Year 5s and 7s First Week! – Video Interview
A Warm Welcome to Our Year 5 and Year 7 Students
The first week of school is always filled with a mix of excitement, nerves and new beginnings. For our Year 5 and Year 7 students, it marks a big step forward. New classrooms, new routines and plenty of new faces. After just one week, it is already clear that the Years 5 and 7 students are settling in beautifully.
To capture these early impressions, we spent some time chatting with students from across Year 5 and Year 7. Their reflections say a lot about the welcoming culture and sense of belonging that defines life at Santa Maria College.
See the video below:
Finding Their Feet in Year 7
Starting secondary school is a significant milestone and our Year 7 students have embraced it with confidence and curiosity. Many shared that learning their way around the campus, adjusting to different classes and meeting new friends have been the highlights of their first few days.
One theme came through strongly. Support.
Winnie summed it up simply, saying she loved having “lovely teachers that were really kind to us.” That sense of care makes a big difference in those early days.
Emily shared her excitement about discovering new opportunities, especially co-curricular activities. “My favourite thing has been Dance classes. I am very passionate about it and I am really glad that they have extra curriculums like this,” she said. It is wonderful to see students already finding spaces where they can explore their interests and feel at home.
For Essie, it was the people who stood out most. “Everyone is super nice with helping you find your way around the school,” she explained. A small gesture, but one that makes a big impact when you are experiencing high school for the first time.
Big Smiles in Year 5
For our Year 5 students, the first week has been just as positive. Their excitement is contagious and their confidence is already shining through.
Fia shared her favourite parts of the week, saying she loved “having Miss M as my teacher, swimming and learning French.” From specialist subjects to supportive teachers, there has been plenty to enjoy.
Across all Year 5 classes, the most popular responses were clear. Making new friends and having the best teachers topped the list. Those connections are at the heart of a strong and happy start to school life.
Belonging From Day One
What stands out most from these conversations is the strong sense of belonging felt by students across both year groups. From helpful classmates to caring teachers, our Mercy values of hospitality and compassion are being lived out every day.
The first week is only the beginning, but it sets the tone for the year ahead. If these early reflections are anything to go by, our Year 5 and Year 7 students are off to a confident and joyful start.
We cannot wait to see how they continue to grow, learn and find their place in our community.
- Australian Boarding Schools, Featured, Mercy Values In Action, Primary to secondary transition, Santa Maria College Perth, School community, Starting high school, Student Wellbeing, Year 5 transition, Year 7 transition
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.
Weekly Wrap Up – Week 4, Term 3
The Joy of Dance Comes to Life on Stage
