I’m not sure if you are on ‘the countdown’ in your home yet, but I can share with you that there are just 17 more days of school left in 2024. With each year comes new challenges, new opportunities and of course, the excitement of moving up to a new year level. For students, the transition from one year level to the next is a big step and it’s important that we as educators create an environment that supports them through this process. That’s why we’ve introduced a special initiative at our school – Step Up Day.

What is Step Up Day?

Step Up Day promises to be an incredibly valuable experience where students spend one lesson with the year level teachers that they will have for the following year. It’s an opportunity for them to ‘step up’ into their new classroom environment and begin to form a connection with their new teacher. This day is designed to help ease any anxiety, answer questions and build excitement for
the year ahead.

Rather than waiting until the first day of the new school year to meet their new teacher, students have a chance to engage in a familiar but new environment. They’ll spend a small amount of time exploring the learning space, participating in introductory activities and learning about the expectations and exciting projects that lie ahead.

Why is Step Up Day Important?

1. Building Confidence Through Familiarity
For many students, the thought of moving to a new year level can be both thrilling and overwhelming. Step Up Day gives them a chance to familiarise themselves with the physical space and meet their new teacher in a non-threatening way. When students walk into their new classroom in the next school year, they will already have a sense of what to expect, which reduces anxiety and fosters confidence.

2. A Smooth Transition
Transitioning from one year level to the next can sometimes feel like a big leap. There may be new routines, more complex tasks and higher expectations. Step Up Day allows students to experience what will be expected of them in a new year level, helping them mentally prepare for the challenges ahead. It also gives them a chance to ask questions and clarify any uncertainties, which can alleviate unnecessary stress.

3. Building Positive Relationships
One of the most valuable aspects of Step Up Day is the opportunity for students to begin forming relationships with their new teacher and peers. This can make the transition to the new year feel less daunting. When students know their teacher’s expectations and have begun to engage in activities together, they start the year feeling more comfortable and ready to learn.

4. Creating a Positive School Culture
At Living Faith, we believe in fostering a supportive, welcoming environment where students feel valued and connected. Step Up Day is one more way we build that sense of community. It’s a day when students of all year levels can come together, share their experiences and look forward to the future. For our younger students, it also offers a glimpse of what they will experience in the year ahead, inspiring them to aim high and take pride in their academic and personal growth.

5. Encouraging Reflection and Growth
Step Up Day also provides an opportunity for students to reflect on the progress they’ve made over the past year. They can think about what they’ve learned, what they’ve enjoyed and what they are excited to explore next year. By setting goals and sharing their hopes for the next year, students begin to take ownership of their learning journey and start to develop a growth mindset.

The Role of Parents and Caregivers

As we all know, transitions can be just as challenging for families as they are for students. Parents play a crucial role in supporting their child through these changes, and we encourage families to engage in conversations about our upcoming Step Up Day which is being held on Friday, 29 November. Parents can talk to their child about the excitement of the new year, listen to any concerns and reinforce the positive aspects of moving up a year level. By working together, we can ensure that the transition is as smooth and positive as possible.

Looking Ahead

We are excited to introduce this new initiative and we hope that Step Up Day becomes a key part of our school’s culture, helping to build stronger, more confident learners. It’s a day that allows us to celebrate growth, encourage resilience and instil a sense of excitement about the future.

New Teachers to Living Faith in 2025

Step Up Day is also a special day for teachers who will be new to Living Faith next year. All of the new teachers who will be coming to work at Living Faith next year have been invited to come along to participate in Step Up Day and we are hopeful that most will be able to attend.

Significant planning has been undertaken to ensure that Step Up Day runs smoothly for our students and the staff are very confident that Step Up Day will greatly help to ensure our students transition strongly into their 2025 learning at Living Faith.

Peace
Andrew Kelly
Principal