THE Year Seven students at Bass Coast College have had a smooth transition to their secondary learning and are prepared to take on more responsibility in the 2023 year.

San Remo campus principal Emma Harris has welcomed five new teachers this year, including Lisa Foster – Maths, Jack Parsons – Information Technology and Physical Education, Emily Scott – Technology, Anna Kallstrom – English and Dance and Dave Graves – Humanities.

With a new structure in learning, secondary teachers will have more time for planning their lessons, which opens up further opportunities for employment in education – allowing a good balance between planning and face to face teaching.

“Our numbers this year remain consistent from last year, we said goodbye to a large cohort of Year nine students that transitioned over to the senior campus and welcomed a good number of Year 7s to both junior campuses,” said Emma. 

“This year we have welcomed a pastoral care program called boost for all students across 7 to 12 and this allocates a one-hour lesson per week dedicated to health and wellbeing, respect in relationships, community connection and career pathways,” 

Senior students will concentrate on VCE study skills and career planning, again participating in the local learning employment network program that connects students with local employees to develop an understanding of their available pathways. 

As the junior students settle into their new surroundings, Year seven pupils Maddison Leed, Entayah Paynter, Phoenix Stedman and Charlotte Olsson explained that they are amid learning their timetables, finding their classrooms, and meeting new friends.  

“Although it’s a transition from primary to secondary school, we have been made to feel welcome into a safe space where we feel confident to express ourselves and take on the new responsibilities,” said Charlotte. 

“We have more PE classes, and we are all really looking forward to the science lessons, as they are more practical in secondary school, and we have a dedicated lab to learn in.” 

Beginning the year with the whole school swimming carnival in Korumburra, the cohort of students from all three campuses were encouraged to meet their fellow pupils and make new connections – all while having a positive start to their school year.  

“With the upgrade of Shetland Heights Road underway, we look forward to the safer and more accessible access for students to get to and from school, as well as our working relationship with the local San Remo Primary School,” said Emma. 

Enrolments for Bass Coast College are still open, welcoming new students to both the junior and senior campus, for more information on the College visit www.basscoast.vic.edu.au