Starting school is a major milestone for every child and every family. At Xavier College, the transition into Prep is carefully designed to help each boy feel known, safe, confident and ready to thrive from the very beginning.
The journey begins well before the first day of school. In the year prior to commencing Prep, students take part in four dedicated transition days, giving them the opportunity to meet their teacher, explore their classroom, become familiar with the play spaces and begin building friendships with their future classmates. This gradual and supportive approach helps ease any uncertainty and allows the boys to develop a sense of belonging before the school year begins.
Families are also supported through a dedicated parent information evening in the year before Prep. This session provides an overview of what life in Prep looks like, the supports available during the transition period, what families can expect in the early weeks of school and practical ways parents can help their child prepare at home.
Parents are further welcomed into the Xavier community through the Prep Cocktail Night, held at the Senior Campus. This event gives families an early insight into the broader Xavier journey, helping them understand the connection between campuses and the opportunities that await their sons in the years ahead. It also provides an important opportunity for parents to meet one another, build friendships and feel part of the wider College community.
Catherine Newman, Head of Prep to Year 2 at Xavier College, said the College’s approach is centred on relationships, routine and care.
“Our priority is to ensure every boy feels known, safe and valued from the moment he begins his journey at Xavier,” Ms Newman said. “Starting school is a big step, so we take the time to build strong relationships, create clear routines and work closely with families. When children feel secure and connected, they are much more ready to learn, play, explore and grow.”
Once the boys begin Prep, Xavier College provides an orientation week to help them settle into the rhythm of school life. During the first four weeks, Prep students also have Wednesdays at home, allowing time to rest and recharge. These days also give class teachers valuable opportunities to get to know each student socially, while completing early literacy and numeracy assessments to better understand each boy’s learning needs.
The early weeks of Prep place a strong emphasis on establishing routines, expectations and relationships. Boys are gently introduced to the structure of the school day, helping them feel secure and confident in their new environment. The classroom experience is nurturing and developmentally appropriate, with opportunities for play helping ease the transition into schooling life.
Wellbeing and pastoral care are central to the Prep experience. Through personal formation sessions, students begin developing emotional literacy, learning how to understand their feelings, build friendships and navigate new social situations. In Term 1, through their Aspire unit, the boys also explore what it means to be a Xaverian. This introduces them to the College’s Jesuit history, House teams and wider traditions, helping them deepen their understanding of life at Xavier from the very beginning.
Buddy programs with Year 5 students also help foster belonging and connection, giving the Prep boys older role models who support them as they settle into school life.
Prep students also attend Prep to Year 2 assemblies, helping them build connections with peers across year levels within their Junior School environment. These regular opportunities strengthen their sense of community and help them feel part of something larger.
Partnership with families remains an important part of the transition process. Regular communication, opportunities to connect and structured progress discussions ensure parents are informed and involved throughout the year. Formal student progress discussions are held in Terms 1 and 3, with written reports provided in Terms 2 and 4.
At Xavier College, the transition into Prep is not a single event. It is a carefully planned journey that supports each boy socially, emotionally and academically. Through strong relationships, clear routines, close family partnerships and a nurturing learning environment, Xavier helps every Prep student take their first steps into school life with confidence.
Reach out to our Admissions team to hear more about Prep at Xavier College here.
