BeAwesome Posted October 26, 2020 Share Posted October 26, 2020 I thought I'd bring this thread back in our new location.My eldest DD will be starting high school next year. She'll be moving from a mid sized Catholic primary to a large state school. She's hoping for a fresh start, as her year level as been full of cliques in primary, and she's never really found her tribe.Due to Covid, this year uniform shop fittings are by appointment, so we're all booked in to buy uniforms on Friday. It feels real now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knottygirl Posted October 27, 2020 Share Posted October 27, 2020 My oldest is starting high school next year too. He is going to a small private school near us. It’s a p-12 school and they are kindly letting him come to spend a day with grade 6 next week to meet some people. He also has orientation the following week. I went in last week and got his sports uniform to wear on both days. I’m not sure how he will cope with homework and assignments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrankyM Posted October 27, 2020 Share Posted October 27, 2020 I was just thinking about this thread.My big kid is starting next year. Going from a medium size state primary school (about 450, 2 classes per year 4-6, 3 for grades P-3), to a larger state highschool of about 900-1000. Our town has 4 state primary schools that feed into it (and you have the p-12 Catholic school which is tiny). I signed the permission slip for orientation day this morning and also the consent form for the extended orientation program. So he will be heading off with 3 other kids from our school with an aide or the learning support coordinator for an hour every Friday at the highschool. It's all set up by the highschool and supervised by their staff. They get to meet teachers, participate in sessions, be shown around the school etc.I discovered that the primary schools don't share information with the highschool, which frankly is ridiculous, so they only go by what is on the enrollment form... Yep, brilliant for a child who is autistic, has adhd, is being formally assessed for dyslexia and dysgraphia soon (primary school just addressed this like he had them and used an IEP), had a significant language delay and processing issues, and is anxious. Apparently that's all covered in my ticking a box stating "does your child have a disability" and listing them acronyms. Hey, he doesn't have behaviour issues so that's a positive right?To be frank, I think I'm more worried then the kiddo. He's looking forward to highschool and getting away from some of the boys he's been with for the last 8 years (WA so 4yr kindy is at school, then prep then 1-6).Oh and I filled out the school bus paperwork so that's off my list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meepy Posted October 27, 2020 Share Posted October 27, 2020 I just posted in the Xmas presents thread but should post here. We received our booklist and orientation information last week. I saved $70 on texts not using the recommended bookseller. Will start buying the bag and stationery next. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrankyM Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 My DD2 starts next year, too. We’re trying to figure out how much time will be mainstream and how much in SPED, given she’s severely dyslexic and has ASD.I hope they can find the right balance for her. Our high school enrollment forms asked specially about dyslexia and dysgraphia as well as ASD/ADHD etc. so I'm hoping they can provide decent support with this. But I still haven't heard anything from them.I need to find a new school bag. I thought I might buy him one for his birthday as I have no clue what to get him. But I can't seem to find one that fits the requirements. It needs a reinforced top loop, good quality zips, and refinforced arms. Because these are where the bags always go. Little kid got a great one last year and I'm spewing I didn't buy another for the older kid (It's a superman bag from Movieworld but it's of a better quality then many of the more expensive bags I've bought over the years). I'm contemplating a Harlequin bag, though they are not as fancy as the ones in the local sportshop he'd probably preferETA: not textbooks are required to be bought here. They are all supplied. I just have to get the stationary list which I'm hoping he gets at all yr 6 orientation day next week (he does his first extended session this Friday). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meepy Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 We just buy the school bag from the uniform shop. The one I bought three years ago for DS is still going strong and the kids don’t care as just about everyone has the school bag. