At Mentone Park Primary School, we understand that starting school is a significant milestone for children and their families. Our Kinder to Foundation Transition Program is designed to make the journey into primary school a positive, exciting and smooth experience. As a small school with a strong community spirit, we pride ourselves on building close connections with our students and their families from the very beginning. 

Our transition program offers more than just a glimpse into school life—it provides a meaningful opportunity for children to become familiar with our school environment, supportive staff, and engaging learning experiences. By the time our new Foundation students begin on their first day, they’ll already feel a sense of belonging at Mentone Park Primary School. 

Our program begins in Term 4 and runs over several structured sessions, concluding in December. The sessions are designed to introduce children to key aspects of school life at Mentone Park Primary School in a fun and developmentally appropriate way. Each session focuses on different areas of learning, including: 

• Literacy – Building early reading and oral skills with a strong focus on phonics and language development 

• Art – Creative exploration and expression 

• Auslan – Introduction to Australian Sign Language and inclusive communication 

• Physical Education – Movement, coordination and teamwork 

• STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) – Exploring curiosity, problem solving and creativity  

We also understand that the transition to school is just as important for parents. That’s why we offer parent information sessions, where families can learn more about our curriculum, evidence-based teaching practices, and wellbeing supports. These sessions provide an opportunity to ask questions, meet key staff members, and feel assured that Mentone Park is a place where your child will be nurtured, challenged, and celebrated. 

Our program concludes with a “Meet the Teacher” session, where children meet their future Foundation teacher(s) and new classmates.  

We’re proud of our strong wellbeing focus and our commitment to high-quality, evidence-based learning. Our transition program reflects these values, ensuring every child feels safe, capable, and excited about starting school.