Year 7 - Transition to high school

Starting high school is an exciting milestone for students and families. Moving from Year 6 to Year 7 can feel like a big change. We help every child feel confident and supported during the transition to high school.

Find out more in the Getting ready for high school guide.

The first day of school for all students is Monday 2 February, 2026. Year 7 students, parents and carers will assemble in the school hall at 8.30am.

What to expect in high school

High school brings new experiences and routines, including:

• a larger school with more subjects, teachers and classrooms
• a timetable with different lessons each day
• moving between classrooms and carrying books and equipment
• more independence and responsibility for homework and study
• new friendships and opportunities to join activities and clubs.

Before your child starts Year 7

Enrolment interview

Before your child begins, families may be asked to meet with our principal. This is a time to share:

• medical conditions or allergies
• family circumstances that may affect your child’s start
• any learning or wellbeing needs.

We will also explain the supports our school provides, such as:

• support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through personalised learning pathways
• extra support for students learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D)
• support for students with disability or other learning needs through inclusive education programs.

Learn more about additional learning support and enrolment requirements at our school.

Our transition program

We work closely with local primary schools to help students feel ready. Our transition to high school programs help Year 6 students get ready for Year 7.  Activities may include:

• orientation days and school tours
• parent information sessions and meet the teacher events
• subject tasters, transition days and classroom visits
• peer support activities with older students.

Students, parents and carers can join these sessions to learn about daily schedules, uniforms, lunches and communication. If you need an interpreter, let us know.

Contact us to learn more.

Year 7 Orientation Information Packs

• Getting ready for high school guide
• Uniform Information and Flyer
• Year 7 Camp Information (2026)
• Year 7 Book Packs Flyer (2026)
• Apply for a School Travel Pass (Opal Card) and Flyer
• Bell Times
• Canteen Information and Letter
• Parent Contribution Schedule (2026)
• Parent Portal - Sentral and School Bytes
• Parent Support Form
• Permission to Publish Form (Must complete for all students)
• Music Ensembles Program and Flyer
• Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Information and Minimum Spec Sheet
• Hornsby High School - Cap/Hat Information
• Welcome Book (Coming soon)
• School Prospectus (Coming soon)

🗓️ Year 7 Camp - Save the dates

Permission notes and payment links will be sent out in Term 4, 2025 through the School Bytes Parent Portal, and also emailed to parents and carers.

Getting ready at home

You can help your child prepare by:

• talking positively about starting high school
• buying uniforms, shoes, stationery and school supplies
• checking if a laptop or device is needed
• practising their travel route to school
• making sure they know your phone number and emergency contacts
• encouraging routines such as packing their school bag
• encouraging them to check their timetable and school bell times the night before day 1 of Term 1.

For more advice, see the Getting ready for high school guide.

Have a question?

Our friendly office team can help.

Contact us