My Korowal Story
Korowal Parent
“Our daughter commenced year 6 at Korowal half way through the year and if we had known what a great move it would turn out to be we would have done it earlier”
We were all dreading our daughters transition into high school. We were all anxious about where to send her, how she would cope and the level of support she would receive. Our past school experiences had sometimes really let us all down, particularly our daughter, so although our hope was high our expectations were low. We had always had Korowal on our radar as a possible high school so when their open day came up in May the year before she was due to start high school we all went along to check it out.
From the minute we walked into the school we all had a good feeling and a sense that "yes!" I think we have found the right school. Our daughter started asking us from that day on if she could move to Korowal now! Initially we were reluctant to support this idea as we thought that it would be beneficial for our daughter to see the school year out at the school she was currently enrolled in, particularly because this was her 3rd school since starting school at aged 5. We were worried she would miss out not finishing the year with her group of peers and we were also worried about moving her again.
The more we thought about it the more sense it began to make so we decided to bite the bullet and give it a go. Our daughter commenced year 6 at Korowal half way through the year and if we had known what a great move it would turn out to be we would have done it earlier. There were so many benefits to transitioning her earlier. She quickly formed a group of friends and really loved being a part of the school. We expected a honeymoon period so tried not to get too excited by how well she had settled in. As the months rolled on she remained happy and content and seemed to be really enjoying school for the first time since Kindergarten! When the year ended our daughter graduated year 6 with the rest of her peers. She was very excited to go to the farewell and felt included and very much a part of that class and the school even though she had only been there for 6 months.
As the start of high school loomed closer well all felt a little anxious about how she would fair. Even though she had been at the school for 6 months and had visited the high school on many occasions our daughter was still quite anxious over the holiday period with lots of questions and worries.
Finally, the first day of high school arrived and it was a raging success! She came home so happy and excited, all of her anxiety was gone. Her transition was so seamless and easy. As parents we are still pinching ourselves at how easy it was. We are now one month into high school and our daughter is thriving. I think the main reasons for her successful transition are that the school really got the chance to know her well and were able to provide information to the high school that would support her with her transition. She also was not going to an entirely new school and was moving into high school with her peers whom she had already formed good relationships with. She felt included, understood and cared for and really felt a part of the school. She is really settled and happy and has had a fabulous start to high school. She even happily went off to camp a few weeks in, for the first time ever and really enjoyed herself. We could not be more happy with the way things have turned out.
Korowal Student
“Everyone sticks together and no one judges you for who your are”
I am so glad that I was already at Korowal before I transitioned into high school because I really got to know the other kids and when I started High School it was good to be there with them. The kids are all so friendly, everyone sticks together and no one judges you for who your are. Not having to go to a whole new school environment was really helpful too. Even though some things about starting high school were still scary, once I started everything was great, the teachers really care and help you if you are worried about something or having trouble with something, they are supportive and are encouraging towards whatever it is you are doing. Its a great school and I am really happy to be here.
