Year 7 transition checklist 2027

Get to know the school before the holidays.

• ✓Put orientation day in the calendarMeet people and explore the campus before your first school day.Government school orientation for 2027 entry: Tuesday 8 December 2026. Confirm times and what to bring with your school.Parent and student
• ✓Try on the uniform and shoesCheck the school's uniform list before buying, including sports gear.Ask about second-hand options or help with costs if useful.Parent and student
• ✓Check the booklist and order datesUse the school's list so you buy the right editions and supplies.Parent
• ✓Check device requirements before buyingAsk which devices the school accepts, how to set them up and whether your child can borrow one.A device you already own may suit. Ask before spending.Parent
• ✓Agree on a travel planAgree on the route, pickup point and what to do if travel plans change.School buses can have separate booking or eligibility rules. Ask your school.Parent and student
• ✓Sort out your travel card, if neededUnder-18s travel free on Victorian public transport with a Youth myki.Check Transport Victoria's current instructions. Keep using the Youth myki rather than a bank card for free travel.Parent and student
• ✓Save school contacts and check enrolment detailsMake sure emergency contacts and health information are up to date.Parent

Practise school-day routines before term starts.

• ✓Practise the journey togetherTry the crossings, stops and meeting points before school begins.Holiday timetables may differ. Check the school-day service too.Parent and student
• ✓Label your belongingsPut your name on the belongings you take to school.Student
• ✓Ease into the school-day sleep routinePractise a realistic bedtime and wake-up time before term starts.Parent and student
• ✓Make a place for schoolworkChoose a spot for books, a charged device and the supplies you use.A clear end of the kitchen table can work well.Parent and student
• ✓Do a first-day bag checkUse your school's instructions to pack only what you need.Confirm the first day and start time directly with the school.Student
• ✓Talk about hopes and worriesChoose one thing you look forward to and one thing you want help with.Parent and student

Learn the routines one day at a time.

• ✓Keep your timetable somewhere easy to findUse it to check rooms, teachers and what to pack for tomorrow.Student
• ✓Practise opening your locker and find key roomsAsk someone to show you where to go if you get stuck.If your school uses lockers, practise the lock before a busy changeover.Student
• ✓Try the school portalCheck how your school shares notices and tasks, for example through Compass.Use your own parent or student account and keep passwords private.Parent and student
• ✓Try a manageable homework routineWrite tasks and due dates in one place, then plan when to start.Ask your teacher if a task or deadline is unclear.Student
• ✓Try a school club or activityChoose something you enjoy or would like to try.Student
• ✓Meet someone at schoolSay hello, ask to join a game or sit with someone at lunch.You can keep old friendships while new ones grow.Student
• ✓Know who you can ask for helpFind your homeroom teacher, year coordinator or wellbeing team.Parent and student

Check what is working and adjust together.

• ✓Check in with the homeroom or form teacherAsk how your child is settling in and share any concerns early.Parent
• ✓Review the workload togetherLook at upcoming tasks and ask for help if the plan feels unmanageable.Parent and student
• ✓Talk about how school feelsMake space to talk about belonging, friendships and how school feels.Listen first. Decide together which school adult could help.Parent and student
• ✓Adjust the weekly routineKeep time for life outside schoolwork.Parent and student
• ✓Notice something that is getting easierNotice one thing that feels easier than it did in Term 1.Parent and student

For families starting Year 7 in 2028. Check the 2028 placement timeline when the Department of Education publishes it; dates are not yet listed here.

• ✓Check your local school and optionsUse Find my School to check the government school zone for your address.Parent
• ✓Visit a school togetherAsk together what a normal school day looks like.Choose one question to bring to the tour.Parent and student
• ✓Submit the Year 7 placement applicationFollow your primary school's instructions and the current government timeline.For 2028 entry, check the new placement timeline when it is published. Ask your primary school how to apply.Parent
• ✓Check any separate program or scholarship processAsk the individual school about applications, eligibility and any testing.Some scholarship rounds open earlier. Victoria's four selective entry high schools start at Year 9, not Year 7.Parent
• ✓Read the placement outcome and acceptKeep the offer and follow the acceptance and enrolment instructions.Use the 2028 placement timeline and your school’s instructions. Do not use the previous year’s deadlines.Parent
• ✓Share what helps your child learnArrange a transition conversation about learning, health or accessibility needs.Ask who will coordinate support at the new school.Parent