Prep 2027 Transition Program
Transition sessions for children starting Prep at St Mary's College in 2027: Tuesday 1 September, Tuesday 13 October and Tuesday 24 November 2026 (9:15am – 10:30am), the parent information session, and the Prep 2027 Orientation Morning on Tuesday 8 December 2026.
Starting school is a big step for children and for parents. Our Prep Transition Program gives 2027 Preps three chances to spend a morning in a real Prep classroom with their future teachers, so that by the first day of school – Friday 29 January 2027 – the room, the routines and the faces are already familiar. The program is for children with a confirmed Prep 2027 place; families still enrolling should visit Prep 2027 Enrolment.
Transition sessions 2026
| Session | Date | Time | Children's program | Parents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 – "Hello Prep" | Tuesday 1 September 2026 | 9:15am – 10:30am | Story, name games, a craft activity and a play in the Prep yard | Parent Information Session in the Library, 9:30am – 10:15am |
| Session 2 – "A Prep Morning" | Tuesday 13 October 2026 | 9:15am – 10:30am | Phonics game, a numeracy activity, snack time practice and Library visit | Optional morning tea with current Prep parents and the P&F, Hall foyer |
| Session 3 – "Ready for Prep" | Tuesday 24 November 2026 | 9:15am – 10:30am | Full mini-lesson, PE session in the Sports Centre, meet Year 4 students who will be their 2027 buddies | Uniform Shop open for fittings 9:00am – 11:00am; Q&A with Ms Lawson 9:45am |
| Orientation Morning | Tuesday 8 December 2026 | 9:15am – 11:00am | Children meet in their 2027 class group with their 2027 teacher | Class lists issued; parents collect the Prep Starter Pack |
Arriving and leaving
Please arrive at the Junior gate on Chapel Road at 9:05am and follow the signs to the Prep Wing. The Kiss-and-Drop zone is closed at that time so you can park in the Chapel Road parking bays or the visitor spaces off Old Mill Road – see College Map and Parking. Children wear comfortable play clothes and bring a small snack and a drink bottle. Parents sign children in and out at the Prep Wing door. Toddlers are welcome at the parent sessions.
Parent Information Session – Tuesday 1 September, 9:30am
While your child is in the classroom, Ms Priya Natarajan (Head of Junior School) and Ms Bec Lawson (Prep Coordinator) will cover:
- what a day in Prep looks like, including rest time and readers
- the Prep timetable for February (no school on Wednesdays in February for assessment interviews)
- uniform, hats and the Uniform Shop
- the 2027 booklist and what to bring – see What to Bring and Stationery
- OSHC, the canteen and the Parent Portal
- how to help your child be ready: independence, toileting, listening and early literacy
Slides are posted on the Parent Portal afterwards for families who cannot attend.
What we ask of you before the sessions
- Complete the Prep 2027 Information Form sent by the Registrar, Mrs Kate O'Brien, by Friday 28 August 2026, including immunisation history statement, any allergies or medical conditions and kindergarten details. This lets us start liaising with your child's kinder about their Transition Learning and Development Statement.
- Tell us about anything that will help – separation anxiety, speech therapy, additional needs, a twin, a sibling already here. Mr Sam Devlin, Learning Diversity Leader, meets individually with families of children with additional needs during Term 4; email him via the Junior Office to arrange a time.
How classes are formed
Prep classes are formed in November using information from kinders, the transition sessions and parent forms. We aim for a balance of gender, birth month, kinder groups and needs, and every child is placed with at least one friend from their kinder where possible. Class lists are given out on Tuesday 8 December; we do not accept requests for a particular teacher.
Uniform and booklists
The 2027 Prep booklist is issued at Session 2 (Tuesday 13 October) and ordered online by Friday 11 December 2026 for home delivery in January. Uniform fittings for new Preps run on Tuesday 24 November 2026 and on the first Saturday of December (Saturday 5 December, 9:00am – 12:00pm). Preps wear summer uniform and the compulsory navy hat in Term 1.
Key dates for Prep 2027
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Tuesday 1 September 2026 | Transition Session 1 and Parent Information Session |
| Tuesday 13 October 2026 | Transition Session 2 |
| Tuesday 24 November 2026 | Transition Session 3 |
| Tuesday 8 December 2026 | Orientation Morning, 9:15am – class lists and teacher |
| Wednesday 27 January 2027 | Term 1 begins for Years 1–12 |
| Friday 29 January 2027 | First day of Prep, 8:45am – 3:20pm |
| Wednesdays in February 2027 | Preps at home – assessment interviews (booked via Portal) |
Questions
Ms Bec Lawson is happy to answer questions by email, or you can phone the Junior Office on (03) 9555 0100. For enrolment paperwork, fees or places, contact the Registrar, Mrs Kate O'Brien, on (03) 9555 0120 or enrol@stmaryswc.vic.edu.au.