Elsworth, who started in year 11 when girls were introduced, and Peter, who attended from grade 1, both finished school in 1986. She doesn’t recall much orientation other than a school tour. “We girls were all in the same boat,” she says.
Elsworth says the transition into primary and secondary school is now very thorough.
“The children who come from ELC or other local kinders have an orientation day,” she says. “As the ELC is within the school grounds, I think the children feel very comfortable and often excited to move up to the ‘junior primary area’.
“The introduction to year 7 is again very thorough. There might be 50 students who move within Yarra Valley from junior to middle school, but there could also be up to another 100 new students from surrounding local primary schools, so it’s quite ‘new’ for everyone.
“Every child … is visited in their own primary school by the head of middle school. Camp is held within the first month or so of term to encourage friendships and more opportunities to meet other students.”
Catholic Ladies’ College
When Jacqui Kerr attended Catholic Ladies’ College (CLC) from 1986-89, the transition into year 7 was similar to what her daughters experienced. Georgia, 14, is in year 8 and Jessica, 12, started year 7 this year.
All three attended an orientation day and barbecue at the school, which Kerr says is a tried and true formula. Georgia and Jessica had their orientation days late in grade 6 and CLC teachers visited their primary school, Holy Trinity, a local partner primary school.
As well as the general orientation day, CLC holds a pre-orientation session for those who are the only students coming from their school.
On the first day of high school, students play getting-to-know-you games and meet student peer support leaders. The main difference since Kerr attended is the “individual learning differences team” with an individual learning differences leader, student counsellors, special education teachers and learning support officers. The year 10 student support leaders act as mentors. “I think it’s a great idea,” Kerr says. “They like it. It gives them a bit of a role model.”
Year 7 students also have a year 12 buddy and a camp at the end of the first term. Kerr says the school caters well for different personalities through a range of support services. “CLC is huge with well-being and nurturing,” she adds.
CLC year 7 teacher and transition co-ordinator Carey Webster says most students are excited about starting high school, but change can be difficult for some. “All of these feelings are very normal,” she says.
Xavier College
In 1973 when Lou Bevilacqua joined Xavier College’s Kostka Hall for grade 5 students, the school was ahead of its time in pastoral care. The orientation was less comprehensive, but student welfare was a priority.
Bevilacqua, who has had three sons attend Xavier, recalls taking an exam and attending an orientation day before joining Kostka Hall, which covered only grade 5 to year 8. It now has an Early Learning Centre and prep to grade 4 as well.
When Bevilacqua moved to the years 9-12 senior school, he was already familiar with it from visits for sport and chapel. “That four years really consolidates character; it consolidates academic and sporting achievements, and friendships,” he says of Kostka Hall.
Sons Julian, now 21 and studying architecture and construction management, and Michael, 19, who is studying law and commerce, attended Xavier from grade 5. Their brother Adrian, 11, started in the second ELC intake and is now in grade 6. Sister Emma, 17, is in year 11 at Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak.
Bevilacqua says the transition process involves information nights and social events including a cocktail party and an annual family picnic.
“The level of engagement is up to you,” he says.
Xavier students have transition processes leading into kindergarten, prep, grade 5, year 7 and year 9.
