Launch of School Transition in Gannawarra guide

Published on 24 May 2021

Gannawarra Shire Council continues to assist families with children due to transition to Prep or Year Seven studies, with the 2021 edition of the School Transition in Gannawarra guide launched earlier today.

The annual publication of the guide is a partnership between Council, local schools and organisations offering family services to the Gannawarra community.

Mayor Charlie Gillingham joined Gannawarra Shire Children’s Centre kindergarten educators and children to launch of the fifth edition of the guide, with celebrations also marking the start of Education Week within the Gannawarra.

“The guide is aimed at highlighting the choice in services available to the Gannawarra community and providing information to assist families to make decisions that support educational outcomes and personal growth and development of their children,” Mayor Gillingham said.

“The theme for Education Week 2021 is Building Connections and the launch of the guide showcases the partnership approach we have at Gannawarra to ensure that every child enjoys a great start to life!”

In addition to featuring information about local schools and children and family services, the guide also provides advice on how to support children to develop effective coping mechanisms, adapt to a new routine, and build strategies around resilience.

“As the current pandemic situation has shown, life can throw all sorts of issues at us. Schools, families and children have all had to adapt to significant change and ongoing uncertainty,” Mayor Gillingham said.

“Entering a new school can be stressful for a child, so it is important to encourage resilience by teaching children effective problem-solving skills, encouraging them to try new things and develop confidence to seek out support when needed.

“By working through an issue and coming up with different solutions, children, just like adults, develop confidence and independence. This helps us cope and get through hard times and makes us even stronger than we were before.”

All children at kindergartens or in Grade Six at primary schools across the Gannawarra will receive a copy of the School Transition in Gannawarra guide.

In addition, copies of the School Transition in Gannawarra guide are available from Council Service Centres, Gannawarra Library Service branches, or online at www.gsc.vic.gov.au

ABOVE: Library Programs Officer, Pia Frisby (left), Mayor Charlie Gillingham, Cr Travis Collier and Cr Jane Odgen joined Gannawarra Shire Children's Centre four-year-old kindergarten children for the launch of the School Transition in Gannawarra guide.