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The first days of secondary school are done. New uniforms, new timetables and new faces are quickly becoming familiar — and for many Year 7 families, there’s a growing sense of what now?
At Calrossy, we understand that the transition into secondary school is a significant step for students and parents alike. While excitement often carries students through the opening days, it’s common for tiredness, emotional ups and downs and uncertainty to appear as the reality of secondary school settles in. Be positive and express confidence about this new phase as your child will take many of their cues from you. Listen calmly to any issues they are having in these early weeks and try to empower them to solve the problem for themselves.
“Year 7 students are navigating a lot of change all at once,” says Mrs Julie Murrie, Assistant Head of Middle School (Girls).
“New routines, multiple teachers, different classrooms and new friendship groups take time to adjust to — and that’s completely normal.”
“The transition to secondary school asks a lot of young people, but it also reveals their resilience, courage, and capacity to grow,” says Mr Conrad Starr, Assistant Head of Middle School (Boys).
A gentle start to secondary school
To support students through this important transition, Calrossy intentionally takes a measured approach in the early weeks of Term 1 for all its new Year 7 students. Academic demands and homework expectations are kept lighter during the first half of the term, allowing students to focus on adapting to routines, learning how secondary school works, and building confidence.
This is an opportunity for the girls and boys to familiarise themselves with the Calrossy structure, classmates and teachers.
“This is about giving students space to find their feet and make the adjustments as needed,” explains Mrs Murrie.
“When they feel settled and secure, they’re far better placed to engage with learning and challenge themselves academically.”
Building friendships first
A key feature of the Year 7 transition at Calrossy is the Year 7 Expedition, held early in Term 1. The expedition places a strong emphasis on friendships, teamwork, camaraderie and connection, giving students the opportunity to get to know one another — and key staff — in a relaxed, supportive environment.
“The expedition allows students to form connections outside the classroom,” says Mrs Murrie.
“These shared experiences are incredibly powerful and often set the tone for friendships and belonging throughout the year.”
What parents may notice at home
As students adjust to secondary school life and the Term continues, parents may notice:
- Increased tiredness, particularly in the afternoons
- Emotional fluctuations after school
- Forgetfulness around organisation or equipment
- A strong need for reassurance.
These responses are a natural part of the transition and typically ease as routines become familiar.
How parents can support the transition
Families play an important role in supporting Year 7 students as they settle into secondary school. Simple strategies can make a big difference:
- Maintaining consistent sleep routines
- Keeping afternoons calm where possible
- Encouraging independence without expecting perfection
- Using open-ended questions to spark conversation.
Even though your child will become increasingly independent this year it is important for you to establish a connection with the school. Staying informed is also key. Parents are encouraged to regularly check The Hub for Year 7 updates, wellbeing information and photo galleries, which provide insight into school life and help families feel connected and reassured. Research shows that parents who have an interest in what’s happening at school greatly enhance their child’s chances of success throughout their school life.
A partnership approach
Transition works best when school and homework together. Calrossy’s wellbeing and teaching teams monitor students closely during the early weeks, with Year Advisers and Wellbeing staff available to support students and families as needed.
“If something feels different or concerning, we always encourage parents to be in touch with us early,” says Mrs Murrie.
“Early communication helps us support students effectively and ensures they feel known, supported and valued.”
Mr Starr says “Our role is to guide students as they develop independence, character, and responsibility, while ensuring they always know they are supported.”
Trust the process
Starting secondary school is a major milestone — one that brings growth, independence and new opportunities. With time, routines settle, friendships strengthen and confidence grows.
As Mrs Murrie reflects, “Year 7 is a season of adjustment, but it’s also a season of possibility. With patience, encouragement and strong partnerships, students don’t just settle — they flourish.”
We welcome and encourage parents to take the opportunity to meet with teachers and key staff at the upcoming Secondary Meet and Greet on Thursday, March 5. Stay tuned for more details on The Hub.