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrankyM Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 Neither primary or high school have a school bag. We have quiet a number of students from low ses backgrounds so uniforms etc need to be affordable or have potentially have generic replacements. The kids have used a variety of bags over the years. The big kid’s current one is still fine but I don’t know it would work for highschool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Banana78 Posted November 2, 2020 Share Posted November 2, 2020 I have my baby starting! She is going from a public primary school of similar size but her high school is private and single gender. I think she'll like it but who knows? My older daughter loves it. Uniform fitting next week and transition visit as well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrankyM Posted November 2, 2020 Share Posted November 2, 2020 So kiddo had his whole cohort over to the highschool today and we had the parent curriculum information evening. It was pretty good. They all seem very enthusiastic about teaching and the teachers I spoke too regarding T were onto making sure I knew who and how to get information to the school so they can look at accommodations etc. FX it all works next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blizzy Posted November 2, 2020 Share Posted November 2, 2020 My baby starts next year too she is going from a large public primary school (around 2000 kids, 5 year 6 classes) to a mid size private catholic high school. We have just finished the legal battle with my ex husband to allow her to go here. It has been tough on her and is We purchased the laptop on the weekend, we will put it away for her Xmas present. All the schools here need one and the stock runs low so I wanted I buy the right one not what was left. Uniforms I will purchase next weekend. She needs to be fitted . The shop has said they aren’t getting anymore until March, and orientation is the 12th so I want to get in before that. And then we have the booklist too I’m still a bit shocked that they need a laptop (with min specs which is quite $$) and a full book list Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrankyM Posted November 3, 2020 Share Posted November 3, 2020 I wish they would send out the booklist already. I want to drop it off at the local supplier and they will bag it all up for me. We already have a laptop (bought during covid) but the school doesn't request them here. We will see how he goes and we can ask if he can take it or use a school one as an accommodation.Parent curriculum info session last night. I found it very helpful. Met all the Head of Learning Areas. They explained classes and extra curricular stuff. No streaming at all for grade 7 but maths can be extended at request, which will be interesting. All the teachers came across as enthusiastic and high educated and going by the awards and information presented last night, it looks like a good little school which does pretty well for a regional/remote school. They also said things like the maths teachers team teach and they tell the kids if one teacher is not explaining it like you understand you can try asking one of the other teachers and they know that different kids learn different ways. I don't feel so stressed about it now. Sort of. Oh and they also do a number of VET certificates on their campus, ATAR and the general WACE stream. So options for the kid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twin2 Posted November 3, 2020 Share Posted November 3, 2020 Both of mine are starting highschool next year as well. They are both really excited as we applied out of zone and were lucky to get in. Both of them were desperate to get in. Both of mine have additional needs and I think the school will be a good fit.We haven't got any information on transition but that is understandable being in metro Melbourne. We have ordered their laptops and have seen a couple of video messages from the school but it won't feel real until we get book lists and uniforms Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeAwesome Posted November 10, 2020 Author Share Posted November 10, 2020 A quick update: A letter in the mailbox addressed to DD today. She got into the Academic Excellence program, and she's absolutely stoked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrankyM Posted November 10, 2020 Share Posted November 10, 2020 Great news [mention]BeAwesome[/mention] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twin2 Posted November 10, 2020 Share Posted November 10, 2020 That is wonderful news Be awesome congratulations to your DD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrankyM Posted November 10, 2020 Share Posted November 10, 2020 Oh I just got the letter to confirm T is enrolled on the school bus for high school. And was emailed the stationary list (finally. Usually they hand it our early so we can submit it and the stationary people drop a bag off at the end of November to the schools for next year). I can now assess my stationary cupboard and figure out what else I need to buy. So glad I don't have to buy $20 worth of gluesticks again this year. But there is some very specific requirements for art supplies on there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hotchocolate Posted November 10, 2020 Share Posted November 10, 2020 Can anyone recommend a good app that’s like a calendar and homework reminder app?? My one starts high school next year and she’s got her head in the clouds most days, so we thought an app might help be a tad more organised. