By Mr Simon Fleming - Principal

Welcome back to the new school year. This year we plan to realise the vision that we have for the College, especially with regards to aligning our academic and pastoral, wellbeing frameworks. We hope for far fewer distractions than what occurred in 2020 and a more normalised agenda of events. As a school, we are committed to our improvement plan and embedding those practices which we know will lead to improved outcomes for students.

As many of you are aware, we have had quite a few staff move on from ACW. It is interesting to note that shifts in employment have occurred across many sectors brought on by the pandemic's impact as people reassess their positions and locations. This certainly was an influencing factor for many. Many chose to relocate closer to family or existing schools. Some took up promotion positions or believed the time was right to move on from Warwick. The impact of the trends in employment location can be seen in the Real Estate market around Warwick, which has a renewed interest in housing. Many people are looking to move from condensed urban areas and avoid the possibilities of lockdowns. The Toowoomba Diocese has seen more than 50 new staff coming into our schools, and Education Queensland  is reporting similar movement.

The upside of staff movement has seen the recruitment of some excellent teachers. There is renewed excitement and anticipation for the year ahead which provides us with a real opportunity to create a harmonious community focussed on achieving our goals. Our new staff are passionate and keen to contribute to the success of our College. We will be introducing staff through a brief profile in the Newsletters.

I would like to congratulate last year’s Senior ATAR group and families on the results achieved. Dux of the College went to Hayden Doherty with an ATAR of 97.0. Ben Guy also achieved an excellent result of 94.75, and Tori Abood achieved 92.10. Breanna Cullen achieved 100% in her General English exam as did Faith Kelly in Dance. All our students have been offered a place in their preferred University course.

During the last week, staff have participated in some valuable professional development, including our Spirituality Day led by Brother Damian. As part of our annual action plan, we are taking part in the Ignite Learning project to provide a more stimulating learning environment for students. An important element of this project requires student voice around the teaching and learning so that they become part of the feedback cycle. Teachers need to be aware of the impact on learning of the teaching methods and activities.

We have had an excellent start to the year, and there is an expectant buzz around the staff room and school. There is no doubt that success at school is very much dependent on the types of relationships that can be built. We ask that students respect our standards, especially regarding uniform and appearance. We will not need to challenge students in the first place if they are doing the right thing, and this helps to forge those relationships. We ask for parental support in these matters.

Have a lovely week.

Simon

By Mrs Anna Hardy, Deputy Principal

Welcome back to a new school year. It was refreshing to see so many smiling young faces walking through the school gates over the last two days ready for 2021. 

Yesterday at the whole school assembly, I spoke about expectations and standards that as a community we uphold.  Below is a snippet of what was discussed as a school community.

Our College community has identified the following College rules to teach and promote our high standards of responsible behaviour. Students will: 

1. Ensure my behaviours and attitudes are respectful towards myself, other students, staff and property.
2. Place safe behaviours at the heart of all we do.
3. Come to the learning environment on time, prepared and ready to work.

Schools have uniforms for various reasons and we insist on a strict uniform policy for various reasons; including the fact that a dress code instils in the students a pride, dignity and respect for themselves and their school.   Our uniform policy seeks to, through the wearing of a set uniform, create for the students a sense of belonging to the school community and provide circumstance to allow equality for all. 

Students were reminded about wearing ‘all’ or ‘none’ of the uniform outside of the school grounds.  Students are welcome to change before leaving of an afternoon.  Boys must tuck their shirts in at all times and wear their socks pulled up.  If they cannot do this after they leave the school grounds, they are encouraged to change out of their uniform.

Girls’ hair is to be of suitable length and style and should not bring undue negative attention to themselves or the College.  Hair should be of one natural colour and cut no shorter than a number 2 blade and undercuts, tails, tracks, shaven strips and extreme haircuts which draw attention to the student are not acceptable.  Hair must be kept neat and clean – not messy and untidy. Long hair touching the collar must be tied back and off the face.  Hair bands and accessories should be plain and simple in the colours of bottle green, lemon, white or navy.

Boy’s hair is to be of suitable length and style and should not bring undue negative attention to themselves or the College.  Hair should be of one natural colour, cut no shorter than a no 2 blade and undercuts, tails, tracks, shaven strips and extreme haircuts which draw attention to the student are not acceptable, e.g. ‘afro’, Mohawk style,  ‘mullet’, dread locks, man buns etc.  Hair length must not be over the collar or over eyebrow and hair must always be kept neat and clean – not messy and untidy.  Boys are to be clean-shaven at all times with side burns no longer than the ear lobe.

