On Monday the 5^th and Tuesday the 6^th of December we had 72 Year 6 students from a range of schools attend Balaklava High School for Transition. The day ran smoothly with all of the new students enjoying a wide range of curriculum options. All students were lucky enough to be trained in Restorative Practices; in 2023 we are aiming for 100% of students and staff to be trained in the practice and, at the moment, we are less than 10 people total away from our target! Jack from Connected Self ran some Rock and Water activities with all the students helping them to understand their body and emotions and start to build some lasting connections with their peers.

One student said to Mrs Hadley, his homegroup teacher for next year, “I think I’m ready for high school now, I think I will just stay”. I heard a group of students on Tuesday afternoon having a conversation about who their favourite teacher was; I was delighted to hear that it was a tough decision and they had great things to say about all the staff they met over the two days. I have no doubt that each student will be forming great relationships with all staff. Other feedback reported that the students ‘wished it was longer’ and that is was ‘so interesting and enjoyable’. Many commented that a highlight was making Doorstop Pizzas with Mrs Cowan.

Teachers reported how enthusiastic and keen the new students were. We really enjoyed having the students with us and look forward to guiding them through their educational journey over the next six years. A big thank you to our Year 7 homegroup teachers Mrs Hadley, Miss D’Alboy and Miss Leonello as well as all the teachers and SSOs who helped Transition to be a valuable experience for our 2023 Year 7 cohort.

If you are a parent of a Year 7 student attending our school next year and need more information or have any concerns then please contact me at the school on 8862 0600. 

Lucy Thiel

Transition Coordinator