This year

• Does your teen have allergies, a health condition or additional needs? If so, talk to the high school principal as soon as possible.
• Encourage your teen to participate in any transition to high school program offered to them.

At high school orientation

• Find out about school uniforms (including sports uniforms) – where and when to buy them.
• Get a map of the school to identify buildings, entry points and bike racks.
• Note school start and finish times.
• Discuss safe travel routes to and from school, and find out about forms for your teen’s travel pass or subsidy if applicable.
• Get details on programs the school offers.
• Make a list of book packs and school supplies.
• Learn how you can become involved in the school.
• Meet the Year 7 adviser.
• Connect with other parents on Facebook and Twitter.

Next year

January

• Buy school uniforms, books, stationery, school bag, drink bottle, house key, and any other supplies.
• Label everything.
• Break in school shoes to make them more comfortable.
• Practise travelling to and from school with your teen using their new transport or travel route. Let your teen buy travel tickets, if applicable.
• Teach them how to read the timetable for the bus, train or ferry as appropriate.
• Join your school and the department on social media to get all the updates.

At home

• Talk positively to your teen about the move to high school.
• Ask them what’s exciting about high school. Does anything worry them?
• Make sure your teen has a quiet work area and extra stationery supplies.
• Organise personal hygiene items in school bags.
• Decide what your teen will do before and after school, and what time they need to be home.
• Discuss emergency and safety issues with them.

The first day

• Help set your teen’s alarm. Encourage them to get themselves ready on time.
• Provide your teen with money and your contact numbers in case of emergencies.
• Make sure you have the school’s phone number with you.

The first week

• Photocopy school timetables to place in school diaries, inside locker doors and on the fridge.
• Remind your teen to note all assignments, homework and events in their diary.
• Check through the timetable each night while your teen packs their bag. Encourage your teen to eat healthy food and get a good night’s sleep.
• Give the school your current contact details.

Resources

Make sure you are familiar with important school dates including term dates and holidays.

Starting high school: A family guide (PDF 1275.06KB) is a printable checklist to help you and your child get ready for high school.