Year 7, 2025 Information

To support you and your child during this exciting time, we have planned several events designed to help you and your child get acquainted with Guildford Grammar, meet fellow students and parents, and start forming the strong bonds that will carry us through the coming years together. We understand this may seem like a lot of information, but rest assured that we will guide you through each stage of this comprehensive program.

These events have been thoughtfully planned to give you and your child multiple opportunities to familiarise yourselves with our school environment and processes, meet key staff members, and establish new friendships. We believe that these early connections will help ease any anxieties and build a strong foundation for the years ahead.

We are thrilled to have you join the Senior School at Guildford Grammar and look forward to sharing this journey with you.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Contact:

Keralee Radi
Assistant Deputy Principal (Years 7-8)
keralee.radi@ggs.wa.edu.au

 

6.00pm – 7.30pm

Dining Hall

Tea & coffee provided

Parent only event.

Parents/Guardians are invited to attend an information session, an essential event designed to provide you with all the information you need as your child transitions to the Senior School. During this session, you will learn about our school’s philosophy, curriculum, and the support services available to students and families. We will cover key topics such as the academic program, extracurricular opportunities, our approach to student wellbeing, IT, and the various resources available to help your child succeed. This is also a wonderful opportunity to meet our dedicated staff, ask any questions you may have, and connect with other parents. Boarding families who are unable to make this evening with be provided with a recording of the information. This event is not for students or siblings.

8.30am for a 9.00am start
Concludes: 1.15pm

As part of the transition process, all incoming students must sit for compulsory baseline testing. This essential step helps us understand your child’s current academic level across key subjects. The baseline testing ensures that we can tailor our teaching approaches to meet each student’s individual needs, set appropriate goals, and monitor progress effectively throughout their time at GGS. The tests are structured to be non-stressful and informative, providing valuable insights that support your child’s educational journey. A home-test option is available for our regional families. You can learn more about the AAS Testing here.

More details will be provided closer to the date.

Students who are joining our boarding community have the opportunity to attend a sleepover during our Boarders’ Orientation Weekend. This event allows new boarders to experience life in our Boarding House firsthand, supported by existing boarders who will share their experiences and highlight the many positives of boarding life. It’s a great chance for new students to settle in, make new friends, and feel more comfortable in their new environment. Boarders will stay overnight on the Sunday and be taken to Step Up Day on the Monday.

Compulsory student event.

More details will be provided closer to the date.

Students

Step Up Day is an exciting day where all Year 7 students (day and Boarding) engage in a variety of activities aimed at introducing them to their cohort and House in a fun, informal setting. This event helps students get to know one another, build friendships, and feel more at ease as they transition to secondary school.

Parents

Parents are invited to stay for the morning to attend a special presentation by guest presenter Claire Eaton from ‘Hello High School’, a well-renowned tween expert, coach, and author. Claire will share some fabulous tips for parents who are supporting their children’s move into a new school or environment. Following the presentation, parents are welcome to join us for morning tea.

(Boarders only)

More details will be provided closer to the date.

All boarding students from Years 7-12 will move in on this day.

We warmly invite boarding parents and students to join us for the Welcome BBQ, a wonderful opportunity to connect with one another and celebrate our vibrant boarding community.

Year 7 students to meet in Thwaites Centre Courtyard

Summer Uniform

More details will be provided closer to the date.

Students

The first day of Year 7 is a special occasion at Guildford Grammar, designed to help our Year 7 students ease into the school year with confidence. Year 7 students will share the senior campus with only the Year 12 students, allowing them to explore and become familiar with their new surroundings without the hustle and bustle of the full student body.

While students in Years 7 and 12 will commence school on today, boarding students in Years 8-11 will have a special social program planned as they commence school on Wednesday 29 January.

Parents

At Guildford Grammar School, Chapel services mark two of the most significant moments in a student’s journey. At the beginning of their time at the School, Year 7 students will participate in a special Chapel service where they process into the Chapel, symbolising the start of their new chapter with at the School. This momentous occasion sets the stage for their years of growth and learning. At the end of their journey, as Year 12 students, they will take part in the Valedictory Service, processing out of the Chapel as they conclude their schooling. This Service celebrates their achievements and reflections, bringing their school journey to a meaningful close as they become a treasured Old Guildfordian. Both services are deeply cherished traditions that unite our students and families in celebration and reflection.

We warmly invite all parents to join us for these poignant services. Your presence will add to the joy and significance of these milestones as we come together to support and celebrate our students at the start of their journey at the School.

Transition Week is a dedicated period at Guildford Grammar to help our Year 7 students acclimate to their new school environment. Throughout this week, activities and tours led by staff and Peer Support Leaders will ensure that the Year 7 students feel comfortable and welcome. Transition Week is filled with excitement, new friendships, and the beginning of many great adventures ahead, setting a positive tone for the school year.

Parent only event.

More details will be provided closer to the date.

Hosted by the Parents and Friends’ Society, the P&F Welcome Sundowner is a casual and enjoyable event to start the school year. This is a fantastic opportunity for parents to socialise, meet other families across different year groups, and connect with our dedicated staff. Enjoy a relaxed evening with light refreshments, great conversation, and a warm community spirit. It’s the perfect way to start the school year, build new friendships, and become part of the vibrant GGS community.

More details will be provided closer to the date.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast while engaging in meaningful conversations about the exciting year ahead. It’s a great way to connect with other families, learn more about the Year 7 experience, and establish a strong foundation for the school year. This event provides another wonderful opportunity for parents to meet their child’s mentor in both a group and one-on-one basis and delve into the specifics of life in Year 7.

More details will be provided closer to the date.

Year 7 Camp, held in Term 3, is a key milestone in the transition to secondary school. This immersive experience offers students the chance to strengthen existing friendships, forge new ones, and reflect on their journey so far. Through a range of engaging activities and team-building exercises, students will deepen their connections with classmates and build a solid foundation for moving into Year 8. Our OLP is not only a fun and memorable adventure but also an important opportunity for personal growth and community building as students prepare for the next stage of their GGS journey.

Student Devices
The School is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of our BYOD Student Device Program. As part of this review, we are exploring the possibility of transitioning to a school-provided device model, staged for different Year levels over a two-year period.. We will communicate with families by early Term 4 with more information on this matter. In the meantime, please do not purchase any technology devices for your child for 2025.

Subject Selections
Information regarding what subjects are on offer for Year 7 and how to make your subject selections will be emailed out to families in mid-late August.

House Allocation
House Allocation will be communicated with families prior to Step Up Day.

New Student Uniform Fittings
New student uniform fittings are available with the Clothing Shop by appointment throughout November, December, and January. Boarding families will also have an additional opportunity for fittings pre and post the Boarding Orientation Weekend/Step Up Day. We will provide a booking link and further details closer to the time.