General checklist

• Does your child have allergies or a health condition? If so, talk to the high school principal as soon as possible.
• If your child has additional learning and wellbeing needs, talk to your primary school about your child’s transition to high school. They should be able to help you start a conversation with the high school, to set up the right support for your child.
• Buy school uniforms, appropriate footwear, books, stationery, school bag, drink bottle, house key and any other supplies.
• Find out whether your child will need a device such as a laptop. If you are buying a device, check the recommended minimum requirements with your school.
• Find out the school’s position on mobile phones.
• Label everything.
• Follow your school and the department on social media to see relevant updates.
• Learn how you can become involved in the school.
• Connect with other parents on social media.
• Provide your current contact details to the school.
• Talk positively to your child about the move to high school. Ask them what’s exciting about high school. Does anything worry them?
• Provide your child with money and your contact numbers in case of emergencies.
• Make sure you save or have the school’s phone number with you.
• Remind your child that there are specialist staff who they can talk to if required.

Getting to and from school safely

Getting your child to and from school is your responsibility – however your child’s school wants this to happen safely every day.

Pick the safest way to school and practise travelling the route with your child, talking about and showing them how to be a safe road user.

• Plan and practise walking routes with your child. Discuss what they will do before and after school, and when they need to be home.
• Talk about what to do when they’re running late, feel unsafe travelling to or from school, miss the bus or train, lose their travel pass, or it’s wet weather.
• Discuss how distractions such as talking on the phone, texting or using headphones can affect their safety when travelling.
• If your child will be travelling by public transport, help them plan the route. Use the trip planner.
• Help your child organise a school Opal card or bus pass if travelling by public transport. Phone 131 500 or go to Transport for NSW school travel.