Transition to Middle School

Starting at a new school is a significant milestone for any student. At Fintona, we provide the support to make that start a positive experience in every way.

Starting in Year 5

In Term 3, Fintona’s Head of Middle school meets the girls from the Junior Campus and all new students from other schools. This is a chance for students to share their interests and ask questions, and it helps reduce any worries about starting school in a new environment.

In Term 4, girls entering Year 5 are invited to participate in an Orientation and Stepping Up Day. During this day, they get the opportunity to engage in a range of subjects, interact with students in their year level and meet many of our teachers. The day is filled with engaging activities that help new students to build a sense of belonging within our community. To support a smooth transition, each new student is paired with a buddy who introduces them to their peers and helps them navigate our campus.  

At the beginning of the new school year, our Year 5 students join us for a transition morning, where they meet their tutor teacher and class, organise their timetables and lockers and begin to build connections with their peers. As the new academic year starts, the girls take part in a transition program that is solely designed to provide them with opportunities to get to know each other, build a sense of belonging, and set them up for success. It helps the girls to get to know their new campus and feel motivated for the year ahead. 

Early in Term 1, the girls also travel to Sovereign Hill for a three-day, two-night camp. This experiential learning opportunity is not only part of their History studies and a chance to learn about life in the Gold Rush – it’s also a chance to spend time with new friends.

Starting in Year 7

To commence our Year 7 transition program, our Head of Middle School visits each incoming student in their current primary school the semester leading up to arriving at Fintona. During this ‘meet and greet’ session, the girls have the opportunity to share their interests, passions, academic strengths, co-curricular interests and what excites them about joining our community. This also provides a chance for students to ask any questions as they may have as they prepare for the year ahead. 

In November, we host an Orientation and Stepping Up Day for all Year 7 students. As a part of this event, we team up our new students with our current Fintona students in a buddy team. The primary objective of this program is to offer support for our newcomers as they navigate their new surroundings, provide them with a friendly face on campus, and introduce them to a variety of teachers and students. The day itself is filled with engaging activities spanning different subjects, allowing students to meet their future educators and experience learning at Fintona.   

As the new academic year begins, we extend a warm welcome to our Year 7 students with a dedicated transition morning. During this morning, they have a the chance to reconnect with their buddies, meet their tutors and classmates, become acquainted with their diaries and timetables, and set up their lockers. To complement this, out students engage in a three-day transition program to ensure they are well prepared for the year ahead. The program aims to create an environment where the girls can build relationships with their peers and teachers, establishing a sense of belonging and respect. The activities within the program are thoughtful designed to reinvigorate and refocus our students, setting them up for success as they embark on their Year 7 journey.