School News
Year 7 to HS
Parent Update Week 4 Term 4
Independence in high school
Starting high school marks a transition to increased independence for many students. Our high schools support and trust students to find their own way to classes. They also help them plan for and manage their own workloads.
Many families also start to consider opportunities for increased independence for their adolescent children. For example, some students might start to catch the bus to school on their own, or they might spend some time at home without parents during school holidays. Each child and family is unique and parents and carers must make their own decisions about independence to suit their individual circumstances. Below is some information you may find helpful when making these decisions.
Out of school hours care
Parents and carers may need to consider and plan for the amount of supervision their high school child will need before and after school and during school holidays. High schools don’t generally provide OSHC (out of school hours care) but some do offer alternatives, such as after school study, during the school term. Contact your high school for more information. Some OSHC providers in primary schools may offer places to year 7 students. Contact your existing OSHC for more information or visit the child care finder on the Department of Education, Skills and Employment’s website to find a service near you.
Being home alone
The Parenting SA Home alone - Parent Easy Guide provides advice on leaving your child home alone. It says there is no law stating when children can or cannot be left home alone. However, the law is clear that parents are responsible for their children’s safety. The decision on when to leave children alone comes down to individual parents and the age and maturity of their children. Read the guide for further information and suggestions to keep your child safe when they are home alone. You will find it on the Parenting SA website.
Catching the bus
Timetables for 2022 metropolitan school bus services will be available later this month, including for our new schools, Aldinga Payinthi College and Riverbanks College B-12. Extra school buses are being provided to cater for increased commuter demand from the year 7 to high school move. School buses are designated services for students, parents and teachers only, and not the general public. For more information on catching the bus to school, including tips on student safety, visit Adelaide Metro’s travel to school page.