Future Cobram Secondary College students get a taste of high school

By Gabriel Garcia

Dec 15, 2022

Future students: Cobram Secondary College’s high abilities co-ordinator and science teacher George Allen talks to future students Atheana Siciliano and Erika Patterson from St Joseph’s Primary School. Photo by Gabriel Garcia

The future students of Cobram Secondary College got a taste of high school on Tuesday, December 13 with an orientation day which saw them experience some of the school’s first-class facilities.

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Teachers and school student leaders guided the excited future students, 79 in total, in a range of classes, including physical education, science (where they made putty), woodwork, maths and music.

They also enjoyed a nice barbecue.

Excited and hungry: St Joseph’s Primary School students Abigail Smith, Payton Van Every and Evie Quinane enjoy a sausage sizzle at their new school. Photo by Gabriel Garcia

Isabel French is one such new student. The soon-to-be high school student was excited about the new learning opportunities which awaited her in 2023.

“It's fun to learn more things than you already know,” Isabel said.

A keen maths student, Isabel is eager to dive into the advanced maths subjects that high school students can learn, however a passion for the flute sees the Year 6 student also wanting to join one of the college’s bands.

With siblings already enrolled at Cobram Secondary College, Isabel already has an insight into college life — with an understanding that the teachers are friendly.

Asked if she was nervous about the big step in her life, Isabel admitted that she had the common fears surrounding making new friends.

However, that fear was soon allayed as she jumped into meeting her new fellow students.

“I've got to learn some new people and have more fun in my class,” Isabel said.

For those students with no previous connection to the college, student leaders were on hand to assist them and quell any nerves.

Cobram Secondary College principal Kimberley Tempest said the presence of the student leaders helped the new students to connect to the school and make the milestone jump easier.

“Our student leaders are wonderful mentors to our Year 7s. They understand what it's like to start school as a shy Year 7 student and they're familiar with the challenges students face. Our student leaders are looking to connect with and support their younger peers,” she said.

Ms Tempest added that the staff were just as eager and excited to meet the new students.

“It’s a privilege and honour to be part of supporting a child's growth to adulthood. School staff watch as children grow into young adults and get to celebrate, commiserate and challenge students throughout these years of growth and transition,” Ms Tempest said.

Among the facilities the students will enjoy during their time at the college they will have access to a fully functioning gym, metal, wood and automotive facilities, an award-winning music program and the option to take on multiple VET courses.

A student resource centre is currently being refurbished and will also be available to the new students.

The seniors watching over the new students: Cobram Secondary College Goodman House captain Abbie Redman, Numurkah Primary School’s Ava Gundrill, St Joseph's Primary School's Isabella Spataro and Cobram Secondary College captain Caitlyn Knight. Photo by Gabriel Garcia

Future students have their say

Four of the 79 new students who will call Cobram Secondary College their home away from home were asked what they were most looking forward to about high school. This is what they had to say:

Evie Quinane - St Joseph’s Primary School Cobram