The only items of jewellery permitted for girls are unobtrusive, plain gold or silver studs or sleepers, maximum of one per ear in the ear lobe.  The only visible piercings should be in the ear. All other piercings are to be removed.  A wrist watch and a simple neck chain with a religious crucifix only.

Boys are to have no visible jewellery except a wrist watch and a simple neck chain with a religious crucifix only.  Confiscated jewellery is returned to students at the end of each term.

If wearing makeup, application should be natural with neutral colour that does not cause undue attention but blends with the skin tone.   No lipstick or eyeshadow is to be worn. Fake nails and coloured nail polish are not to be worn; clear only.

Any infringement may result in confiscation/internal suspension.

By Mr Michael Simpson - Assistant Principal - Curriculum 

Welcome back! It is great to be here and I am looking forward to 2021. I just have a couple of important notes regarding the first few weeks of school.

Changes to Senior Timetables

If your son or daughter needs to adjust their Year 11 timetables, this needs to be finalised by the end of Week 3.  Discussion around QCE and ATAR requirements must be considered.

Changes to Junior Timetables

Students have been grouped in core classes through an extensive filtering process. It is important that students interact with a range of individuals as this builds resilience and character. Any changes to the core classes will need to entail extenuating circumstances.

Any changes for Semester One electives need to be confirmed and actioned by the end of Week 3. The relevant paperwork can be collected from the front office.

Students in Years 7 and 8 study core subjects and electives, which rotate on a Term-by-Term basis. No changes to these timetables are possible.

By Mrs Carol Sharp, APRE

Theme for 2021

Liturgy for the Opening of the Academic Year

The academic year's official opening was marked this morning with a liturgy that explored our theme for the year. The theme is a line from the story of the Good Samaritan from the Gospel of Luke. It challenges us to take notice of the world around us so we can recognise the opportunities where we can be ‘neighbour’ to one another. This year’s theme links to all of our school values, but in particular, to the values of compassion and generosity. It calls for us to look at every human person as our brothers and sisters, and to go out of our way to show them mercy and love.

Of course, the other side of that coin is to accept the mercy and love shown to us by others no matter who they are and what our bias or prejudice may be. This is arguably the more difficult part of the equation as we often need to humble ourselves to receive this aid.

Our goal is for Assumption College to be a community where all of its members recognise and respond to each other with compassion and generosity. In this way, we understand the innate dignity of the human person and we can realise the unlimited human potential in each and every one of us.

Vision, Mission and Values

Last year we finalised and launched our new motherhood documents – our vision, mission and values statement. Of course, other priorities soon took over, and our plan for introducing it to our students fell by the wayside as assemblies were cancelled and COVID concerns took over. In our whole-school assembly this week, I spoke to our students about the new documents and, as a way to begin student engagement, launched a competition to design the new poster that will display these documents in each and every classroom.

An updated copy of the vision and mission statement is available on the College website. Students who are interested in the design competition should email me on carol.sharp@twb.catholic.edu.au to register their interest and receive further information on the criteria and conditions.

Upcoming Events

• Wednesday 17^th Feb – Ash Wednesday Liturgy (held during PC time in house groups)
• Thursday 18^th Feb – Year 7 & 8 Retreat (held at ACW, students to wear sports uniform)

Prayer

A Student's Prayer for a New School Year

Lord Jesus, I ask for Your help as I begin this new school year.

Allow me to experience Your presence in the many blessings You put before me.

Open my eyes to the new challenges and exciting opportunities that this new school year brings.

Open my heart and mind to new friends and new teachers.

Give me a generous spirit to be enthusiastic with my studies and courage to accept new opportunities.

Help me to be attentive to my teachers and let me experience Your presence in my new friends.

Jesus, inspire me to do my best this year!

Amen

By Mr Scott Clegg - Business Manager 

As part of the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office decision to roll out two new cloud-based systems, Assumption College Warwick is currently updating our Student Information System to Sentral, and our Business Management System to Dynamics 365 Business Central. The integration of these new systems is due to be finalised by the end of Term 1, 2021 and we are doing everything possible to have the systems fully functioning prior to that. Once the process is complete, we will be able to utilise the new systems' increased capabilities and this will have a positive impact on the effectiveness of our network. 

