Transition to high school
Starting high school is an exciting milestone for students and families. Moving from Year 6 to Year 7 can feel like a big change. We help every child feel confident and supported during the transition to high school.
Find out more in the Getting ready for high school guide.
What to expect in high school
High school brings new experiences and routines, including:
- a larger school with more subjects, teachers and classrooms
- a timetable with different lessons each day
- moving between classrooms and carrying books and equipment
- more independence and responsibility for homework and study
- new friendships and opportunities to join activities and clubs.
Before your child starts Year 7
Enrolment interview
Before your child begins, families may be asked to meet with our principal. This is a time to share:
- medical conditions or allergies
- family circumstances that may affect your child’s start
- any learning or wellbeing needs.
We will also explain the supports our school provides, such as:
- support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through personalised learning pathways
- extra support for students learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D)
- support for students with disability or other learning needs through inclusive education programs.
Our transition program
We work closely with local primary schools to help students feel ready. Our transition to high school programs help Year 6 students get ready for Year 7. Activities may include:
- orientation days
- school tours
- parent information sessions and meet the teacher events
- peer support activities with older students.
Students, parents and carers can join these sessions to learn about daily schedules, uniforms, lunches and communication. If you need an interpreter, let us know.
Contact us to learn more.
Year 7 Parent Information Sessions
Starting high school is an exciting and important milestone for both students and their families. At Toormina High School, our Year 7 Parent Information Sessions are designed to provide parents and carers with valuable information to help their child make a successful transition to secondary school.
Information sessions are held throughout Term 1 and again during our Year 6 Orientation Day parent program, providing families with multiple opportunities to learn about life at Toormina High School and ask questions about the transition process.
These sessions outline key expectations relating to learning, attendance, behaviour and wellbeing, while introducing the programs, routines and support structures that assist students to settle confidently into high school life. Parents and carers are also provided with practical strategies to support their child's organisation, engagement and academic success throughout Year 7.
Year 7 Orientation Day
Future students are invited to join us for Orientation Day.
Orientation Day is determined by the NSW Department of Education and is usually the First Tuesday in December. In 2026 this will Tuesday 1 December 2026.
All future students are requested to be present for the day and parents are requested to attend the morning session.
Contact us to learn more.
Getting Ready at Home
Parents and carers play an important role in helping students feel confident and prepared for the transition to high school. You can support your child by:
- Speaking positively about starting high school and the opportunities ahead.
- Purchasing the required school uniform, shoes, stationery and learning materials.
- Ensuring your child has access to any technology required for learning, such as a laptop or other device.
- Practising the journey to and from school so they become familiar with travel arrangements.
- Making sure they know important contact information, including parent/carer phone numbers and emergency contacts.
- Establishing routines such as packing their school bag each evening and preparing for the next day.
- Encouraging them to check their timetable, organise their equipment and become familiar with school bell times before the first day of Term 1.
Building these routines early can help students develop confidence, independence and organisation skills as they begin their high school journey.
Have a question about transitioning to Toormina High School?
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