Transition to high school

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.

Getting ready at home

You can help your young person 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.

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we teach and learn, the Pambalong people of the Awabakal nation.

We pay our respect to all Elders past, present and emerging, and extend that respect to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff, families and community.

For more information about our Aboriginal education team including key contacts, visit Aboriginal education.

Regular attendance at school for every student is essential if students are to achieve their potential and increase their career and life options. At West Wallsend High School, we have high expectations regarding student attendance and work with students and families to promote and support attendance.

We regularly monitor student attendance and contact the student and their parent/carer if attendance becomes a concern. We also celebrate and reward student attendance throughout the year.

Go to Policies and reports for a list of attendance FAQs.

In response to the NSW Government and Department of Education’s (DoE) Student Use of Mobile Phones in Schools Policy, our school has developed a procedure to guide the way mobile phones and personal technology are accessed by students during the school day.

For further information, visit Policies and reports.

Students in Years 7 and 8 have an opportunity to provide invaluable support to the office and senior executive staff by participating in our Office Duty Program.

This role involves various tasks such as collecting students from classrooms, delivering messages, and providing general administrative support. By participating in the program your young person contributes to the smooth functioning of our school, develops confidence, communication skills, and social skills. Students receive a PBL Gotcha to recognise their participation.

During quiet periods when on office duty, students are encouraged to complete classwork, homework, assessment tasks, revise for upcoming tests or read a book.

Year 7 students do not start the program until Term 2, so they feel comfortable and confident navigating their way around the school site. Most students will complete office duty for one day out of the year. Students are provided with the opportunity to indicate if there is a day they cannot participate due to a class task or other commitment.

If you have any questions around the program or you would like to opt-out your young person from participating please email or call the school.

We encourage families to join our Parents and Citizens Association (P&C) to hear direct updates from our senior executive team and to voice ideas or concerns.

Visit Community involvement to find out more.

PBL stands for Positive Behaviour for Learning.

It is a consistent, school-wide system of support that helps define, teach and support appropriate student behaviours, creating a positive school environment.

For more information about PBL and our commendation system, visit Wellbeing.

Year 7 students will participate in a specialised sport program in Term 1. During this program students will be introduced to some of our local sporting venues including our cross-country course. There will be a specific focus on skill development in a range of team-based sports and a strong emphasis will be placed on participation, team skills and enjoyment.

Students will also be required to participate in a mandatory swimming program at West Wallsend Swim Centre.

Year 7 will be given the opportunity to select a sport from the wider 7-10 sport program for Terms 2-4.

For more information about sport at West Wallsend High School including carnivals, representative sport, knockout compeitions, gala days, school sport and sport houses, visit our Sport page.

To learn more about our sport houses including house colours and the history of our house names, visit Student opportunities and activities.

Year 7 2027 Camp

More information coming soon...