“School readiness” refers to the collection of skills, knowledge, and behaviours that enable a child to engage successfully in school. This is not about pushing formal learning earlier. Instead, readiness is about the whole child — their physical development, social and emotional wellbeing, communication, and early cognitive skills.

Having our youngest students ready for Kindergarten is part of growing up and helps children from the first day of school. Modelling friendly skills and showing their importance reinforces key social skills such as:

• Listening quietly, taking turns, following instructions
• Cooperating and playing with others — preschool and play dates help
• Expressing needs and emotions
• Managing change and building independence through social stories and games
• Encouraging curiosity and confidence in learning

Physical Readiness: Photo moments and excitement over school uniforms and bags lend themselves to practicing before school starts. Showing off for neighbours or grandparents in the uniform, wearing the school hat, and carrying your bag can help readiness. Fun games that build confidence in running, climbing, jumping, and throwing in various playgrounds support self-directed, active play.

Building expectations and excitement for the transition program at your school will boost your child’s confidence as they step into a new routine with teachers and classmates. It is common for a few tears or for them to be tired at the end of the day.

Encourage your child to turn pages when reading stories and to colour in, hold a pencil, use scissors, and play with small objects or crafts. These common activities will support their comfort and independence at big school.

Independence in toileting and dressing, and finding a hat or bag, should be practiced before school. Children don’t need to tie shoelaces perfectly or master handwriting. As they commence Kindergarten, they shift from a focus on “me” toward greater awareness of “we.”

Early identification of learning challenges allows support to be provided from the start. Play and social experiences help children develop empathy, resilience, and the ability to work in a group. Keep reading to your children, enjoy the moment, and share your love of reading with them.

Looking Ahead – Readiness for Starting High School

Just as beginning school is a big step, moving into high school is another major milestone that requires a different kind of readiness. The transition brings new academic expectations, a wider social network, and greater personal responsibility. Students who are emotionally and practically prepared adjust more smoothly. Year 6 students should always attend orientation days for Year 7.

Key Areas for High School Readiness:

Organisation and Independence. Help your child manage a timetable and pack their bag the night before. Encourage responsibility for belongings and direct communication with teachers when they need help.

Emotional and Social Skills. High school brings new friendships, different teachers, and more independence. Encourage conversations about change, peer pressure, and resilience. Remind them that nerves are normal and confidence develops as they settle in and make new friends.

Learning Habits. Good study routines, curiosity, and persistence matter as much as grades. Support your child to set goals, manage time, and maintain balance between school, friends, and rest. Communicate early with Year Coordinators or teachers if needed.

Uniform Preparation. Visit the uniform shop 1–2 weeks before school starts to help them adjust to any changes and feel confident about having the correct uniform.

Visit the high school together before the first day, attend orientation events, and connect with other families to build your child’s confidence.

As you look ahead to your child’s next steps—starting school or preparing for high school—it’s a good time to plan for enrollment. We are enrolling for Kindergarten and Year 11 for 2027 and future years, with enrolments open year-round. We warmly invite new families to join our BDC community, where we prioritise students’ wellbeing and intellectual, spiritual, physical, emotional, and social development. If you are considering Bishop Druitt College, we encourage you to get in touch early to secure a place.

Helping your child prepare for school—whether it’s their first day in Kindergarten or first year of high school—is about nurturing their curiosity, independence, and confidence to learn and connect with others. When children arrive ready to listen, share, explore, and try again after mistakes, they are “school ready.” By building these foundations, you’re giving your child the best possible start in their adventure.

Simon Doyle
Principal

Sources:
The Royal Children’s Hospital https://ww2.rch.org.au/emplibrary/ccch/CPR_Vol14No3_PS_SchlRead.pdf
ABC - Pathways to a Positive Tranisiton https://www.abc.net.au/abckids/early-education/reflective-journal/pathways-to-a-positive-transition-to-school/12679484