Prep 2027 Transition Program @ FWPS

Starting Prep is a big step for your child and for the whole family. Footscray West offers pre-school information sessions, local kindergarten visits, classroom activity programs, and social events so everyone can settle in and enjoy this exciting time.

What activities are offered in our transition program for Prep 2027 students?

Please note that the following events are for enrolled students only. These activities give students the opportunity to mix with their peers and familiarise themselves with the school environment between October and December.

All families will receive a personalised email with the details of the transition program for their child prior to the transition program commencing.

• Kindergarten visits by the transition coordinator (throughout Term 3 and 4 of 2026): Between enrolment confirmation and the transition sessions, our Transition Coordinator will visit the local kindergartens and early childhood settings to speak with the educators and to meet many of our enrolling students.
• Welcome visit (Monday 12^th October 2026): This 40 minute session takes place outside and gives students an opportunity to play with some of our sports equipment, blow some bubbles and sing some songs. The purpose of this visit is for the children to participate in an informal school experience alongside their parent or carer, which builds their familiarity with our school and staff in a way that feels safe and supported. Multiple sessions are held throughout the day  and more information will be provided closer to the event for enrolled families.
• Parent information session (Wednesday 21st October 2026, 6:00pm-8:00pm): This session is presented to parents and carers in the evening. It will outline important information to support every 2027 Prep student’s Transition to School. *Please note this is an adult only event.
• Playground and story experience (Thursday 22nd October 2026): This 40 minute event begins with a play on our playground and then moves inside to our Gallery space where children will listen to a story read by a teacher and sing some familiar songs. The purpose of this visit is for the children to participate in an informal school experience alongside their parent or carer, which builds their familiarity with our school and staff in a way that feels safe and supported. Multiple sessions are held throughout the day  and more information will be provided closer to the event for enrolled families.
• Classroom transition session #1 (Monday 26th of October 2026): This 45 minute session allows children the opportunity to be in a Prep classroom to play, meet a Prep teacher and listen to a story. This is an independent school experience with their peers and build their familiarity with the class environment and school staff. Parents will be sent allocated session times for their child to attend. Please note that students are randomly grouped for these sessions, but where possible we aim to provide familiar faces from the pre-school settings.
• Classroom transition session #2 (Tuesday 10th of November 2026): This 60 minute session allows children the opportunity to be in a Prep classroom to play, meet a Prep teacher, listen to a story and complete an activity. This is an independent school experience with their peers and build their familiarity with the class environment and school staff. Parents will be sent allocated session times for their child to attend. Please note that students are randomly grouped for these sessions, but where possible we aim to provide familiar faces from the pre-school settings.
• Classroom transition session #3 (Wednesday 25th November 2026): This 60 minute session allows children the opportunity to be in a Prep classroom to play, meet a Prep teacher, watch a short educational video and complete an activity. This is an independent school experience with their peers and build their familiarity with the class environment and school staff. Parents will be sent allocated session times for their child to attend. Please note that students are randomly grouped for these sessions, but where possible we aim to provide familiar faces from the pre-school settings.
• Email informing of 2027 Grade Placements (Friday 27th November 2026): Following the onsite transition sessions and prior to the play dates, an email will be sent to families with details of your child's teacher, grade placement for 2027 and Prep Play Date invitation.
• Prep play date (Monday 30th November OR Thursday 3rd December 2026, 3:40pm-4:30pm): Children and their families will be invited to ONE play date, where they will meet their 2027 Prep teacher and classmates. This is a great opportunity for children and parents to make connections.