Whilst we adopt the new systems, we may have limited access to some of the information from our previous systems and we seek your patience during this transition stage. During this transition stage we are facing some challenges, which will have a flow on affect to you, as follows:

• We may not have immediate access to your current school fees account balance. It may take some time for us to access the verified information from the old and the new systems. In the meantime, if you have a query about your school fees account, please don't hesitate to contact our college Finance Officer, Sarah Worth, or our Business Manager, Scott Clegg by phone 07 4660 4000 or by email finance@acwarwick.catholic.edu.au and we will get back to you with the information you require.
• The existing parent portal is currently inactive, as we wait for the rollover to Sentral, and we will issue operating instructions, once the new system is fully functional. 

by Miss Denise Ryan - Chaplain

Welcome back to a new school year 2021.

So far, we have had the privilege of meeting and getting to know all the new fresh smiling faces ready to learn and make new friends.

The first few weeks will be about getting to know everyone and meeting lots of new people, new friends and just learning where everything is.

This year, Breakfast Club will return on Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning from 8am to 8:40am. There will be toast, cereal, milo, tea, juice and fruit.

I am looking forward to hanging out and meeting all the new faces, and having some fun.

If there are any chaplaincy questions that you may have, please contact me on email – denise.ryan@twb.catholic.edu.au or call the office on 07 4660 4000.

PICK UP PARKING

A reminder to all parents to NOT park in the bus zone. This is to ensure a smooth and timely pick up and departure for the bus companies. 

P & F

The P&F meet on the second Monday of each month in term time from 7.30pm. We work with the school by helping to provide resources for teachers and students. We don’t undertake any fundraising activities, but through the use of the P&F levy, we help to provide better facilities for our students.  Our first meeting will be 8^th February and all parents are welcome to join us.

by Sophia McLucas

YEAR 11 BIOLOGY

The Year 11 Biology classes have jumped straight into their learning this week. They navigated their way onto the CANVAS page and are delving into topics associated with cell biology. This week their focus has been on the molecules that make up carbohydrates, proteins and fats! Next week students will learn more about how cells are made up and their important roles in the function of all plants and animals.

Over the coming weeks – Year 11 biology students will conduct various experiments with enzymes, look through microscopes to observe cells and identify their features, and start their first assessment piece. Students have shown a keen interest in the topic and are looking forward to learning more about cell biology this term.

Ms Belinda Payne

ASSUMPTION COLLEGE CROSS

To start the term the newly designed Assumption College Cross has been installed on the staffroom wall at the front of the college (picture bottom right). This new cross unifies the charisms from Edmund Rice and Catherine McAuley that are the foundations of Assumption College and connects with Mary, Our Lady of the Assumption who gave our College its name when the co-education college was established. 

Pictures are included here to help you identify the incorporated elements:

• The Mercy Cross connected to Catherine McAuley.
  
• Crosses connected to Christian Brother schools and Edmund Rice – there is a wide range of these.

• The Marian symbol from the College Crest.

You should be able to see how the centre cross from the Mercy tradition has been stylised and the four sections now have our four house colours within them. Further celtic elements from Christian Brother designs contributed to the final design with the centre star/books often used replaced with the Marian symbol.

We have versions of this cross made for use as liturgical symbols within our prayer spaces at College events. Last year, we placed carved crosses in the main office (picture below) and on the Year 6 into Year 7 Orientation day at the end of 2020 students cut out and made paper crosses that were later laminated and displayed in classrooms across the College.

We hope that this short explanation helps you to understand the symbolism it has drawn on as part of our re-examination of Mission, Visual and Values to bring together the rich history of Assumption College.

by Mrs Kate Cullen

SEMESTER 2 2020 ACADEMIC AWARDS

On 29th Janaury 2021, we celebrated the achievements of students who were presented with the Academic pins from Semester 2, 2020.

As part of this ceremony we also presented our Dux for 2020. We would like to congratulate Hayden Doherty for being presented Assumption College Warwick Dux of 2020 and we wish him all the best for his studies this year. What an achievement for him and his family!

We also marked the start of our schooling calendar year with starting the awards ceremony with our welcoming liturgy for 2021!

