The start of a new year for students can be both exciting and challenging. Meeting their teacher, making new friends, and adjusting to the routines and expectations of the classroom all require students to understand and demonstrate different social and interpersonal skills.  

A new school year also requires the girls to cope with change and embrace the unknown, as they navigate new learning opportunities and co-curricular activities.  

In Year 4, establishing clear shared expectations, and creating a friendly and welcoming classroom environment are essential to supporting students with this transition.  

Ensuring every student makes the best start to a new school year is the shared and collective responsibility of students, teachers, and parents. Providing the Year 4 students agency in this process has led to the creation of a class agreement which shares what the girls expect from their peers and their teacher.  

It has been a wonderful start to the year for our Year 4 students. They have commenced their first few weeks with excitement and eager anticipation for the many new opportunities and experiences waiting for them to enjoy.  

As part of supporting student agency and creating a sense of belonging to their community, some of our Year 4 girls have shared reflections on their first few weeks of school this year. 

“I have really enjoyed the way lessons are taught using ‘I Do, We Do, You Do’ because it allows you to learn new things with examples, then with support from the teacher and then trying it on our own. I also like Spelling Mastery because I think I will soon be a great speller and be able to understand and explain the meaning of words and spelling rules.” Ella 4AT

“St Catherine’s is a great school, and I am really enjoying it so far. It has lots of subjects that I did not have at my old school like HASS, STEM and Wellbeing. Every subject is so fun, and the teachers make learning interesting.” Millie 4TT

“I’ve learnt a lot so far in a month. It’s amazing how much I’ve been taught. I’ve learnt so much in Maths, English, spelling and reading, not to mention touch typing! I’m also enjoying our new uniform. It was a big change, but I’m still pushing through. At least I don’t have to ask my brother to do my buttons up every morning! Also, Year 4 has many co-curricular activities to offer. I just love Year 4.” Francesca Z 4TT

“Before I started I was really nervous and the only person I knew was Victoria because she was the first person I met. Now I have heaps of friends. I enjoy this school a lot more than my old one. In this school, I have felt comfortable with making mistakes and I used to be afraid of swimming, PE, and art, but now I am not!” Sophia 4AT

“St Cath’s is a great school. I do miss my old school, but St Cath’s is a great school and I think I have a great future ahead of me. I’m excited because I still have some friends to come. Finally, it has a great education and lots of sporting opportunities and at my old school we didn’t have STEM, HASS, or Wellbeing so it’s a big change but a great change.” Lola 4TT