'Embracing the Transition to High School' program for Year 6 students from the Southern Illawarra Catholic Schools (SICS) being St Paul's Catholic Primary Albion Park; Nazareth Catholic Primary Shellharbour City Centre; Stella Maris Catholic Primary Shellharbour and Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Primary Kiama was successfully run again on November 12.

The four schools came together combining students and dividing them over two locations to be involved in the program. A special thank you to the year 7 & 8 students from St Joseph's Catholic School and Corpus Christi who attended the day as peer support leaders.

Finishing primary school and starting high school is one of the most significant changes a student can go through. The thought of starting high school is an exciting one, but this time can also lead to anxiety and periods of unease with some students. High school is a different ballgame - it is a much bigger community and there is no doubt that it takes some adjustment and preparation to a successful transition.

The 'Embracing the Transition to High School' program aims to provide students with psycho-social educational materials that can prepare and reduce their fears and concerns, and has been designed to support the social and emotional well-being of primary students in the transitioning phase.

High school is a place full of opportunities for students. They can make new friends, learn new skills and eventually make important decisions about their career and future; students just need to feel comfortable in their new environment.

The program which celebrated its second anniversary this year has seen an increase of SICS schools come on board. Rosanne Plunkett, School, Student and Family Program Manager said "This joint initiative with teaching staff led by our counsellors has received wonderful feedback from school principles. Research shows that those students who have a smoother transition between primary school and high school do better socially, emotionally and academically; this program is to help year 6 students with this big change".