Year 7

Throughout their first year at St Norbert College, the Year 7 students participate in a number of programs to ensure their transition into secondary school is as smooth as possible.

Year 7Orientation Day

Prior to beginning at St Norbert College, students participate in an orientation program. This is an enjoyable day, held at the end of Term 4, that allows students to become more familiar and comfortable with starting secondary school. They begin their day in the Brother Patrick Doolan Centre, which is the designated Year 7 area. This is where all core subjects for Year 7s take place, with students leaving only to visit the laboratories for science and other buildings for elective classes. While the students gain information about the school and general procedures from Year 12 student leaders, Heads of House and specialist staff, they also participate in a number of activities on Orientation Day. By the end of the day, students have made new friends and feel more comfortable with their entry into secondary college.

Year 7Induction Day

The Year 7 Induction Day is the first day of school. New students commence prior to the whole school population, so they are able to move around the school and experience daily procedures and routines before most students arrive for the start of term. This allows students to become familiar with the use of lockers, their timetables, locating classrooms and buildings and organising their books and equipment. Assistance is provided by student leaders, Heads of House, homeroom teachers and classroom teachers.

Year 7Transition Program

For the first two weeks of school, a transition program is implemented in which classroom teachers work with the Heads of House to assist Year 7 students with their organisation and settling in. This includes use of diaries, individual teacher expectations, class routines, use of laptops, use of books and equipment, student buddy system, and strategies to overcome challenges and concerns. To conclude the transition program, students participate in an activity day. This day includes outdoor activities encouraging students to improve their teamwork, trust-building, problem-solving and communication skills. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to find out more about their peers and develop relationships.

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY:

Emma: Don’t miss Orientation Day – you get to make new friends who will then be waiting for you at the beginning of the school year. It’s a great help if you need to ask about something or just have some company.

Marwin: On the first day of high school I was pretty scared of not fitting in or failing to do something. However, in a few weeks of school, I managed to find new friends, reunite with my primary school friends and was able to join clubs in such as Drama Club, Academic Excellence Program and Tournament of Minds.

Vanshika: The teachers and other staff were so kind and played a big part in helping students feel welcomed to the College. The friends I made are awesome.

Kayla: Even though primary school told us high school would be full of pressure and hard work, I have discovered it is quite the opposite and filled with laughs, fun and memories.

Jakob: At first I was so nervous about making new friends and studying hard enough to pass my tests. Now I feel more comfortable coming to school, talking to friends and being able to tackle high school easily.

Chloe: I now have an amazing group of friends and all of them are in my core classes. Coming to St Norbert College was a great decision.

Ann: Organisational skills and time management became my greatest strengths over time. The diaries help us be organised and our peer support buddies are a great help. I’ve enjoyed every bit (except for the homework of course).