Starting Year 7 is one of life’s big milestones. Our school leadership teams included Principals, Assistant Principals, experienced Teachers and Student Wellbeing came together and prepared 6 key tips for our current and new families with a child starting Year 7 in 2023.
How to prepare for High School
Tip 1. Check that all digital tools and resources you need to start the year well are ready.
Our Digital Enablement team created how-to videos to assist with device set up for your child. This was shared in an email directed to parents from your child’s enrolled school. Please check this email that will assist you to do the following:
- Enrol your device (Mac, iPad or windows) on the CSBB network
- Changing your default password
Ensure all devices and tools (eg. Digital pens) are fully charged and protected from potential damage in suitable cases/covers.
Tip 2. Set up a practical inviting space for homework and assignments.
Use this space to have open conversations about school and learn about your children in their schooling life experiences.
Tip 3. Use a term calendar to map out when assessments are due and have regular check ins.
Once your child has received their assessments for the term map them out together on a term overview calendar (available free online). Place the calendar in an area visible to you and your child and check in regularly on your child’s progress so that assessments are not left until the last minute. This will build on your child’s organisational and time management skills. Encourage a diary or calendar to support organisational skills when planning time for homework and assignment.
Tip 4. Discuss some conversation starters with your child.
Most children starting school will be presented with a new class and classmates and it is important to provide them with some questions to initiate a conversation with new people. Promoting questions such as ‘What is your name?’ ‘What did you do during the holidays?’ ‘What is your favourite subject?’ This helps children to build their confidence when meeting new people and develop their socialisation skills.
Tip 5. Establish open communication with teachers.
If your child has specific needs a teacher should be aware of, initiate a meeting early in the new term to have a discussion. Cultivating an open and honest relationship with your child’s teacher/s is paramount to the success of your child’s learning and development.
Tip 6. Support your diverse learner
Every child learns differently, and your child could be the 1 in 12 school aged children who have a disability. The Council of Catholic Schools Parents NSW/ACT has a great downloadable resource which can be found here.
It’s normal to feel apprehensive as a student, but also as a parent for your child. Finishing Primary School and entering High School is a big change in schooling life. Be encouraged to share your experiences with others who are entering a similar stage and know that the feelings are very normal. Encourage your child to be themselves and to have open conversations, especially while establishing new friendships and navigating their new environment.
You’ve got this. Get involved. Try something new. Have a travel backup plan. Welcome and have a wonderful time being a part of one of our Catholic Colleges at Catholic School Broken Bay!