In-school Orientation Day

At Woodbury Boston, we’re all celebrating changes and transitions. And for our students, one of the most exciting transitions occurs when they move into a new class. In December each year, we hold In-school Orientation Day — a school-wide celebration of what’s to come.

 
 

Movin’ on up

Our school is organised into four classes. Each year, the students choose a name for their class early in Term One. In addition to being a bonding exercise, this tradition means that each group is referred to by name (as opposed to by number) for the duration of the year.

It’s a fun, inclusive way to work out who’s who in the zoo — here’s a breakdown of our 2021 class names.

  • Kindy-Pre-Primary: Lizards and Geckos

  • Year 1-2: Southern Right Whales

  • Year 3-4: Little Penguins

  • Year 5-6: Koala

As the older group in each classroom prepares to move on, Orientation Day gives everyone a chance to see what life will be like on Day One of the upcoming school year. 

A new perspective

This process is helpful for all students. That’s because the new year represents a change for every student in the class — not just the group that is moving on.

Let’s take the Southern Right Whales, for example. 

On Orientation Day, the Year Twos spend the day in the Year Three-Four class. It gives them a chance to get to know their new classmates and their teacher, of course.

But while this year’s Year Twos get a glimpse of what life will be like in Year Three, the Pre-Primaries move into Year One and this year’s Ones become Year Twos! It’s amazing to watch the 2021 Year Ones show the 2022 Year Ones the ropes. 

It’s also a great chance to prepare the children for the routines, privileges, and responsibilities that go along with being in a higher grade.

 
 

Leaders in the making

The Koalas have spent a lot of time learning about leadership and role-modelling in 2021. It’s part of our long-held Peer Support program, which prepares Year Five students to become School Carers when they’re in Year Six.

As such, Orientation Day represents an important opportunity for the Year Fives. When it comes to the School Carer role, the day gives them a chance to make the mental shift from learning to doing. From being not-quite-the-oldest to the oldest — with all of the rights and responsibilities that accompany their new role.

What I learnt in Kindy

You might be wondering: what happens to the Year Sixes on Orientation Day? Of course, they’ve already undergone preparation and orientation at their respective high schools ahead of 2022. For them, Orientation Day is a chance to look back.

Our graduating students spend the day in Kindy — reliving their entry into school. Memories of camps, teachers, friends, and favourite learning areas come flooding back for the departing students on this day. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate all they’ve accomplished during primary school.

Welcoming new students

Each year, we welcome new students to all year groups. For those joining us in 2022, Orientation Day can ease some of the nervous excitement that goes along with changing schools. New students have a chance to get to know other students, locate their classroom, and meet their new teacher — well before Day One.

Speaking of which, we do have a small number of spaces available for 2022. If you are looking to change schools, don’t hesitate to book a tour! We’d love to show you around our beautiful school.

If you’d like to organise a walk through please don’t hesitate to email the office: admin@woodburyboston.wa.edu.au

 

Recommended Reading

Woodbury Boston Primary School is a progressive independent school nestled in the bush between Denmark and Albany WA. We know that children learn best when they’re happy and having fun. With a strong focus on community, respect, independence and nature-based teaching, our students learn the Western Australian Curriculum and so much more. For more information or to book a personal tour, please ring 9845 1185.

Community, Philosophy & PracticeMartha Barnard-Rae