidence and connection are also a positive result.

“By the time students depart our Primary School to join Middle School in Year 7, it’s wonderful to see how they identify as responsible, resilient and independent learners ready to embrace Secondary education with well-established friendships and the skills needed for the rigours of Secondary School.”

For more information about applying to Flinders, please visit https://www.mfac.edu.au/enrolments/

This article is courtesy of Matthew Flinders Anglican College


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By Claire Gilligan
WITH A FIFO HUSBAND WHO WORKS AWAY WEEKS AT A TIME, CLAIRE ENJOYS FINDING FUN, LOCAL THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO VISIT TO OCCUPY HER AND HER TWO GIRLS' TIME. ORIGINALLY FROM SYDNEY, CLAIRE AND HER FAMILY LOVE ALL THE THINGS THE SUNSHINE COAST HAS TO OFFER AND ENJOY SHOWING IT OFF TO VISITING FAMILY AND FRIENDS. Kids on the Coast is a free family magazine whats on guide for Kids: things to do, school holiday fun and free activities for kids... Fun attractions, family food & travel, kids health & wellbeing, kids parties venues, parenting, pregnancy & babies, guide for parents. Servicing Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and beyond, Kids on the Coast is an online guide for parents with kids things to do with kids, schools and education and lifestyle news located on Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast & Brisbane, QLD.

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