Year 7 Transition
Francis Greenway High School
Celebrating a term of Connection, Creativity and Challenge
It’s been a busy and exciting term for our future students, with a series of successful transition experiences at Francis Greenway High School. Each event has provided unique opportunities for students to explore their interests, connect with peers, and feel part of our school community.
Intellectual HPGE Day – 20 October
Twenty-two enthusiastic students joined us for a day of lessons. They got to explore chemical reactions in Science with Mr Latta, and complete some collaborative creative writing with Ms Love in English. Students impressed us with their curiosity and teamwork, and Japanese with Waller Sensei was definitely a hit!
Cultural Transition Day – 22 September
Twenty-four students took part in a day celebrating culture and community. Students enjoyed a variety of cultural activities with our Aboriginal Education team, and mini lessons of Maths with Ms Carson, Geography with Ms Parmenter and the clear favourite being making popcorn in Science with Mr Whitton! The day was a wonderful way to share traditions and learn from one another.
Smooth Start Transition Visits
Our Smooth Start program continued to grow, with another two visits this term so far, with 35 students attending the last visit! These visits have been invaluable for our students who were identified as being someone who might benefit from additional transition experiences.
Physical HPGE Day – 3 November
Twenty-three students pushed themselves to new limits in a day of sprint training with coach Dennis, fitness testing and multisport games with Ms Baker and Ms Daly. They were joined by our current FGHS students from the HPGE Physical program, who provided great encouragement and leadership throughout the day.
Creative HPGE Day
Eleven students explored their artistic talents through three hands-on workshops: drawing, collage and spray painting. The creativity and imagination on display were truly inspiring! Thank you to Ms Parker, Ms Bornholt and Ms Moody for running these workshops!
Helping Us Belong (HUB) Transition Day
Eighteen students attended this special day focused on connection and belonging. This special day was designed for students coming from small primary schools or who may be the only one from their school joining us next year. Students took part in a workshop with our Pasifika cultural group, enjoyed a school tour, and got to know one another and their Year Adviser Ms Baker through fun team activities. Over 20 Year 7 buddies also joined in to help make everyone feel welcome.
Drama Workshops at Beresfield PS
Stage 3 students at Beresfield Public School have been shining in their weekly Drama workshops led by Ms Coleman and Miss Lofberg. These sessions have been a wonderful way for students to build confidence, teamwork and performance skills — and we’ve been so impressed by their creativity and enthusiasm each week!
PAT Testing Across Our Partner Schools
This term, students in our partner primary schools have been participating in Progressive Achievement Testing (PAT) in reading and mathematics. These assessments help us gain a deeper understanding of each student’s current academic abilities, so that we can ensure they are supported and challenged at the right level when they begin high school next year.
Each of these experiences has helped our future students build confidence, form friendships, and get a real taste of high school life. We’re so proud of everyone who took part — and we can’t wait to see these students continue to shine as they begin their journey at FGHS!
Meet the Year Adviser - Ms Rachel Baker
Introducing Our 2026 Year Adviser – Ms Baker
We’re thrilled to announce that Ms Baker will be the Year Adviser for next year’s incoming Year 7 cohort! Ms Baker is a PDHPE teacher who has been working in the Support Unit this year and leading the Write it Right program for our Aboriginal students in Year 7. She’s known for her enthusiasm, big heart and endless energy, and she’s already looking forward to getting to know all our new students and their families. Ms Baker is passionate about helping every student feel supported, connected and confident as they begin their high school journey.
Coming Up!
Wednesday 19 November - TAS (Technology and Applied Sciences) - Woodwork Day.
Thank you to all of the families that responded to this opportunity. Places were limited and filled up extremely quickly, so we added a second date (Thursday, 27 November). If your child was successful at gaining a place at either day, you would have received an email from me to confirm their spot. If you're unsure, please email me to check.
Tuesday 25 November - Year 7 2026 Welcome BBQ & Info Evening
RSVP by clicking here.
Tuesday 2 December - High School for a Day!
Your child is invited to attend FGHS on Tuesday 2 December to get a taste of high school for a day!
This visit is the final transition opportunity for the year and will give students an opportunity to become more familiar with the school environment, the staff, and build connections with fellow peers.
Students will be placed in a class for the day and will attend mini-lessons with that class during the day.
If your child attends Thornton, Beresfield or Woodberry primary school, you will receive communication and information from these schools about this day. If your school attends any other primary school, you should have received an email from me with the note. If you did not receive my email, please contact me.
Keeping up to date:
Are you following our school Facebook page yet?
Have you visited our Learning Hub?
Any questions? Please get in touch!
I look forward to seeing you all at the Welcome BBQ on Tuesday 25 November!
Ana Welsh
Head Teacher Transition - Middle Years
ana.welsh2@det.nsw.edu.au