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  • Flourishing students
28 Jan 2025

©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Eugene College, Burpengary (2024).

TWO Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) schools are at the forefront of providing students with a seamless transition to school, ensuring they feel prepared, supported, and engaged as they upgrade to the next exciting chapter of their educational journey.  

With thoughtful strategies in place, St Eugene College Burpengary and St Patrick’s College Gympie are making significant strides in tailoring their approach to meet the needs of students. 

St Eugene College Burpengary Principal Louise Olley said her staff was embracing the idea that “school readiness is a two-way street”. 

“We don’t believe that the student must be ready for school,” she said. 

“The school must also be ready for the student. 

"We engage our Prep and Year 7 students at the very start of their educational journey, to find out what their expectations are of school. 

“This allows us to tailor our approach to support their individual needs and ensure a smooth transition to Prep and secondary school. 

“We keep the conversation going throughout the year, which helps us make adjustments and ensures that we are always ready to support them as they grow.” 

By maintaining ongoing conversations and adjusting, St Eugene College supports student growth, much like St Patrick’s College, where a skill strengthening strategy in mathematics ensures every student, no matter their starting point, is supported throughout secondary school.  

St Patrick’s College Principal Mark Newton and his team are dedicated to helping Year 7 students tackle math misconceptions as they transition from primary to secondary school. 

“If a Year 7 student enters high school with gaps in their understanding of certain mathematical concepts, this can impact their ability to build on foundational knowledge,” he said.   

 “At St Patrick’s we’re using strategies to help bridge these gaps and make connections between concepts.  

“Adopting Tierney Kennedy’s Year 7 Catch-Up program, we’re focusing on hands-on activities and discussions that help students build a stronger understanding and improve their retention of key math concepts.  

“This holistic approach aims to not only correct misconceptions but also instil a positive mindset towards mathematics, making it easier for students to retain information and build upon it in subsequent years.  

“This isn’t just about academic success, it’s about ensuring every student feels confident, supported, and ready to take on the challenges ahead.”  

BCE Senior Manager Education Strategy Belinda Connolly said at BCE we believe that learning is a journey that never ends.  

“We ensure our students have the confidence to cherish every step and embrace every opportunity as they grow and thrive with us,” she said.  

“By focusing on individual needs and fostering a collaborative, student-centred approach, BCE schools are setting students up for success, not just in their education, but in life. 

“We are committed to supporting every transition, from Prep to Year 7, ensuring students are fully prepared for the journey ahead. 

“We’re here to support every step of the way.” 

For more information about St Eugene College Burpengary or to enrol click here. 

For more information about St Patrick’s College Gympie or to enrol click here. 

 

 

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