Navigating Change with Confidence: Supporting Every Student's Transition Journey 

For a school like WAB, transitions are a regular part of life. We serve a globally mobile community, and each year, many of our students and families are either joining WAB from overseas or preparing for relocations around the world.  

Whether students are moving up to a new school section at WAB or continuing their education in a new country, we understand that change can bring both excitement and uncertainty. That’s why our transition programs are designed to help students and families feel supported, informed, and connected, so they can move forward with confidence.   

Whole-School Transition Support

WAB counselors provide whole school parent-as-learners (PALs) sessions to help families experience transitions, whether joining a new school section or a new school. These workshops provided strategies to manage the social-emotional and logistical challenges of change, reinforcing WAB's commitment to holistic support. 

As Dr. Christin Topper, WAB’s Whole School Psychologist and Head of Support Services, explains: “WAB’s Counseling Team prepares students and families for transitions as arrivers, stayers, or leavers by proactively planning and delivering a range of activities and strategies to support social-emotional needs as students move from one grade level to another. This is done with the whole grade-level cohort, but some students may also need small group or individual support to transition successfully”. 

Through both group programs and personalized care, the counseling team helps ensure every student feels seen, supported, and ready to take on the changes ahead. 

Supporting New Students, All Year Round 

Transitions don't just happen at the start or end of the school year. At WAB, we welcome new students and families throughout the year and work to ensure they feel supported from the moment they arrive. Our orientation process includes time to explore the campus, get to know key people, and learn the routines and systems that will help them feel at home.  

Each new student is paired with one or sometimes several buddies to help them navigate the first few weeks both socially and academically. Whether it’s understanding their timetable, learning how lunch works, or just finding a friendly face at break time, our community is ready to help. It’s all part of ensuring that every new beginning starts with connection, care, and confidence. 

This year, the EAL team introduced an additional layer of support for students joining WAB with limited or no English. As part of the onboarding process, these students receive a “New to WAB” keyring, featuring visual aids and keywords such as “My name is...”, “I feel...”, and “I need help.” These tools help multilingual learners navigate the campus more independently and communicate their needs with greater confidence, supporting their sense of agency and their well-being as they settle into a new environment. 

Elementary to Middle School - Welcoming Students into the Middle Years 

The shift from Grade 5 to 6 is an exciting and emotional time for many students and families. As students prepare to move into the Middle Years Programme (MYP), WAB provides a series of structured supports to ease the transition. In the spring, families are invited to a series of interactive sessions led by the Middle School team, focused on: 

• Learning in the MYP: Understanding how the Primary Years Programme (PYP) connects to the MYP and how inquiry, concept-driven learning, and disciplinary knowledge evolve. 

• Managing Devices: Introducing WAB’s 1:1 laptop program and supporting students to develop responsible technology use and self-management. 

• Language Learning Options: Exploring Chinese, Spanish, and French offerings, and the pathways available based on student interest and proficiency. 

• Math in the MYP: Unpacking math placement, course structures, and how students continue to build foundational skills. 

These sessions are designed to help families understand academic expectations, the structure of the Middle School program, and how they can best support their child through this important transition. 

To support relationship-building and connection, the Grade 5 assembly in May is led by the Grade 6 Level Leader and a panel of current Grade 6 students. Together, they introduce what life in Middle School is really like, from daily routines to favorite subjects, offering a student perspective on what to expect. Then, in June, Grade 5 students will visit a Grade 6 buddy class and join activities organized by their future peers, giving them a chance to experience Middle School life first-hand in a fun, welcoming way. 

“Middle School is where students really begin to see themselves as learners and leaders,” shared MS Principal Marina Frias-Gavidia. “And we’re here to celebrate every part of that growth.” 

Middle to High School - Celebrating Progress and Building Agency 

As students prepare to move from Middle to High School, WAB supports both academic readiness and personal development, and ensures that parents are part of the journey, too. The transition begins in February and continues through June, offering a balance of information, connection, and celebration for students and their families. 

• Parent Information Session: Held early in the process, this session introduces the High School structure, curriculum pathways, and expectations. Parents hear directly from school leaders, counselors, and coordinators about what’s ahead and how they can best support their child. 

• Course Selection Workshops: Students receive guidance as they choose from MYP subjects in areas such as arts, design, and languages. Counselors are available to both students and parents for conversations about academic options and long-term planning. 

• Mentor Matching Surveys: Each Grade 8 student is matched with a High School mentor based on interests and needs. This trusted adult becomes a key point of support as students settle into Grade 9. 

• Student Panels & Campus Visits: Grade 8 students visit the High School and connect with current Grade 9s to ask questions, hear about daily life, and explore the spaces they’ll soon call their own. 

• Personal Project Preparation: As part of the MYP framework, students begin laying the groundwork for their Personal Project—a long-term, passion-driven inquiry that builds skills in research, time management, and reflection. 

• Grade 8 Celebration & Bridge Crossing: An annual tradition where students cross Duck Lake’s bridge into the High School community, cheered on by faculty, family, and peers. It’s a moment that honors their growth and marks the start of a new chapter. 

Throughout the transition, families are encouraged to stay engaged, ask questions, and attend events designed to make the process clear and welcoming. 

"As students transition from Middle School to High school, we are committed to empowering them to take ownership of their learning within a dynamic and digitally connected environment. This includes fostering critical thinking, time management, and self-advocacy skills essential for growth in High School and beyond," said High School Principal Jaime Pustis. "Our goal is to equip each human with the mindset and skills needed to thrive both academically and personally as they navigate the increased independence and opportunities High School offers." 

A Personalized, Human-Centered Approach 

These are just a few highlights of WAB's broader transition program. From Early Years children moving into Elementary School, to students progressing through grade levels, stepping into the Diploma Programme in Grade 11, or preparing for life beyond WAB in Grade 12, transitions are prepared for and supported at every stage. 

At every point, WAB's transition programming reflects our commitment to holistic learning. We balance academic preparation with emotional support, digital readiness with personal connection, and structure with student agency. Our goal is to empower students to thrive, wherever their next step may lead. 

Because transitions aren't endings, they're opportunities to grow, connect, and make a difference.