Changing Schools

Transferring from one school to another is a big step for most children. They are leaving behind the security of the familiar surroundings of their current school and entering a whole new environment.

When a student transfers from one government school to another within Victoria, the outgoing school provides the principal of the new school with a transfer note. The note includes information about the student – their name, address, emergency contact details, any medical conditions and their academic records.

Regardless of whether your child is changing schools within Victoria, from another Australian state or from overseas, it is useful for the new school to see school reports and examples of your child’s work from their previous school. This will assist the new school to do all they can to make the transition as smooth as possible for your child.

How you can help

As a parent, you can help your child’s transition into a new school by:

• involving your child as much as possible when you are choosing the new school
• asking them how they feel about the new school
• showing them around the school before their first day
• meeting their new teacher/s
• preparing them for school by talking about their first day
• keeping in contact with important friends from their previous school
• talking to them about the new school they will be attending
• finding opportunities to meet parents and children from the new school.

If your child is starting Prep or Year 7 in a Victorian government school, your current school may also provide you with a Transition Learning and Development Statement to give to the new school, especially if you are already living in Victoria. This will inform the teachers of your child’s learning strengths and needs so they can develop a program that is suitable for them.

For more information, see: Preparing for School