Getting ready for high school: A checklist for parents

Prepare supplies: Buy what you need. Uniforms, stationery, books, a school bag, a water bottle and a lunchbox. Check if the school requires devices like a laptop.

Get to know the school: Find out where the main office is, drop off and pick up points, start and finish times and important dates e.g. orientation days, term dates, parent-teacher meetings.

Understand policies: Look at the school's policies on uniforms, attendance, homework, behaviour, and mobile phones. You can usually find these in the orientation information or on the school’s website.

Stay connected: Follow the school's social media pages (like Facebook) and register for the parent portal. Save the school's contact information in your phone and make sure your contact details are up to date with the school.

Explore support options: Let the school know if your child has any allergies, health conditions, or disabilities. Check what support is available, e.g. mental health or learning assistance.

Get involved: Keep in contact with your child's teachers and attend school events and parent-teacher meetings. Check your child’s class timetable to stay engaged with their education.

Plan travel: Plan the route to and from school. Make sure your child knows what to do in an emergency, e.g. what to do if they miss the bus or there are changes to their transport routine.

Encourage friendships: Talk about being open to making new friends and keeping old ones. Remind them that a lot of kids are in the same position.

Keep safe online: Talk about responsible internet use and how to stay safe online. Let your child know they can talk to you if they feel unsafe.

Stay positive: Talk about starting high school in a positive way. Ask your child what they're excited or worried about. Be available to listen and support your child, encourage open communication, and celebrate their achievements.

Download the PDF version of the checklist here

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For Aboriginal parents and carers:

Check if your child’s school has an Aboriginal Education Officer or similar role. They are there to support your child’s education and cultural needs.

Every day counts!

Missing a day of school here or there might not seem like much, but absences add up.

If your child misses...	That equals...	Which is...	And over 13 years of schooling, that's...
1 day a week	40 days a year	2 months a year	Almost 2.5 years
2 days a week	80 days a year	4 months a year	Over 5 years
3 days a week	120 days a year	Over half a school year	Almost 8 years

Going to school every day gives your child the best chance to succeed. If you're having trouble getting them to school, read our resources and contact your Family Partnership Coordinator for help.

Enjoy the journey

Starting high school is a big step, but with the right preparation and support, it can be a wonderful experience for you and your child. Enjoy this journey together!

We are here for you!

Your Family Partnership Coordinator is here to support you through each stage of your child's educational journey.

They can support you to problem-solve any challenges that may come up that affect your child's education.

They can also connect you to educational support programs or services in the community if you decide that's what you need.

You can find your Family Partnership Coordinator's contact details in My Smith Family.

Visit My Smith Family

End of article

Getting ready for high school: A checklist for parents

Key takeaways

As your child gets ready to start high school, you might feel a mix of pride, excitement, and maybe a bit of worry.

For Aboriginal parents and carers:

Every day counts!

Enjoy the journey

We are here for you!

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