Starting prep at OLA is a huge milestone and a fantastic adventure filled with new friends, exciting learning experiences, and memorable events. Our preps are matched with a senior student ‘buddy’, celebrate their  ‘100 days of Prep’, and have a big party when they learn all their sounds and letters. While there’s so much to look forward to, it’s normal for your child to experience some ‘big school’ nerves, so we’ve compiled a list of tips to help your child transition smoothly into school. 1. Establish Predictable Routines: Create consistent dinner, bath time, and bedtime routines to help your child feel secure. 2. Stay Positive and Excited: Keep the conversation about school positive and address any concerns your child may have. 3. Read Together: Reading fosters a love for learning. Visiting a library can also introduce them to the world of books. 4. Encourage Independence: Get your child to take responsibility for dressing themselves, packing their bag, and using the toilet independently. 5. Arrange Play Dates: Organise play dates with other children starting at OLA to build friendships before school starts. 6. Label All Belongings: Clearly label your child’s belongings to prevent lost items. 7. Discuss After School Plans: Talk about any new arrangements so your child knows what to expect. 8. Check School Times: Know the school’s start and finish times and where to drop off and collect your child. 9. Use Their Teacher's Name: When you know who your child’s teacher will be, use their name in conversations to build familiarity. 10.  Practise the Journey: Familiarise your child with the route to and from school to help them feel secure. We are thrilled to be part of your child’s educational journey and look forward to welcoming you to our OLA family!

At OLA, our prep transition days are designed to help our preps-to-be feel at home in their new school. During these special days, your child will spend time in their new classrooms, meet their teachers, and make new friends. This early introduction helps to ease any first-day jitters they may be feeling and builds their excitement for the adventure ahead. We know parents are a crucial part of this transition, and we warmly invite you to be actively involved. Our information sessions and school tours are a fantastic way for you to get to know our community and learn how to support your child during this exciting time. Chatting with your child about the transition days and sharing your enthusiasm for their new school experiences can make a world of difference.  Little preparations, like making sure they get enough rest the night before and setting up a consistent routine at home, can also help your child feel ready and confident. By keeping conversations about school positive and getting involved in the preparations, you’re setting your child up for a happy and memorable start to their school adventure at OLA.

One small step through the school gates at OLA  is one giant leap into an exciting new world for your child. For parents, giving them plenty of love and support is the best way to support your little prep. Showing enthusiasm about starting school will help them feel confident and ready, and assuring them that they’ll have fun and make new friends sends the message that school is a welcoming and safe place. It’s also important to prepare your child for the new daily routine. Discuss what time they’ll need to get up in the morning, how they’ll get to and from school, and what they’ll have in their lunch box. Choose a lunch box and drink bottle with easy-to-open lids and let your child practise using them at home. Practical preparations can make a big difference, so make sure their uniforms, lunch boxes and bags are packed and ready, with your child’s name marked on everything.  On their first day, send your child off with a happy, confident. While you may be feeling all sorts of emotions as their parent, try to keep those feelings in check to help your child start their day on a positive note. These steps set the stage for a successful and enjoyable first day of school at OLA. We can’t wait to welcome you and your child into our school community.