Since 2005, Barbara Pearson has been implementing the Seasons for Growth program in primary and secondary schools in a variety of roles, including Support Teacher Behaviour, Emotional and Behavioural Disorders Teacher, and more recently, Out of Home Care Teacher. Over that time, she has worked in hundreds of schools and seen a lot of children experience the transition from Year 6 in Primary School to Year 7 in High School.
Each time she has implemented the Seasons for Growth program, she has co-facilitated the delivery, usually with a staff member from the school (for example, a Classroom Teacher, School Learning Support Officer or School Counsellor). Barbara believes that it is helpful for the student to have an adult they know be present for the duration of the program; someone they feel safe with, so if sad or uncomfortable memories arise, the student can debrief with a trusted adult who is already known to them. This person needs to be compassionate and willing to support the student if and when necessary.
With over 20 years of experience running Seasons for Growth, and longer as an educator, Barbara has witnessed firsthand the feelings and concerns that can arise for students during this time. These include:
- not knowing if their friends will still be with them
- not understanding the different structure of high school
- suddenly having lots of different teachers and teachers' expectations
- finding different rooms for lessons
- suddenly having ‘heaps’ of homework
- leaving their old environment/ setting that is known to them
- losing relationships with trusted adults (teachers they know)
- younger friends being left behind.
In Barbara’s experience, running the Seasons for Growth program for children transitioning from primary to secondary school was a highly valuable process. It provided a space to discuss issues and concerns, and by the end of the program, students could achieve this in a calmer manner than previously. In Barbara’s words:
“They were more able to accept the changes they were predicting and maintained that they would 'find' the other program participants if they felt they needed additional support. They appeared to understand that changes always happened in everyone's lives and that these changes don't last forever. They also spoke of seeking adult support if necessary.”
In 2025, Barbara continues to utilise the Seasons for Growth program to support children and young people experiencing change, loss and grief and has an incredible depth of knowledge and understanding in the field. We are extremely lucky to have people like Barbara as one of our Companions, as she continues to provide pathways for children and young people to navigate, supported by their empowerment.