Debating 2021

The beginning of the school year heralds the commencement of debating for our students.  We are fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in the Queensland Debating Union regional competition held in Toowoomba.  Team registration cut off times are tight – Assumption College’s teams for Years 7 – 12 must be finalised by this Friday, 5^th February.  That’s less than five days to form a team within each year level.  Are we up to the challenge? Yes, of course, we are!

What are the Benefits of Debating?

Some of the benefits of debating are as follows:

1. Improved critical thinking skills.
2. Students acquire better poise, speech delivery, and public speaking skills.
3. Increased student retention of information learned.
4. Improved listening note-taking skills and increased self-confidence.
5. Enhanced teamwork skills and collaboration.
6. More confidence to stand up for the truth when a discussion is promoting falsehoods or inaccuracies.
7. Learning better ways to state one’s point with gentleness, graciousness and humility.
8. Helping students identify holes in their theories and concocting more balanced arguments.
9. Helping students better structure their thoughts.
10. Debating is lots of fun!

 

2021 Debating Dates: 

 

Years 7, 8 and 10 teams: 

 

Wednesday 3rd March	Round 1	Compulsory
Wednesday 24th March	Round 2	Compulsory
Wednesday 5th May	Round 3	Compulsory
Wednesday 19th May	Round 4	Compulsory
Wednesday 28th July	Preliminary Finals	Only if selected
Wednesday 4th August	Semi-Finals	Only if selected
Wednesday 18th August	Finals	Only if selected

 

Year 9 and Senior teams: 

 

Wednesday 24th February	Round 1	Compulsory
Wednesday 17th March	Round 2	Compulsory
Wednesday 28th April	Round 3	Compulsory
Wednesday 26th May	Round 4	Compulsory
Wednesday 28th July	Preliminary Finals	Only if selected
Wednesday 4th August	Semi-Finals	Only if selected
Wednesday 18th August	Grand Finals	Only if selected

 

Please contact Mrs Bennett for further information or to register your team.

By Mrs Mary-Anne Driver 

Welcome to 2021 – we are so glad to be a part of the wonderful ACW community. 

We welcome back Mrs Wooding this year, now making three on our library team.  Ms Bastion will be in the library on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Mrs Wooding odd week Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and Mrs Driver on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. 

Text books have been handed out this week.   Can you please reinforce with your students the need to look after these books? Some cost in excess of $80 and if lost or damaged, the cost will be added to their account! If students missed out or have changed subjects please send them down and we will issue the needed texts.  

Over the holidays, we have added new books, magazines, newspapers and more. Come to the library to check it out! We will be continuing with our activity days this year (including chess, robotics, board games and craft with Mrs Gillespie) and will release the timetable once it is finalised – so keep an eye or ear out for notices.  

We welcome all new staff to Assumption College in 2021! 

The start of 2021 brings with it some fresh faces for Assumption College. Learn all about our new staff below. 

Mr Patrick Donnelly

Hi, I'm Patrick and I'm new to Assumption College and new to Warwick this year. I've recently moved from Hervey Bay where I was teaching French at Xavier Catholic College. I'm looking forward to the new school and new lifestyle. No beach is something I'm getting used to.

At Assumption College, I will be teaching Religion, Business and Drama. I'm also now part of the Romero House. I'm excited to be here and can't wait to be part of the community. 

Miss Sathumi Wijesooriya

Hello Assumption College! My name is Sathumi Wijesooriya and I am starting as your new music teacher this year. I am so excited to join you all this year and get to know everyone within the community. Some fun facts about me are that I was born in New Zealand, I enjoy painting in my spare time, and my main instrument is clarinet.

Miss Claire Richardson 

Hi, I’m Miss Richardson and I am one of the new teachers at Assumption College. I have just moved to Stanthorpe with my fiancé with a dream to one day start our own winery. We have a little Beagle named Buster who thinks he’s a human.

I will be teaching Maths and Science at Assumption, which is ironic given Maths was my worst subject in school. I look forward to meeting everyone and starting my long teaching career at such a welcoming school. If you see me around, feel free to come and have a chat.

Mrs Donna Williams

Thank you for making me feel so welcome at Assumption College Warwick.  I have been teaching 25+ years in our local community and I look forward to working with students and families from Assumption College. 

Home Economics subjects are my passion, and I will be teaching Year 7 and 8 Home Economics, Year 9 Food Technology, Year 10 Hospitality and Year 11 and 12 Hospitality.  Next semester I am excited to be teaching Year 9 and 10 Textiles and Design. 

