Common Questions
What happens if my son can't attend Orientation Day?
Get in touch with the College as soon as possible. There may be alternatives we can suggest to help your son during his transition. However, Orientation Day is a very important part of the transition process and we encourage families to make every possible effort to have their son in attendance.
Are classes finalised or can changes be made?
Homerooms are finalised before Orientation Day and no further changes will be made. These classes mix students from a range of primary schools and are based on information received from each primary school.
Will incoming Year 7s be able to meet up with siblings, friends or relatives during Orientation Day?
Yes. Incoming Year 7 students will have recess and lunch breaks at the same time as current College students. If an incoming student wants to meet up with someone they know who is already at the College make sure you organise this before Orientation Day.
I am worried my son will be bullied during Orientation Day. What should I do?
St Bernard's College has an excellent anti-bullying program and is actively a no bullying school. We have one of the lowest rates of bullying of secondary schools across Australia at only 5%, however we feel that is 5% too high. Incidents are extremely rare and we take it very seriously when something does happen. If something does happen, please get in touch with the front office or use the 'Contact Us' link to provide the College with details of the incident and we will get back to you to discuss the matter further as soon as possible.
My son would like to visit the school again over the summer holidays. Is this possible?
The College campus will be open for visitors during normal work hours over the summer holidays. While classrooms and buildings may not be open, we encourage you to bring your son in and wander around the campus to help him become familiar with his surrounds.
My son is interested in joining the Swimming Squad before school starts next year. Is this possible?
Yes. The College ACC Swimming Squad is open to all interested students, and incoming Year 7s. Training begins in November, but there is no obligation for incoming Year 7s to join until school commences at the end of January. Get in touch with the Front Office or use the 'Contact Us' page to get further details.
What can we do during Grade 6 or over the summer holidays?
The biggest challenges faced by Year 7s are organising themselves and completing home study tasks. Throughout Grade 6 and over the summer holidays, encourage your son to take charge of his belongings at school and home and give him as much responsibility as possible. Prepare him for home study tasks by doing regular at home 'study' activities three or four times a week after school. This could include spelling or times table practice, writing in a diary or journal or doing some research into a topic of interest. This develops a habit of a regular learning time at home after school.
We also encourage parents to regularly talk to their son about his expectations, fears, anxieties and hopes for Year 7. By discussing these things, you son should feel more relaxed and prepared for the First Day of Year 7.
There are more suggestions on the 'Easing the Transition' page.
Get in touch with the College as soon as possible. There may be alternatives we can suggest to help your son during his transition. However, Orientation Day is a very important part of the transition process and we encourage families to make every possible effort to have their son in attendance.
Are classes finalised or can changes be made?
Homerooms are finalised before Orientation Day and no further changes will be made. These classes mix students from a range of primary schools and are based on information received from each primary school.
Will incoming Year 7s be able to meet up with siblings, friends or relatives during Orientation Day?
Yes. Incoming Year 7 students will have recess and lunch breaks at the same time as current College students. If an incoming student wants to meet up with someone they know who is already at the College make sure you organise this before Orientation Day.
I am worried my son will be bullied during Orientation Day. What should I do?
St Bernard's College has an excellent anti-bullying program and is actively a no bullying school. We have one of the lowest rates of bullying of secondary schools across Australia at only 5%, however we feel that is 5% too high. Incidents are extremely rare and we take it very seriously when something does happen. If something does happen, please get in touch with the front office or use the 'Contact Us' link to provide the College with details of the incident and we will get back to you to discuss the matter further as soon as possible.
My son would like to visit the school again over the summer holidays. Is this possible?
The College campus will be open for visitors during normal work hours over the summer holidays. While classrooms and buildings may not be open, we encourage you to bring your son in and wander around the campus to help him become familiar with his surrounds.
My son is interested in joining the Swimming Squad before school starts next year. Is this possible?
Yes. The College ACC Swimming Squad is open to all interested students, and incoming Year 7s. Training begins in November, but there is no obligation for incoming Year 7s to join until school commences at the end of January. Get in touch with the Front Office or use the 'Contact Us' page to get further details.
What can we do during Grade 6 or over the summer holidays?
The biggest challenges faced by Year 7s are organising themselves and completing home study tasks. Throughout Grade 6 and over the summer holidays, encourage your son to take charge of his belongings at school and home and give him as much responsibility as possible. Prepare him for home study tasks by doing regular at home 'study' activities three or four times a week after school. This could include spelling or times table practice, writing in a diary or journal or doing some research into a topic of interest. This develops a habit of a regular learning time at home after school.
We also encourage parents to regularly talk to their son about his expectations, fears, anxieties and hopes for Year 7. By discussing these things, you son should feel more relaxed and prepared for the First Day of Year 7.
There are more suggestions on the 'Easing the Transition' page.