Finding Your Place at a New School: Ashton’s Guide
At Foci Education, we love to celebrate student voices. This week, Ashton (Year 5) shares his journey of starting a new school and offers advice to help other students — and reassure parents — about how to make the transition a little easier.
Hi, I’m Ashton!
Have you ever regretted leaving everything behind at your old school just to have a fresh new start, just because your parents said so? Well, that totally happened to me. But in just two terms, I’ve managed to adapt to a new environment, make new friends, and fit into this new community.
Here’s how I did it.
Time as Your Secret Weapon
Feeling swamped by homework and study? Don’t worry. Balance is the key. I like to think of it as the “8,8,8” cycle: 8 hours of focused study, 8 hours of family and downtime, and 8 hours of proper rest. This rhythm keeps me energised and helps me prepare for big exams like NAPLAN or end-of-year tests without burning out.
Calm Minds Win the Day
When you arrive at a new school, tests like NAPLAN can feel overwhelming. I found it stressful at first, but I learned that staying calm — and not filling my head with too much worry — makes all the difference. If you can keep your cool, you’ll approach tests with confidence and perform much better. Remember: over-practising can be just as unhelpful as under-preparing.
Courage Opens Doors
Being brave isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. High school comes with new opportunities that you might not have had before. Most of my classmates admitted they were nervous at first, but with so many clubs — Chess, Debating, sports, JSJ, SSJ — there’s something for everyone. Joining in not only builds your skills but also helps you meet friends who could be with you for life.
Friendship is the Real Prize
Friends are what make school truly enjoyable. You’ll create lasting memories together, especially if you join different groups and activities. But I’ve also noticed that some kids arrive without knowing anyone. That’s why it’s important to look out for people who seem a bit lonely. You never know — reaching out could spark a friendship that changes someone’s whole experience.
Closing Thoughts
Here’s my advice: don’t overload yourself with study, don’t stress too much, be brave, and build friendships. Even if you feel like the “odd one out,” a little courage goes a long way. If I can do it, you can too. And here’s one last piece of wisdom: “Do. Or do not. There is no try.” You probably know who that’s from!
*Master Yoda (Star Wars!!)