I have lots of ideas that I hope will inspire your son or daughter to get creative with textiles.  Outside of school I have enjoyed getting back into the garden now that we have had rain recently.  I do love to cook and I particularly like an Indian meal.  I am looking forward to an exciting year ahead. 

Mr Ken Turnbull

Hi, I'm Ken Turnbull. I have two children in their 30s who are happy and productive. I am married, and have found a great work life balance and love everything they do.  I have worked in government prior to completing my honors degree in Classics and Ancient History.

My educational journey has been highlighted by various middle and senior leadership positions, as Head of Faculty and  Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning at Stuartholme School, Brisbane. In a professional capacity, I worked as Chief Examiner QLD Ancient History for the Board of Secondary Studies, syllabus writer and have co-authored an Ancient history text and published articles on history teaching for the QHTA journal.

Three people I would invite to a dinner party and why? - Jonny Depp, Naomi Watts, Hugo Weaving – Have loved the body of films that they have been in and the eccentricity of these actors. My greatest fear is heights (acrophobic) and my worst subject at school was Mathematics. Hobbies include reading and music, my favourite book is Captain Corelli's Mandolin and favouite move is Wind and the Lion. 

Mr Thomas Duggan

Hi my name is Tom Duggan and I am a local born and bred Warwick boy moving back to start my teaching career. My hobbies include most sports, specifically rugby league, cricket and athletics.

My teaching areas include Health & Physical Education, Industrial Technology & Design and Maths. I am a past student of ACW and have so far enjoyed being back and look forward to becoming a part of this school community again.

During my time as a student at ACW coincidentally my favourite subjects were HPE, ITD and Maths. English wasn’t exactly my strong suit. I thoroughly enjoy living in Warwick and I especially look forward to meeting with the students and families throughout 2021.

Mr Jeremy Mattison

Hi, I'm Jeremy Mattison. I am from Canterbury NZ, and have been an apparel producer in a past life. I have come to Assumption College from Darwin High School in the NT.

I’ll be teaching some Technology classes a ITD class and an English class. Three people I would invite to a dinner party are - Kane Williamson, Dan Carter and Peter Burling. I’d love to hear some of the habits they have that make them who they are.

My favourite movie is Footrot Flats, and book is Once Were Warriors. It wasn’t always the case, but my worst subject was mathematics which got progressively worse. Australia is a great country and I love the Trans-Tasman banter.

Mrs Shelby Fisher

Hello! I am Shelby Fisher and you'll find me in the front office. I am excited to be here at Assumption College and really look forward to meeting you all. I have lived in Warwick my entire life.

Previously I have worked as a Property Manager for seven years, and have recently been on maternity leave.  I love to keep a simple and stress free life. When I am not working, I love to be out in the garden with my husband and 7 month old bub. 

I also foster dogs, and have fostered nearly 100 dogs in a few short years.  Looking forward to seeing you all around! 

Mrs Patrice Riordan

Hi, my name is Patrice Riordan. I was born and raised in Warwick and am a past ACW student.  I am married to Dean and have one beautiful daughter. I have worked as a primary music, drama and dance teacher, Training Support Officer for Endeavour Foundation and most recently as St Mary’s Pastoral Associate.

At ACW I will be teaching Religion for Years 7,8,9,10 & Year 11 REET and Years 7 & 10 Drama. My hobbies include crafting, beading, clubbercise, aviculture, reading and MMA.  The Jurassic Park Series is my favourite movie, and favourite book is "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier and Paranormal Romance.

Three people I would invite to a dinner party would be – Jesus, to give him a watch to take to heaven so he can do things in my timeframe;  my husband as he’s my best friend and I enjoy being with him; and Sr Hilda Scott from Jamberoo Abbey.  She is an inspiration and someone I look up to.

My greatest fear is being surrounded by ungrateful people, oh, and being trapped in a paddock with a horse. I love to laugh and thoroughly enjoy having a chat. Nothing beats rising early in the morning to work with and brand cattle at home on the farm at Willowvale.

Mrs Jayne Mayall

Hi, my name is Jayne Mayall and I am new to Assumption College. I have previously worked at The School of Total Education. 

I am a mother to four children, and have a soft spot for treed gardens, rainy days, cricket and cats. 

Mr Justin Sneath

Hi, my name is Justin Sneath. I have travelled across 40 countries and survived... just! My favourite movie is Forrest Gump, and I love any book if it's about cricket.

