7 Transition

Firstly, I’d like to introduce myself as the 2021 Year 7 Coordinator. I have been a year level coordinator at Preshil since 2017 and I am looking forward to a wonderful 2021 as these future Year 7 students seem such a friendly and intelligent cohort. The transition from primary to secondary school is significant in the life of every student and is a time of enormous change – cognitive, physical, social and emotional. My aim is to ensure our Year 7s, from both Arlington and external schools, feel safe, confident and welcomed. 

At this stage of their education, students may experience new challenges, including a larger physical environment, new teachers, a larger peer group and increased opportunities for self-awareness and independence. Over the past two weeks, our Arlington 11s attended the senior campus each Wednesday morning. These transition days aimed to provide the students with some familiarity, positive relationships and comfort leading into 2021.

Students were given a brief orientation and participated in some classes. They looked through microscopes in Science with Kris Vestermark, enjoyed some Physical Education with Ashleigh Greaves and were in fits of laughter in Kate Ellis’ Drama class. I feel confident in saying that, as a cohort, they have already made a wonderful impression on the Secondary School staff members.

2021 will begin with another orientation as we welcome the new students to Preshil. The anticipated year will build slowly and I hope to provide them (and parents) with the guidance and support they need to be successful and resilient secondary school students.

Beth Alvarez

Year 7 Coordinator 2021

beth.alvarez@preshil.vic.edu.au