Transition to High School Program

This 10-week program runs from September 17th 2025 to November 19th 2025.

4:15pm - 6:15pm

Hessel Group Welland Clinic

Emotional Regulation and Expression:

Help children identify and express their feelings about the transition to high school, and develop strategies for managing anxiety or stress related to the change.

Self-Worth and Resilience:

Strengthen children’s sense of self-worth and resilience, enabling them to handle challenges such as bullying or social pressure with confidence.

Social Skills Development:

Improve social interaction skills, including making new friends, navigating social media safely, and understanding the nuances of social communication in a larger school setting.

Familiarity with the New Environment:

Explore aspects of the classroom, school layout, and daily routines to increase children's comfort with the high school environment.

Independence and Self-Advocacy:

Promote independence in tasks like getting to and from school, organising schoolwork, and advocating for their needs in the school setting.

Academic Preparedness:

Equip children with strategies to adapt to the academic demands of high school, including time management, organisation, and study skills.

Safety Awareness:

Enhance awareness of personal safety, both physically in new settings and online, ensuring children feel secure in their new environment.

Claire Gates

Clinical Lead and Developmental Educator

Claire secured her degree in Developmental Education with Honours in 2018. Her journey within the disability sector is marked by diversity and progression. Her roles have ranged from Support Working and Team Leading to Support Coordination and Developmental Education. Each position has given her a wealth of experience and an in-depth understanding of the sector.

Davor Delic

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Davor is dedicated to a coordinated approach in the provision of individual therapy for children and adults living with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other disabilities and providing not only the individual but also their carers and families with the care and support they deserve.

Tabitha McLean

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Tabitha is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of individuals facing challenges, and sees positive behaviour support as an effective framework for promoting independence, enhancing quality of life, and fostering inclusive communities. By implementing evidence-based strategies and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, Tabitha is dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve their full potential and thrive in diverse settings.

Stephen Faiello

Behaviour Support Practitioner & Counsellor

Stephen graduated with a Bachelor of Psychological Science (2015) and a Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy in 2019. Stephen is passionate about helping his clients be the best versions of themselves and overcome the barriers they face. Stephen prioritises building a strong rapport with his clients as a foundation for his services, and working together to achieve the client’s goals.

$1,616.58

During this session, we explore your child's emotions surrounding the upcoming transition to high school. Through activities and guided discussions, we help them identify and express any anxieties, excitement, or uncertainties they may have. The session also introduces coping strategies and positive thinking techniques, empowering them to face this new chapter with confidence and resilience, while fostering a supportive environment where they feel heard and understood.

During this session, we focus on building your child’s resilience and self-esteem, helping them recognise their value and strengths. We’ll discuss what bullying looks like, how to respond to it effectively, and ways to seek help if needed. Through role-playing and interactive activities, children will learn to assert themselves confidently, develop a positive self-image, and understand the importance of self-respect and respect for others in all interactions.

During this session, we guide your child in navigating friendships and online interactions responsibly. We’ll cover essential topics like building and maintaining healthy friendships, understanding peer pressure, and recognising the impact of social media. Additionally, we’ll teach practical strategies for staying safe online, including privacy settings, identifying and avoiding cyberbullying, and the importance of digital boundaries, ensuring your child is equipped to interact both online and offline with confidence and care.

During this session, we prepare your child for the academic environment of high school by exploring different classroom dynamics and expectations. We’ll discuss classroom routines, understanding teacher expectations, and how to stay organised with assignments and materials. Through interactive activities, your child will also learn about effective study habits, participation, and managing workload, helping them feel more confident and prepared to succeed in their new learning environment.

During this session, we’ll help your child become familiar with their new high school by exploring maps of the school grounds and navigating the school’s website. We’ll identify key locations like classrooms, playgrounds, the gym, and bathrooms, and review important information such as times and schedules. This session aims to reduce anxiety by giving your child a virtual tour, helping them feel more comfortable and confident before their first day.

During this session, we’ll focus on practical strategies to help your child start each school day feeling prepared and calm. We’ll cover sensory input techniques to help manage sensory sensitivities, organisation tips for keeping track of school supplies and assignments, and coping strategies for managing stress and anxiety. By building a morning routine that addresses their unique needs, your child will feel more confident and ready to face the day ahead.

In this session, we’ll help your child plan their daily commute by printing bus or tram timetables and mapping out routes, including any walking routes. We’ll also address any worries they may have, such as getting lost or missing the bus, by discussing solutions and creating backup plans. This session aims to build your child's confidence in navigating their way to school independently and safely.

During this session, we’ll explore key school and classroom rules to help your child understand and adapt to high school expectations. We’ll discuss general school rules like wearing the required uniform, anti-bullying policies, and smartphone use. In the classroom context, we’ll cover rules such as raising your hand to speak, practising good listening skills, and self-regulation techniques. This session ensures your child is aware of the behaviours that contribute to a positive and respectful learning environment.

During this session, we’ll empower your child with essential at-home and at-school skills. At home, we’ll practise tasks like making the bed, preparing school clothes, packing a school bag, and packing a lunch box. At school, we’ll focus on skills like appropriately communicating the need for support and reading a clock or schedule to stay on track. We’ll also explore various scenarios to enhance problem-solving abilities, ensuring your child is equipped to handle different situations confidently and independently.

During this final session, we’ll review the key concepts and skills covered throughout the program. This final session reinforces what your child has learned, ensuring they feel confident and prepared for their transition to high school. We’ll revisit topics like managing emotions, social skills, school routines, and independence, addressing any remaining questions or concerns. This comprehensive review solidifies their readiness, leaving them empowered and excited for the next chapter of their educational journey.