Transitioning to High School

Transitioning Your Tween to High School

Starting high school is a huge, exciting, yet sometimes scary milestone. The jump from being a senior in primary school to a Year 7 student at high school can be a daunting prospect for both boys and their parents.

Ignatius Park College has created a transition program to cater specifically for the needs of boys. Year 6 students who are enrolled at the College for the following year are invited to join the Phoenix Flyers - a program named after the College’s symbolic icon of the Phoenix. The boys participate in a wide range of activities throughout the year to get to know their potential classmates for the following year, helping to ease them into the transition from primary school to high school.

As the only all-boys school in Townsville, the College is uniquely placed to support boys as they develop into young men. Upon arriving at the College, boys become part of the Iggy Brotherhood – a strong connection shared by all Iggy men – whether a current or past student, that will carry them through the rest of their lives.

The exceptional Pastoral system provides a strong foundation for both boys and their families. Building group identity and positive identification within the group is a central focus of Pastoral care at Ignatius Park College, and the team strives to ensure the students in their care feel a sense of belonging and respect within the College community.

Students are placed in one of seven Pastoral Houses with a Pastoral Leader whose role, assisted by Homeroom Teachers, is to provide support to the students and families in their care. Younger students are also guided by the older students, to show them the ‘Iggy way’ and help navigate the transition to high school.

Ignatius Park College understands that boys need structure and guidance in order to thrive in their transition to high school. Principal, Mr Shaun Clarke, explains, “Iggy is proudly dedicated to boys. Our routines and curriculum are carefully structured to allow maximum personal growth within an environment tailored specifically to cater for boys’ spiritual, academic, physical and emotional development.”

All Things Tweens & Teens

Skipping Class

Skipping class can present itself in multiple different ways. It might look like your child is going to school, leaving and coming home at the usual time, but miss certain classes or even the whole day. Skipping school can happen for a number of different reasons, and doesn't always mean that your teen is trying to rebel against you. Many teens avoid attending school due to bullying, problems with friends, peer pressure or worries about schoolwork.

Top Causes of Stress in Teens

It’s very common for young people to feel stressed out, and while stress is a normal part of life, at one point it can start to affect their everyday lives. In 2015, a Mission Australia study found that almost 40 per cent of 15 to 19-year-old Australians are very concerned about their ability to cope with stress.

You can work this out by talking to your teen about what’s bothering them and the importance of attending school, and working together to address the problem. You can also speak with the school, in particular year coordinators and guidance counsellors. Common things that stress teens out include homework, exams, pressure to do well academically, friendships, relationships and life challenges, such as getting accepted into a university or finding employment. Traumatic events, family problems and worrying about the future can also be big stressors.

Help your teen cope by reminding them they’re not alone, to get plenty of sleep and take care of their body by exercising and eating healthy. Encourage them to reach out to yourself, a teacher or trusted friend if they’re feeling stressed.

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