Our Year 7 Transition Program provides a supportive, step-by-step process designed to make students feel connected, confident, and prepared as they embark on their high school journey. Transition at St Helena begins long before the first day of Year 7, ensuring students and families are familiar with our school environment, routines, and opportunities.
Grade 5 Taster Days
We begin building connections as early as Grade 5 through our Taster Days, where primary students visit St Helena and experience life at a secondary college. They participate in a variety of engaging activities, meet teachers, and explore key areas of the school, easing the nerves that often come with transitioning to high school.
Connections Program
In Term 4, students attend our Connections Program, a four-week after-school series of interactive lessons in subjects like science, art, drama, and sport. With a focus on forming friendships and getting comfortable with secondary school routines, the program ensures students have familiar faces and feel confident stepping into Year 7 on day one.
Year 7 Parent Information Evening
In Term 4, we hold a comprehensive Parent Information Evening that gives families all the details they need to prepare for the year ahead. The evening includes an overview of the Junior School structure, key personnel introductions, advice on uniforms and booklists, and guidance on managing the transition to digital learning. Families also hear directly from our IT manager about laptop requirements, ordering procedures, and how to set up student devices with the official St Helena image.
Year 7 Orientation Day
Year 7 students are part of their own Junior School mini-school, with homeroom classrooms, dedicated teachers, and their own courtyard and social spaces. This provides a smaller, more familiar setting within the broader school environment, giving students the security of a home base as they adjust to secondary school life.
Junior School Mini-School
Year 7 students are part of their own Junior School mini-school, with homeroom classrooms, dedicated teachers, and their own courtyard and social spaces. This provides a smaller, more familiar setting within the broader school environment, giving students the security of a home base as they adjust to secondary school life.
Peer Support Program
We understand that the transition to high school can be challenging, which is why we pair Year 7 students with Year 10 Peer Support Leaders. These leaders act as mentors, helping Year 7s adjust to the new routines, offering support and advice, and guiding them through their first term.
Year 7 Camp
Early in the school year, students attend the Year 7 camp, which is a highlight of the transition experience. The camp is designed to help students forge strong friendships, develop teamwork skills, and create a sense of belonging that carries through their high school years.
Parent Welcome Pack
Families receive a Welcome Pack that provides key resources and practical information to support their child’s transition. From timetables to uniform guides and helpful tips for navigating the first few weeks, the pack ensures everyone feels ready for the journey ahead.
Start-Up Assembly
We begin the school year with a high-energy Start-Up Assembly to set the tone for the year. This event celebrates the start of their high school journey, fosters a sense of community, and motivates students to embrace the challenges and opportunities of Year 7.
At St Helena, we are committed to making the transition to high school as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Our comprehensive program ensures that students and families feel supported every step of the way, laying the foundation for academic success, personal growth, and lifelong friendships.