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrankyM Posted November 10, 2020 Share Posted November 10, 2020 Can anyone recommend a good app that’s like a calendar and homework reminder app?? My one starts high school next year and she’s got her head in the clouds most days, so we thought an app might help be a tad more organised.Oh I'd love one too. My kid has ADHD, his current calendar/app is called Mum and I've very tired of it.Actually we have been experimenting with To do by Microsoft. You can make a to do list with sub-lists and date it. My problem is I confiscated the ipads and computer because the only this they have used for is stupid games and youtube (god I hate youtube). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrankyM Posted December 4, 2020 Share Posted December 4, 2020 How is everyone going? I bought a couple of uniforms today. I’m not worried he will outgrow them by the time school goes back as the shirts have plenty of growing space and the shorts should be fine too. Weirdly despite being made by the same company that makes the primary school uniform the shirts are bigger. I think as they don’t have the shaping like the primary ones and are just a polo. Shorts, well they have to be ones with logos and they are sized sooo much smaller then the target/best and less branded ones. So we ended up with an adult small in both. The shirts look a bit big but he likes them looser. And I figure bigger is better then too small. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prancer Posted December 4, 2020 Share Posted December 4, 2020 My kid is going into grade 7 next year too. He had orientation today and parents had to stay for the first 2.5 hours. It ended up being really good and I was really impressed with the efforts the staff go to in order to engage the kids, their knowledge of teen brains, emphasis on producing decent citizens and that they had adapted some of what will be studied based on parent feedback. Apparently heaps of kids struggled over the corona home schooling with time management, goal setting and organisation. So know they are devoting 2 lessons a week to learning in a way that will assist them with organisation and self motivation. I was worried how my ADHD kid would go getting himself organised, so stoked to hear they are putting work into this area.I will go to the uniform shop a week or so before school starts. They don’t seem to seek out of much. My kid is tiny (wears size 6 shorts!) but doubt his growth spurt will hit before school starts. They dropped the need to wear formal uniform for this term, but not sure what the requirements will be next year. If he does not have to wear a white shirt I think we will both think it is. It worth buying one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildZebra Posted December 4, 2020 Share Posted December 4, 2020 My youngest is starting High School, we're in a smallish independent private R-12 school so will now have 3 in High School. Our school is amazing & have been so accomodating with my kids significant disabilities, one is in a wheelchair part time & they've been brilliant. I've done nothing for uniforms yet but it'll probably be the middle child with the majority of new uniforms as the darling has decided to grow about a foot this year and is nearly 6ft and barely 13 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meepy Posted December 5, 2020 Share Posted December 5, 2020 Got the recommendation for the device today. Minimum price including insurance $1400. We live in an area of Melbourne that has seen quite a few parents out of work. Absolutely ridiculous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 5, 2020 Share Posted December 5, 2020 My second child starts high school next year. We are going from a state primary school of 1050 to a state high school of about the same. I am sad as all friends are going Catholic. The school has such a bad reputation apparently, friends' parents have all said they won't send their kids there. The thing is though, the only people who bag the school out are people who DON'T send their kids there and never have. My older child attends and the school and they have been amazing. I am so so tired of the old 'local state school/bad reputation' trope. I don't know how my child will go in high school. A lot of supports will be needed. He doesn't write and fatigues mentally and physically very very quickly. The school don't have a special education unit which is a big reason why I want him to go there. I want all supports to be mainstreamed. Not him fobbed off into a unit where low expectations and learned helplesness is standard. Been there, done that. I expect the school to actually have to work and invest in helping him succeed mainstream. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caitiri Posted December 11, 2020 Share Posted December 11, 2020 I've got one starting high school as well, Its killing our Christmas budget so might be a bit of a miserable ending to a crop year.Trying to get him a bit more enthusiastic about starting high school but he's not really loving the idea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blizzy Posted December 12, 2020 Share Posted December 12, 2020 I bought some uniforms and got the massive. Spoke tot he seamstress who can pull the hips in and let them out as she grows too I’m tempted to wrap them up as part of Xmas presents since they were so expensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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