How to transition from primary to high school - Seminar to aid parents, teachers and students
Published:Thursday | June 21, 2018 | 12:00 AMJodi-Ann Gilpin/Gleaner Writer
As the excitement surrounding Grade Six Achievement Test results simmers, transitioning parents and students are now busying themselves for the new school term in September.
Along with new uniforms, books, bags, and, of course, a new school environment and unfamiliar classmates come feelings of anxiety, apprehension and nervousness.
Recognising these issues, Maverick Communications Limited is hosting its second parenting seminar, with this staging geared towards holistic preparation for transition.
Themed 'Ready-up Children, Parents and Teachers: Transitioning from Primary to High School', the seminar seeks to alleviate fears and negative emotions associated with moving from primary to secondary school.
"The transition from primary/preparatory school to secondary school usually stirs up a number of emotions ranging from expectancy and excitement to fear and distress for both students and parents," noted Melody Cammock-Gayle, chief executive officer at Maverick Communications.
Beneficial tool
"Having gone through it with my own child, I know the process all too well. Therefore, I believe a session equipping each group - parents, children and teachers - with the tools to help children make a successful transition will be beneficial."
Having staged a successful parenting workshop last October, the integrated marketing communication firm again hopes to improve children's psychosocial strength and parents' skills to support their children.
The session also aims to reinforce teachers' ability to support vulnerable students and assist them through the transition.
Appreciating that the shift from primary to secondary school also has the potential to negatively affect a child's academic performance and social interactions, resulting in increased frustration, the session will focus on three main areas: understanding psychosocial developmental stages, strategies to support children at each stage of life, and transition practices.
Facilitators for the event include Dr Leahcim Semaj, transformation psychologist; Kaysia Kerr, executive director, National Parenting Support Commission; and Dr Patrece Charles, counselling psychologist.