In my spare time, you will find me playing the guitar. My greatest fear is fear itself! Home Economics was my worst subject at school, but now I love to cook! 

Mr Brady Retallick

Hi, my name is Brady Retallick and this will be my first-year teaching at Assumption College. It is not my first time at Assumption College though, as I worked here previously as a teacher aide in 2015.

I am relatively new to teaching (5yrs), but have experience in a variety of industries including; 7 years in the defence force (army) as an armourer, mining (underground – Kalgoorlie), truck driving (Moomba – Cooper Basin) and working as an aged care worker at KMAC in Killarney.

Although I have only been at ACW for a couple of weeks, I am already appreciating the close-knit community vibes and I am looking forward to the rest of the year.

Mr John Muehlebach

I originally worked as an electronics engineer and entrepreneur. In 2010 I made a career change to become a teacher and share my excitement about learning and developing new ideas. 

I have two sons at university and have lived in Warwick for almost 30 years.  I am excited to be working at Assumption College and becoming part of the school community.  

By Miss Jaime Slattery - Sports Co-Ordinator

“I think self-awareness is probably the most important thing towards being a champion.” – Billie Jean King

Welcome back to what we can only hope is a sport-filled year. I look forward to working alongside our students and encouraging participation throughout the year at various events.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Julie Collins for her hard work and tireless efforts over the past few years. Her energy and can-do attitude has set a great example, and I look forward to working with Julie this year.

Swimming

First up on our sporting agenda for the year – the much-anticipated swimming carnival. This year we see the inclusion of events to encourage all students to participate. Which house will champion? Which house will take out the Lee Gunderman House Spirit trophy? Please note, attendance is expected and those who are absent are required to produce a written note upon their return to school.

This year, morning training sessions will be offered to those interested. Training will take place on the 29thJanuary and the 2nd and 4th February. Times to be advised.

Border District Summer Trials

Summer Trials will take place in Goondiwindi on the 2nd February. These trials are for participants interested in trialling for Cricket, Tennis and Touch Football. 

Netball

The Warwick Netball season will begin early this term and games will run each Monday night. Dates and times to be advised. This year we see the inclusion of a number of Assumption teams. We wish you all the very best ladies.

Touch Football

The Warwick Touch Football sign-on night will take place on the 3rd February. This year, we are hoping to establish a number of mixed College teams.

Confraternity & QISSN

The ACW Confraternity and QISSN teams will recommence training at WIRAC on their return to school. Our students appreciate all those who have made this possible.

Further information on the above sporting events and team registrations will be provided at our first assembly for the year. Students are reminded to listen during morning notices to avoid missing out. I encourage all interested students to see me to find out more information, register interest and collect the necessary permission notes and registration forms. Please note, dates are subject to change, and these changes will be communicated as soon as possible.

I wish our students a successful year on the sporting field.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR SPORT IN TERM 1 - 2021

Open Netball and Rugby League Students

The Open Netballers and Rugby League Students will continue their commitments for the upcoming seasons at WIRAC Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:30 – 4:30PM , (from week 2, February the 2^nd to week 4, February the 18^th). Specialised training and games will occur from week 5 onwards.  

Pink Stumps Day

If you would like to donate online  https://www.pinkstumpsday.com.au/fundraiser/ACWRBE

by Mr Robert Bell

By Mrs Jenny Gillespie

Beginning Secondary School - Parent Information

Welcome to Assumption College.  For some parents, this will be your first year with us.

New students, whether into Year 7 or from another high school may have mixed feelings about coming back to school. They might be:

• excited about new friends, subjects and teachers, and
• nervous about learning new routines, making new friends or wearing a new uniform, and
• worried about the workload or whether they will ‘fit in’

You might also worry about these issues and wonder if your child will have the confidence and skills to handle them. These concerns are all normal and will generally fade over time as students become familiar with their new school environment.  

When students are making the move to a new school, remember you have the biggest influence on how smooth the transition is. Your child’s friends do influence how your child feels about the move, but your support has stronger and longer-lasting effects.  Keep talking with your child about their new school, normalise their worries but also convey the message that not only do they have your support, school staff are always there to help and can be approached as needed.  

By the end of first Semester, most students will have settled well into their new school environment. 

For further information visit Transition to high school for teenagers - ReachOut Parents