Buddy System

At Otonga School,  we have a transition programme that we offer to 4 year old children prior to entry who enrol with us. We want to provide links to bridge the gap from pre-school to school life.

This is to not only help make the transition to school easier for the younger child, but to also develop leadership and citizenship qualities for the older student.

The older buddy will participate following a contract that will involve:

• Meeting the younger child during one Ready Set Go session on a Wednesday afternoon.
• Welcoming the New Entrant on his first day at school.
• Mentoring the buddy if needed while at school, in the playground or participating in combined house or school events.

With Jackson Park Kindergarten next door to the school, we have built up a close liaison using the buddy system with them also.

These older children will participate following a contract that will involve:

• Meeting the Jackson Park kindergarten teachers with an Otonga teacher for a single orientation visit (Wednesday) to outline the expectations of their contract.
• Visiting the buddy at Jackson Park Kindy with Mrs Donlon for an afternoon
• Meeting the younger child during one Ready Set Go session on a Wednesday afternoon.
• Welcoming the New Entrant on his first day at school.
• Mentoring the buddy if needed while at school, in the playground or participating in combined house or school events.

It is hoped that the association established between the two buddies in the month prior to school, will continue and grow.