How We Build Connection in Years 5
The Beginning of Something Exciting
Starting a new school can be daunting for any child. But for our Year 5 students at Santa Maria College, it is the beginning of something exciting. It is where they become brave learners and confident community members in an environment intentionally designed for them.
From the very first day, we prioritise connection. With four class groups (24 – 25 students) and a close-knit teaching team who are experts in upper-primary learning, every girl is seen, heard and known. Teachers know every Year 5 student by name, not only those in their own class. That sense of familiarity builds trust and a strong sense of belonging.
This is not just nice to have. It is foundational to wellbeing. According to our College’s Mental Health Strategy, belonging sits firmly on the protective side of the Mental Health Continuum. It supports students to feel safe, resilient and capable of facing challenges as they grow.
Routines That Reassure, Opportunities That Stretch
We combine structure and predictability with challenge and curiosity. Daily routines, designated play areas and calm transitions provide the comfort younger girls need. At the same time, enrichment classes, co-curricular opportunities and the Fearless5 emPOWER project begin to stretch them into confident learners and young changemakers.
Whether it is learning how to use the Science labs, exploring the Art studios or performing at assembly, our girls are constantly discovering what they are capable of. And it begins from week one.
Connection Beyond the Classroom
Connection is not limited to the classroom. Our Year 5 girls eat lunch together, play together and form friendships across all four classes and in their House. We foster this through Pastoral Care Time, House activities and shared play spaces. These are not just enjoyable extras. They are embedded in our approach to wellbeing.
"Isabella has loved her time so far at Santa Maria. I keep telling everyone that it has been the best move we have made starting her in Year 5. The school has been amazing with excellent communication. Her teacher is amazing and all the extra activities she has been able to do is just a bonus. We are so happy."
A Campus That Feels Like Home
Year 5 students are part of the full College community from the start. They become familiar with older students, move confidently around campus and grow in independence over time. This softens the transition to secondary school and sets them up for future success.
By the time they reach Year 7, they already know their way around and are proud to show others. The relationships they have formed give them a stable foundation to face new challenges.
The Mercy Welcome, Hospitality in Action
Belonging is not a buzzword for us. It is one of our core Mercy values, reflected in the way we greet new students, in our buddy systems and in how our staff model kindness and inclusion. It is present in every communication with families.
From our welcome morning tea to the regular check-ins from Deans and teachers, we ensure families feel part of the community too. When students know their parents are connected and supported, they feel more confident to thrive.
Giving Girls the Time and Space to Belong
Beginning at Santa Maria in Year 5 offers more than academic advantages; it provides girls with the time and space to belong, build trust, grow resilience, and develop the confidence to be themselves.
When we intentionally support students to feel connected from the very beginning, we are not only enhancing their learning. We are also strengthening their place on the Mental Health Continuum, keeping them in the thriving zone where they feel secure, valued and empowered to grow.
“Belonging does not just happen. We create it every day.
From the very first day, they are not only joining a school. They are becoming part of a community where they are seen, celebrated and supported. And that can make all the difference.
- BelonginginSchool, Featured, GirlsEducation, GirlsSchoolsPerth, PerthCatholicSchools, PrimarytoHighSchool, SantaMariaCollege, studentwellbeing, Year5Transition
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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