Welcome to Little Hounds: New transition class, playgroup launched

In a move to support our youngest learners, Blackfriars has launched Little Hounds – a dedicated program designed to enhance the transition from Early Learning to Reception.

From Term 3, boys who are students at the Early Learning Centre and moving into Reception at Blackfriars will attend Little Hounds one morning each week.

The sessions aim to build confidence, familiarity and a sense of belonging ahead of starting school.

Led by Coordinator of Early Learning Jacqueline Ballestrin and highly experienced ELC Education Support Officer Leigh Berry, Little Hounds will run alongside regular Reception transition visits.

Little Hounds will help boys make the move from Early Learning to Reception.

“Little Hounds is more than a transition class; it’s our way of nurturing that Reception readiness through gentle and consistent exposure to the school setting, routines and expectations,” Ms Ballestrin said.

“We believe in setting strong foundations and Little Hounds will help our ELC boys feel secure and confident as they take that next big step in their Blackfriars journey.”

Following each Little Hounds session – held in the Primary Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) Room – the boys will return to the ELC to continue their regular preschool program for the remainder of the day.

This structure will ensure continuity in their learning while giving them a meaningful introduction to the broader school context.

Boys in the Early Learning Centre, who will be starting Reception at Blackfriars, can attend Little Hounds.

Playgroup comes to Blackfriars

Meanwhile, Blackfriars is gearing up to launch its inaugural Playgroup.

“The introduction of Little Hounds and Playgroup will allow for a birth to Year 12 Blackfriars experience – and that’s a really exciting prospect,” Ms Ballestrin said.

She said students often felt more secure and supported in familiar surroundings.

“Major transitions are easier when they occur within the same school culture and environment,” she said.

“So, by providing Playgroup, ELC and Little Hounds, the boys will have been part of Blackfriars for many years before they start Reception. They will know the grounds, the staff, the routines and will have friends travelling the same path as them.”

Playgroup will be held on Friday mornings, 9am-10.30am, in the school’s OSHC Room. It is open to families of boys and girls, from birth to age 4. Contact Ms Ballestrin or see the Playgroup SA website for more information.

Little Hounds

Dominic de Guzman, the founder of the Dominican order, was born in Caleruega, Spain, in 1170. His mother, Blessed Joan of Aza, the patron of Blackfriars’ Early Learning Centre, was a holy woman in her own right.

According to legend, Joan, while pregnant with Dominic, dreamed of a dog leaping from her womb with a torch in its mouth, setting the world on fire with truth.

From this tale, Blackfriars takes its mascot of the Hound, with our students, particularly in a sporting context, often referred to as “the Hounds”. Dominic was named for a play on the Latin Domini canis, meaning the Lord’s dog.