A few things to consider for Year 8 students moving on to high school.

For many children in Year 8, the next few weeks can be an unsettling time. The thought of moving on to a high school, possibly to a different school than their friends and being a junior again can be challenging for anyone.

Below are a few ideas of how to alleviate the stress and worry of your child:

• Visit the school and walk around the buildings (video/photo this to play back at home).
• Locate the office where you go for assistance. 
• Speak with the Dean/Co-ordinator for Year 9 about the daily routine and timetable cycle. 
• Obtain a map of the school layout with building names and numbers.
• Location of the toilet blocks and changing rooms.
• Consider how your child will get to school, with drop-off and pick-up points.  If walking, how long will it take, if catching a bus practice this prior to the first day.
• Uniform, have this in plenty of time and get your child used to the texture.  Break the shoes in and wear them around home prior to day one to avoid blisters and sore feet.
• Go online and look at the staff profiles on the school website.
• Discuss their new school but don't overwhelm them, let them take the lead and remind them that no question is a silly question.

Don't forget to remind them to enjoy their last term at Tahuna and that moving on to high school is just part of growing up.  

If you have any questions or you would like some extra support please get in touch with Deb Tasi-Cordtz, she is able to support transitional visits and communicate directly with the high school on your behalf.