A strong focus on a smooth transition from Primary into Secondary School
Year 7 Transition Program
It is not unusual for children to be a little bit anxious about starting Secondary school. We want their experience to be fun, engaging and manageable so that our students get the most out of their first year. We have designed a specific program for Year 7 to ensure that students are guided and supported along the way.
The Year 7 Transition Program includes...
1. Orientation Day
The purpose Orientation Day is for our enrolled Year 7 cohort to be ready for their first day of secondary school. We find it helps both students and parents to minimize anxiety about the change. On this day the students get to meet their Pastoral Care Group and Coordinator.
Students are involved in team building activities and learn more about the peers that they will start secondary school with.
2. A Day in the Life of Year 7
A Day in the Life of Year 7 is a new initiative to provide students with an experience of what secondary school is all about. The day is important and exciting for new students, as they get to meet some of their teachers and begin to feel part of their new school.
3. First Day of Secondary School
Year 7 students commence their first day of secondary school one day prior to the other year levels. It's a novelty to have the entire school to themselves!
Their House Coordinators, Pastoral Care Teachers and Student Mentors make them welcome and help prepare them for the journey ahead.
4. Year 7 House Day
Year 7 students participate in a House Day in Term One. The day helps to build House identity and Pastoral Care structures. This is a particularly important part of being a St Luke's student. Students join in swim trials, fun games and activities.
We also check Year 7s are set-up and know how to use our online learning platforms.
5. Year 7 Camp
The purpose of the Year 7 Camp experience is to "bring students together". The camp is essential for students merging into one school from several primary feeder schools.
The outdoor experience provides the opportunity for students to get to know one another, spend time with their Pastoral Care Group and Coordinator, and to develop and strengthen friendships.
The Year 7 camp invites students to step outside their comfort zones and try new things for the first time.
6. Peer Support
The Year 10 peer mentors and lead mentor teachers facilitate a successful peer support program for our students in their first three terms of Year 7.
The leadership and communication skills of the peer mentors help deliver a variety of exciting activities such as problem-solving tasks, tactical games, teamwork challenges and communicative games.
The aim of the program is to teach essential social skills needed for secondary school, and build connectedness with their peers and peer mentors so that they feel more confident and comfortable in their first year.
7. Transition Classes
Year 7 students are involved in a transition class once a week to help them with the challenges they may face in their first year of secondary school. Students learn how to manage the demands of schoolwork, homework and study, and how to be better organised and use ICT effectively.
The classes place a strong focus on building resilience, starting and maintaining friendships and establishing positive relationships with peers, teachers and parents.
Students also learn leadership skills and serve in our local community.
8. The Give Back Program
At St Luke's College, we're aware that many of our Year 7 students have been great leaders in their primary schools. We work closely with students to continue developing these skills.
Students have an opportunity to lead as House Council members and through the Give Back Program they can lead in our school as Flag Monitors, organise and facilitate activities for College Tours and the Year 7 Transition days. Some students will have the opportunity to give back to their primary school that has shaped them. This creates an opportunity for students to demonstrate their leadership skills when working with younger children.
