Learnings

Our new Year 7 cohort collecting books from Anakalypsi (the Library) and in class top right and bottom right.

New Beginnings!

Can you remember back to your first day of high school? I have vague memories of 29 January 1996, my first day of Year 8 at high school, at none other than...Cornerstone College. I know! I can’t get away from the place! What can I remember of that first day? Mainly, I can remember the feelings I was experiencing as I walked up those familiar steps near the roundabout. I was extremely nervous at having to go to this new school, one which to me seemed outrageously big! I was a bit scared of the new teachers and worried that they were going to be very strict. This was high school after all, when things got serious! I also remember thinking that it was a certainty that I would get lost. That realisation only increased my anxiety. I am sure these feelings are very normal in this situation, but still they weren’t all that fun at the time.

We have recently welcomed over 150 new students to the College who were most likely experiencing many similar feelings to varying degrees. As a College, we know that helping students feel comfortable in their new school is important for their overall wellbeing. They need to feel a sense of belonging, and this begins with relationships. Cornerstone teachers show tremendous care and love towards all new students to help put any fears or concerns at ease as quickly as possible, and to make sure they know they are an important member of our community. Our Year 7 teachers consider the first day the most important of the year and are wonderful at beginning to build relationships right from the start. On this first day, students learn the ‘ins and outs’ of Cornerstone. They are shown around the College, they get to know the other students in their Core class, they organise their books and lockers and trays, they meet their House Leaders, they find their Home Group rooms, but most importantly they begin to get to know their Core teachers, who will play such an important role in their first year at Cornerstone. Day 1 at a school is full of nervousness and excitement, fears and hopes, and the beginning of new meaningful relationships. We look forward to watching all our new students grow and love and learn this year. Rhett Fielke Middle School Learning Area Leader