News
Starting Year 7 is a big milestone – for daughters and parents alike. Fintona's Head of Middle School, Justine Hamilton, shares her advice about what really helps make the transition smooth, such as helping your daughter become familiar with her new school, reassuring her that nervousness is completely normal, and giving her time to settle into new routines, friendships and expectations.
Getting familiar early
A strong sense of belonging is one of the most important foundations for a successful transition. ‘Engaging with the new school early and often makes a real difference – attending transition events, exploring the campus together, and encouraging your daughter to ask questions. The more familiar she becomes with the people, places and routines, the more confident she’s likely to feel,’ Justine explains.
When should preparation begin?
Preparation should begin as soon as you have accepted your daughter’s place at the school. ‘Transition is a journey, and confidence develops over time,’ says Justine. ‘Starting early gives your daughter the chance to grow familiar with the school and gradually build a sense of belonging well before her first day.’ Make the most of open days, community events and every transition opportunity on offer.
Building the right habits
Strong organisational skills and positive routines at home go a long way in supporting a smooth transition. Justine recommends encouraging consistent homework and sleep routines, finding balance across extracurricular commitments, and gradually handing over responsibility and letting your daughter take charge of organising herself, prioritising tasks and preparing for the day ahead.
How Fintona supports families
Fintona supports families through the Future Learners’ Journey – a carefully designed transition experience beginning the year before students commence. ‘It starts with Ignite, a series of carefully designed transition experiences, alongside dedicated information sessions for families,’ Justine explains. Together, these experiences build confidence, foster belonging, and prepare students socially, emotionally and academically well ahead of their first day.
Advice for nervous students
‘My number one piece of advice is to remember that you are not alone,’ Justine says. Every student begins Year 7 with a mix of excitement and nervousness, and everyone’s journey looks different. ‘Give yourself time to settle, be yourself, and embrace new opportunities – before long, you’ll feel part of the community.’
Supporting the first few weeks
Fintona’s priority is helping every student build a strong sense of belonging as quickly as possible, through the Future Learners’ Journey, Justine explains. The experience begins with Activate, a day where students reconnect with their friends, organise themselves for the year ahead, and get to know the campus before Term 1 begins.
This is followed by three Thrive days, each intentionally designed to support students socially, emotionally and academically. Day one focuses on building relationships; day two introduces Fintona’s Emotional Intelligence approach, giving students strategies to understand and manage their emotions; day three launches Learning2Learn, where students begin developing practical study, organisation and learning strategies.
Throughout the year, the Year 7 Coordinator and Tutor team work closely with students – fostering connection, monitoring wellbeing, and checking in during those crucial early weeks to ensure every student is settling in, building friendships, and feeling a genuine sense of belonging.
Starting Year 7 can be exciting, stimulating and a little overwhelming, but with the right preparation, at home and at school, girls can feel confident and supported from day one.
