Introduction

Starting high school is a very important part of a child's life. At Box Hill High School we do our best to make transition from primary school to secondary school an enjoyable experience.

There are many ways in which we nurture our students:

• Orientation day for incoming Year 7 students takes place in December the year before they begin. A special day of classes is organised for the students. They are organised into their form groups and are introduced to the facilities in the school. Students have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with their classrooms and to have introductory classes with some of the teachers. During this day, students are taught how to read the daily timetables which is a new experience for them and are briefed on the school rules. Parents may purchase second hand books and uniforms on this day.
  
• At the first assembly of the year, the Year 7 students are introduced to their form teachers. Form teachers meet with their classes every week. Their role is to assist students to settle into the new daily patterns of secondary school and to check uniform, diaries and locker arrangements. The school diary is an extremely useful tool for all students and is often used by parents and teachers as another avenue of communication.
  
• Year 7 students meet weekly in a year 7 level assembly. At the first Year Level Assembly, the students will be introduced to the senior students who have been elected into the role of prefect. Prefects assist with year 7 activities and are a source of support for the students not only at school but can assist students at the train station and bus stops immediate to the school.
  
• ‘Life Be In It’ transitional activities is a focal point in the first week of term. A Study Skills and Organisation Workshop in first term is designed to establish sound homework practices and focus on goal setting.
  
• A Peer Support Program is invaluable to these new students in which the senior students of the school are trained by the Welfare Co-ordinator to encourage and guide Year 7 students. Activities include team building games, approaches to bullying which compliment the ‘Sticks and Stones Performance’ and general information sessions. These meetings are held weekly for the first eight weeks of term.
  
• Very early in Term 1, all the year 7 students attend an Orientation Camp for three days. This is a fantastic opportunity for teachers and students to get to know each other. This is held at a fully catered venue, which has great facilities and specialises in initiative activities. In small groups the students rotate through a range of activities such as a ropes course, flying fox, snorkelling, fishing, sea kayaking, beach safety, rock pool rambling, archery, and peer related activities. In the evenings students play games, participate in a trivia night and hold a concert on the last evening. It is great to see students return to school with a greater sense of confidence while relating with their peers and teachers.
  
• Not long after camp, parents, students, and teachers are invited to a Year 7 Family Barbeque Evening at the school. It is a great opportunity for parents to meet with teachers and parents of their child's friends.
  
• A Gifted Students Parent Support Group, run by Ms Reynolds, meets one evening per term to clarify and explore specific needs.
  

• For further information on Homework and Assessment, please see the Curriculum page.

Throughout the year, parents are welcome to contact the Year Level Co-ordinator about any issue concerning their child's social or academic progress.