Starting high school is one of the BIG steps in everyone’s life, and it can feel even bigger when you’ve been in the same school since Year 1.

Per Tonascia has started Hagley this year after being at Sumner School since he was five. Hagley was the school of choice for Per – he had been to our Open Evening with his Mum and Dad and loved the whole vibe of the school environment; the teachers, the other students and the learning programmes. Meeting Alan, his Form Tutor, and classmates last November at the Orientation Evening meant that there were familiar faces around him on the first day which eased the nerves a lot!

So far his favourite subjects are English, Science and Maths, but Per is really looking forward to trying all the Year 9 Module and Year 10 Option subjects as well. His worries of “Will I fit in? Will there be too much homework?” were quickly put to rest, and he says, “I’m really enjoying being here, I’ve got lots of friends to hang out with, the classes are great and I’m having fun.”

Sport is a huge part of Per’s life. He plays football, indoor football, tennis, volleyball and basketball, plus he’s a keen mountain biker and skier. Playing in the school teams this term for Junior Boys Volleyball and Indoor Football has been a great way to get to know some students from other classes.

Along with all the new things this year, Per has two BIG things that he’s looking forward to: the Hagley snowtrip to Japan in 2018, and experiencing life in the Senior College. “I’m looking forward to finding my passion and then going to university.”