Beach fun helps ease primary to secondary transition
Published on: 28 February 2013
Makz Alexander, Matt Minchin and Lachlan Zhou all agreed that snorkelling and surf lifesaving games on Leighton Beach provided a great opportunity for Year 7 boys to get to know each other better. The students were taking part in transition activities aimed at helping ease the move from primary to secondary school.
Matt said he loved snorkelling over Cables reef and was delighted to see dolphins and “a really big fish”. “It was good how we all got together,” he said. “We had snorkelling partners and did lots of fun activities in groups.”
While Makz said he had already got to know many of his peers, the beach morning allowed him to get to know them even better. Lachlan said he also enjoyed the games and snorkelling with the Kooringal staff.
Director of Planning and Co-Curricular Mark Morrissy said the Friday morning activity, led by Assistant Heads of House, outdoor education staff and peer support leaders, was definitely a highlight for the boys. “In house groups, half the cohort is led through a series of beach activities and games encouraging interaction and engagement. We also thank the North Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club for leading the beach awareness activities,” he said.
While half the year group was at the beach, the remaining cohort was involved in a series of in-school transition activities. The boys attended four information sessions to learn more about how the School operates, support services and to reflect on their first weeks. One session included a ‘meeting’ in the Boardroom with Headmaster Garth Wynne and Head of Senior School Roger Bayly. Here, the boys had an opportunity to learn about the structure of the School, the Christ Church Pedagogy, the house and pastoral system and to discuss their experiences so far.
The Year 7 boys also take part in four peer support sessions over the term, which are led by nominated Year 11 students. “Peer support leaders provide yet another point of contact for new boys within the School – helping them build confidence and self-esteem, develop communication and relationship skills, and the ability to make responsible decisions,” Mr Morrissy said.