Year 7 Transition Programs
The step from primary to secondary school for many students and their families can be quite daunting. The new students are now are part of a much bigger school community where they are confronted with many new challenges. They need to cope with a large student population, a wider range of subjects, new teachers, a new timetable, travelling on public transport, making new friends and a greater demand on being organised and independent.
For these reasons a Year 7 Transition Program has been implemented. The main feature of the Program is to link each class group to a Homeroom Teacher who will provide the necessary support to each student as he copes with the many changes. These teachers work together in teams, usually teaching in no more than three Year 7 classes. This allows the teachers to get to know the students well and for the students to feel more confident.
The Year 7 Coordinator, along with the College Counsellor, provides support to the Homeroom Teacher and every Year 7 student. The Coordinator deals with the day-to-day issues associated with life in Year 7.
Before each school year begins, an Orientation Day is held at the College. It is an informal day for the new boys to mix with one another and their new teachers. During the first three weeks of school, all students work through a ‘Beginnings Unit’. This provides each student with the opportunity to become familiar with the layout of the College, gain information about De La Salle College’s history and general knowledge about its present community.
A Peer Support Program operates, where each Year 7 boy has the opportunity to work closely with a Year 9 student, discussing a wide range of issues.
During terms 1 and 2 each Homeroom participates in an outdoor education activity camp program. Each camp, which runs for three nights and four days, is held at the College's property at Jan Juc on Victoria’s Surf Coast. The camp provides students with a great opportunity to develop friendships and participate in a range of exciting outdoor adventure activities.
The Transition Program provides an excellent foundation for students to commence their secondary schooling.