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Navigating Transition to High School: Tips for QLD Parents

Posted date: 6 December 2023
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The transition to secondary school is a significant step for students. In most cases this will involve a change of location, friendship groups and routine. For the family, this transition also presents some challenges and sometimes uncertainty about expectations. The  dedicated team of teachers and support staff at Townsville Grammar School are here to help students successfully transition to our high schools in Townsville. Check out our top tips for Queensland parents and their secondary students.

Family Expectations at High Schools in Townsville

Parent engagement in the primary school setting tends to be more hands-on. This can be quite different in secondary. Parents are often unsure about their level of involvement and the expectations of the high school environment, particularly as their child develops a higher level of independence. When your child moves to a Townsville high school, parent engagement can be as simple as keeping up with school communications, attending parent-teacher interviews, coming along to school events and encouraging your child to become more involved in the life of the school.

Transition Programs for Townsville High School

It is important to find out about the school’s Year 7 transition program and pastoral care structure which ensures that students have time to ‘grow into’ the secondary school environment and culture. At Townsville Grammar School, the Year 7 transition program is a tailored curriculum that bridges the gap between primary school and secondary. It is an educational approach that caters to the academic, social and emotional needs of students in this age group and at this stage of their learning journey.

The Year 7 transition program also involves a strong pastoral care support, teaching students about respect, caring for others and the wider community, learning to manage anxiety and developing resilience. 

Townsville High School Support Starts at Home

At home, families can support their children as they move into secondary school by helping them to develop routines that give them time for sleep, study, relaxation, recreation, family and exercise. Encouraging children to try new things and explore co-curricular pursuits is a great way for them to be fully involved in the life of their school, all of which is wonderful for self-esteem, positive mental health and confidence.

Townsville Grammar School’s Year 7 program is supported by a team of educators and professionals who work together to support the students to transition as smoothly as possible into their new school environment and to tackle the new experiences they encounter. Together with family support, students are given a strong foundation from which to build positive habits, relationships and attitudes to carry them through their secondary years and life beyond high schools in Townsville.

Get in Touch with the Leading Educators at Townsville Grammar School

Looking for the right Townsville high school for your child? Wondering how to best support your student in the transition from primary to secondary school? Contact Townsville Grammar School online to learn more about our commitment to outstanding academic outcomes and educational leadership in North Queensland.

Bonus Intra Melior Exi
North Ward Campus

45 Paxton Street
North Ward Qld 4810

4722 4900

(Years 7-12 Day & Boarding)

Annandale Campus

1 Brazier Drive
Annandale Qld 4814

4412 4800

(Pre-Prep to Year 6)

North Shore Campus

North Shore Boulevard
Burdell Qld 4818

4412 6600

(Pre-Prep to Year 6)