MARY MacKillop Catholic Regional College in Leongatha have been running Open Mornings and Meet the Principal programs, for a couple of years now leading up to their application and enrolment process.
The open mornings are part of a transitional program to help families and potential students gain an understanding of the schools culture, amenities and opportunities.
It also gives the schools leadership team the opportunity to meet with families and get to know the new students.
“It’s really encouraging for us to know that our that people are considering us as a place for their children to learn and grow,” said Principal John Freeman.
Of the scheduled session, about twenty families come through each time and being a regional college, Mr Freman sees families come from as far away as Phillip Island, Foster and Mirboo North, and these smaller groups have benefits.
“It just means they (students) are going to have a better experience at some of the things they might be interested in seeing, whether it be the sport programs, or they all love to go to a food tech room and cook something, maybe they’ll get to the technology areas or an art area, just to have a taster.”
Mr Freeman said they aim to provide parents with the knowledge that their children will be in a safe environment, successful in their learning and relationships and cared for through opportunities and amenities.
After applications are made, interviews are held by the school primarily to gain an understanding of the students needs.
“We want to know what the kids good at. What they’re perhaps enjoying, playing or doing as a hobby, or a sport. We also want to know if there’s anything we need to support them, whether it be from a diagnosed cognitive or physical concern or other things,” explained the principal.
Following this and as part of the transition program a day is held in December in which students are allocated into their home room groups.
They go to the school to meet their class mates and teachers and gain a sense of what their first day and year of secondary school will involve.
The next available Open Morning session will be held on Thursday March 21 and appointments can be accommodated by the school at other times.