Starting Year 7
Starting high school is an exciting milestone for students and families. Moving from Year 6 to Year 7 can feel like a big change. We help every child feel confident and supported during the transition to high school.
Find out more in the Getting ready for high school guide.
First day for students in 2027
Wednesday 3 February 2027
The first day of school for all students is Wednesday 3 February 2027. Year 7 students will assemble in the school hall.
What to expect in high school
High school brings new experiences and routines, including:
- a larger school with more subjects, teachers and classrooms
- a timetable with different lessons each day
- moving between classrooms and carrying books and equipment
- more independence and responsibility for homework and study
- new friendships and opportunities to join activities and clubs.
Before your child starts Year 7
Enrolment consultation
Before your child begins, families may be asked to meet with our principal. This is a time to share:
- medical conditions or allergies
- family circumstances that may affect your child’s start
- any learning or wellbeing needs.
We will also explain the supports our school provides, such as:
- support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through personalised learning pathways
- extra support for students learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D)
- support for students with disability or other learning needs through inclusive education programs.
Learn more about additional learning support and enrolment requirements at our school.
Our transition program
At Hunter River High School, we value the strong partnership we have with local primary schools. We begin preparing students for Year 7 early through our Stage 3 into Stage 4 transition program.
This collaborative approach involves teachers from both primary and high school settings working closely together to support prospective students. Our goal is to ensure every student feels confident, engaged, and excited about beginning their high school journey.
Our Partner Primary schools:
- Raymond Terrace Public School
- Seaham Public School
- Tanilba Bay Public School
- Salt Ash Public School
- Karuah Public School
Staff from these primary schools work with staff from Hunter River High School to develop stronger links with some of the following activities:
- Literacy Write a Book In a Day Challenge
- HPGE-Selected students to visit HRHS and experience STEM lessons
- PBL, building stronger relationships in the community through Positive Behaviour for Learning
- Maths, Building Thinking Classrooms
- CAPA participation in Showcase night, performances at primary schools, dance workshop
- PDHPE participate in a sport day at HRHS, students from HRHS to coach and referee sports at our Partner Primary schools
Contact us to learn more.
STEM Day - Friday 19 June 9.30am – 1.30pm
Maths – Building Thinking Classrooms - Wednesday 24 June 9.45am – 1.30pm
HPGE Exploring Excellence full-day in-take session (by invitation) - Wednesday 5 August Friday 9.30am – 1.30pm
STEM Day Year 6 Girls - Thursday 6 August 9.30am – 1.30pm
Write a Book in a Day Challenge - Wednesday 19 August 8am - 6pm
Sports Day - Friday October 23 9.30am – 1.20pm
HPGE Class Day - Wednesday 28 October 9.30am – 1.30pm
Small Schools and Additional Schools Orientation Day - Friday 13 November 9.30am – 1.30pm
“Day in the life of a Clontarf boy”- Wednesday 18 November
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students Transition Day - Tuesday 24 November
Year 7 2027 Orientation Day - Tuesday 1 December 9.30 – 1.30
Additional Calendar Dates:
Clontarf Academy will be in contact to organise times to visit Year 6 Aboriginal boys.
The Cultural Team will also be in contact to organise Wakulda visits with Year 6 Aboriginal students.
Our RISE Team will hold transition days during Term 4. This program will be run from Week 2 - 7.
(These dates and times are subject to change. Please communicate with your primary school or Hunter River High staff to ensure details are still correct)
Year 7 Orientation Day
Orientation day for students attending in 2027 which will include subject tasters and classroom visits.
Date: Tuesday 1 December 2026
Time: 9am - 1:30pm
Contact us for more information.
Preparing for Year 7
Year 7 Parent/Carer & Student Information Session
Join our next high school information session to learn about daily schedules, uniforms and communication.
Date: Tuesday 1 December 2026
Time: 6pm - 7:30pm
Location: School MPC
Contact us for more information.
Getting ready at home
You can help your child prepare by:
- talking positively about starting high school
- buying uniforms, shoes, stationery and school supplies
- checking if a laptop or device is needed
- practising their travel route to school
- making sure they know your phone number and emergency contacts
- encouraging routines such as packing their school bag
- encouraging them to check their timetable and school bell times the night before day 1 of Term 1.
For more advice, see the Getting ready for high school guide.
Inspire – High potential and gifted education
Hunter River High School provides an opportunity for students entering Year 7 to apply for selection into our HPGE class.
Hunter River High School provides the right support to help advanced or talented learners grow and do their best.
We notice these students early. They may learn quickly or show strong skills in creativity, leadership, problem solving or sport. We help them stay challenged with lessons and activities that match their strengths.
Students entering Year 7 can apply for selection into our HPGE class.
As a student in our HPGE class, students will need to develop their own strengths, undertake challenging activities, have opportunities for creative activity and student initiated activities and they are encouraged to strive for excellence.
Selection for this class is listed below:
- An application outlining achievements, and extra-curricular activities
- Critical and Creative Thinking: participate in team-based challenges
- Profile: Completion of a profile sheet by their classroom teacher.
Visit our High Potential and Gifted Education page or Contact us to learn more about how we support high potential and gifted learners.