High School - Here We Come!

The school has been chosen, the uniform bought and the new bus timetable committed to memory - but no matter how prepared you are, starting high school can still be nerve wracking for students and parents alike.

The unfamiliar world of teenage life and secondary school is a far cry from the comfortable, secure environment of your child's local primary school. Yet every year, hundreds of 12 and 13 year olds successfully survive this inevitable transition - thanks largely to supportive parents and understanding teachers.
Going to high school for the first time can be stressful for kids.

High schoolers are expected to be more independent and self reliant than they were in primary school and from day one, there will be many changes that your child will need to get used to.

The shift from being a senior student in a small school, to a beginner in a large school populated by much older kids, could make your child feel insecure and uncertain.

Other changes, like having a variety of teachers, new subjects, moving from room to room for classes, complicated timetables and more demanding homework obligations are all part of high school life. But for your child, making new friends is likely to be the major concern. Early adolescence is often a time of heightened self consciousness and fitting in will probably be a priority for your child when they start Year 7.

Parents play a vital role in helping their children through this mine field of emotions and new experiences.
The key is knowing when to step in and when to step back.

It is important to talk with your child about the changes high school will bring. Kids need to know that it is okay to be nervous and that you will be there to support and guide them. Help your Year 7 student to make friends at school by encouraging them to participate in campus
activities so that they get to know other kids.

Extra curricular sporting teams, Rock Eisteddfod troupes and school bands are all great ways to meet new friends.

At home, help your child to establish positive study habits by setting aside a time and place in which to complete daily homework.

Now may be a good point to consider the demands on your child's time. If every day of your child's week is taken up with after school activities, it may be wise to re-think these commitments.

Work out a weekly timetable that incorporates all of your child's needs and interests and encourage them to be realistic about what they can comfortably achieve inside and outside of school hours.

As parents, keep in touch with your child's school. Find out who your child's year advisor is and make a point of introducing yourself. In some schools, year advisors stay with the year group until they graduate in year 12, so getting to know this teacher now is probably a good idea.

Newsletters, parent meetings and school functions will help you to build a relationship that supports your child's learning at high school. Being involved in the school community is a great way to ensure apositive relationship between school and home.

Most kids move on to high school with relatively few dramas - however, if you are concerned for your child's emotional or physical health during this period, do not hesitate to seek professional help.

Your first point of contact should be your child's year advisor and school principal. Other trusted experts like your family doctor, a children's psychologist or counsellor could also assist your child if the transition to high school proves to be particularly tough.

Finally - have a back up plan for when things go wrong!

Although mobile phones are the bane of most teachers' lives - a small pre-paid account could save you and your new high schooler from untold stress when that after school bus is missed or the assignment that is due in today has been left on the kitchen table!

Kids are kids. They grow up - but some things never change!

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