The transition from high school to primary school is an important change in many ways. This newsletter highlights key advice for parents supporting their Year 8 child as they transition to high school.

School TV has some excellent advice on the transition to high school. Please follow this link to the Special Report: Transition to High School, or see the summary of key points below.

All transitions are important in a child’s life but the transition to high school can be quite significant due to the unique combination of cognitive and emotional changes and developments at this stage of a child’s life. High school can also present different academic and social challenges for students. It is clear that students who are well prepared for the transition to high school have better levels of wellbeing, achievement and engagement at school. Below are some key tips to support you, as a parent, in this process of transition:

• Remember that it is a process that will take time. It will be normal for your child to feel excited about some aspects of this change or daunted by other aspects of their new environment. Be patient and check in with your child frequently so they know you are there to support them through the process.

• Whilst it is an exciting time for many students it is also normal to feel nervous and worried as transitioning to high school involves:

  • a potential feeling of loss as they leave primary school connections and relationships

  • coping with change and uncertainty, which can involve feeling nervous and that they are not in control at times 

  • a possible change of identity as they become a high school student and develop and mature 

  • feeling more tired, and possibly grumpy, as they cope with the change and transition. 

• School TV recommends that parents focus on three key areas when supporting a child transitioning to high school:

  
  

• Relationships:

  • know who to contact at the high school if you need information or support

  • support your child to develop new relationships, as well as feeling connected with existing friends from primary school, sports teams or community groups

• Communication:

  • be available to talk with your child and ask them the best way you can support them as they transition to high school

  • be supportive and a calm role model as they cope with this change

• Preparation and Planning 

  • ask your child what they need help with no matter how big or small the challenge is. For example, practise new bus or bike routes to school or look at a plan of the high school campus

  • share your own experiences of coping with transition

  • help your child to access information about high school to build certainty and confidence, as this will help to minimise worries 
    

In addition to the above information, please see this previous newsletter, School TV: School Transitions, for general information and discussion around school transitions. Alternatively, here is the direct link to the School TV, School Transitions page. I wish students and whānau who are in the process of transitioning all the very best on your journey. 

Image sourced from: SchoolTV

Jenelle Hooson

Jenelle is a fully registered member with NZAC (New Zealand Association of Counsellors).

If you wish to discuss the services the School Counsellor can provide, please talk to your child’s homeroom teacher or make contact with Jenelle directly: jenelle.hooson@medbury.school.nz