This 14-week program is aimed at assisting current kindergarten children, who are enrolled as new Reception students the following year, to transition successfully into school life at St Mark’s College.
A smooth transition into school is critical for the well-being and positive learning outcomes for all students. St Mark’s places great importance on implementing a supportive and informative transition process for both students and families new to our community.
The optional 14 week program will be held for 3 hours every Friday (morning or afternoon sessions, depending on interest) in both Semester 1 and 2. Children who are unable to participate in Little Lions will be invited to attend transition visits during Term 2 and 4.
Under the guidance of a qualified teacher, children will benefit from involvement in a range of learning activities including:
To enrol your child into Reception at St Mark’s College, click here. On acceptance of your enrolment, you will be given the opportunity to enrol into the Little Lions transition program. Download Little Lions information booklet below.
At St Mark’s College, we want to give our students the best start to school. That’s why we have committed to small class sizes in Reception.
At the College, we have seen that students are more confident in a smaller group and are more willing to share and participate in class. In 2020, our Reception classes started with 14 students. Classes will introduce 3-4 new student’s mid-year,
There are a range of benefits that come with starting school in a smaller class:
If you are curious to find out more, contact the College to book a tour and see our small class sizes in action!
The Buddy Program at St Mark’s provides our Little Lions and Reception students with a new friend, a mentor and a familiar face in the playground.
At the beginning of the year, our Little Lions and Reception students are paired with a Year 6 Buddy. During the first year of school, ‘Buddies’ will spend time together - reading, working and playing. It is a program that students, both junior and senior, look forward to and remember fondly as they grow.
The Buddy Program helps students entering their first year of primary school to feel safe, valued and connected to the school community. The program builds strong relationships and research shows children benefit immensely - with younger students feeling safe and cared for, and older students feeling valued and respected.
A school holiday play session for 0-5 year olds. Children and caregivers welcome.
Join us for two hours of free play, songs and stories!
Held in our Magdalen and Fatima Centres, pre-school children and their caregivers will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of fun activities, before coming together to share some fruit, and a story and song under the guidance of our College teachers.
Mini Mark’s is held on the second Thursday’s of the school holidays. Entry is just a gold coin donation. Come along and join in the fun.