Quaere (Year 7)
Making a Successful Transition
Transitioning from primary to secondary school is a significant milestone for all students. At Assumption College, we ensure students are well supported throughout this process. This support is intentionally designed to prioritise wellbeing, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging from the very beginning of secondary school.
Our Transition Coordinator works closely with incoming Year 7 students to guide them into their new environment. This role also provides continuity and reassurance for families during the transition period.
To make the transition less overwhelming and set students up for a confident and successful start, the first day of the academic year is reserved exclusively for Year 7 and Year 12 students. This dedicated time allows our Year 7s to learn how to navigate the college, access their systems, understand their timetable, and locate their locker, all with the support of their senior buddies. This gentle introduction helps students feel settled and familiar with the College before the full school community returns.
Contemporary Quaere Curriculum
At Assumption College, our Year 7 Quaere program promotes a contemporary approach to learning that draws on the Victorian Curriculum learning areas and is rooted in an understanding of differentiated and personalised learning practices.
In Year 7, students work in core groups to provide a supportive and structured start to secondary school. This approach allows them to form meaningful connections with their peers, build confidence, and become familiar with the school environment and facilities without the added overwhelm of navigating multiple classes and teachers. Core groups play an important role in fostering consistency, connection, and a sense of safety during the first year of secondary school.
Year 7 Quaere subjects include: Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Health and Physical Education, and two Languages (French or Punjabi) on semester rotation. Your child will also experience term-based subjects on rotation in areas including media, performing arts, technology, and visual arts.
This structure provides both stability and variety, supporting engagement across a broad range of learning experiences.
Building Connections and Confidence
In Term 1, Year 7 students take part in a three-day Quaere Experience, which includes an overnight camp and a dedicated Retreat Day. This program is designed to help students broaden their friendship groups, connect with peers, and build strong relationships with their teachers outside of the classroom. These shared experiences help establish trust, belonging, and positive relationships early in the year.
Many older students reflect on this experience as one of the highlights of their secondary school years.
The Retreat Day takes place on campus and includes presentations, small-group discussions, and activities focused on the theme of Belonging and the Marist characteristic of Family Spirit. It’s a valuable opportunity for students to feel part of our community from the very beginning. This day supports students to feel connected to the values and spirit of the Assumption College community.
During the Year 7 Camp, students participate in a variety of activities that promote teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills. These experiences help students develop confidence, resilience, and friendships that will support them throughout their journey at Assumption College.
Life at Assumption College
A Guide for New Students and Families
Our Motto and Marist Identity
Our motto Quae Supra Quaere calls us all to seek the things that are above. As such, we challenge our young people to be reflective and to question popular culture in light of our faith tradition. We nurture them so that they may identify and develop their individual gifts and talents and, in the spirit of service, encourage them to share these gifts with others.
This motto underpins learning, relationships, and the way students are encouraged to grow throughout their time at the College.
What It Means to Be a Marist School
Assumption College is one of 600 Marist schools globally, educating young people in 80 different countries. Marist education was founded by Saint Marcellin Champagnat in 1817, in the Parish of La Valla in the Rhone Alps of France.
Assumption College is governed by Marist Schools Australia Limited (MSA Ltd). MSA Ltd is a public not-for-profit company limited by guarantee and registered with the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profit Commission. Its purpose is to advance education and religion, specifically to make Jesus Christ known and loved and to ensure quality Catholic education in the Marist tradition through its schools.
All Marists believe in the same five Marist Characteristics that govern our actions and underpin the way in which we live our lives. These characteristics will be referred to throughout your child’s journey.
- Presence: We develop a way of being, loving and doing. We seek to establish positive relationships with all members of the community.
- Simplicity: We strive to be people of integrity. Truthful, open-hearted, and transparent in all our relationships. We all need to value others and ourselves for who we are without pretense or dishonesty.
- Family Spirit: We relate to each other as members of a loving family. Acceptance and belonging prevail where everyone in our family has a sense of being valued and believed in.
- Love of Work: We are ready to roll up our sleeves. We are generous, constant, and persevering in our daily work and own ongoing learning.
- In the way of Mary: We are inspired to imitate Mary’s tenderness, strength, and devotion in faith.
The fundamental aspiration of Marist education, as explained 200 years ago by the founder Saint Marcellin Champagnat, is ‘to make Jesus Christ known and loved through quality education’. This is the mission of Marist Schools Australia Limited today.
Faith Life and Community Celebrations
Throughout the year, the Assumption College community comes together to celebrate Mass and liturgies at key times. Boarding students attend Mass each Friday morning, and Year 7 students are supported through Religious Education classes to understand the structure of the Mass and how to engage meaningfully.
Parents and carers are invited to attend College assemblies, liturgies, and celebrations when their child is being recognised for significant achievement. All visitors are asked to sign in at Reception on arrival.
A Typical School Day
Each school day consists of four class periods, with scheduled breaks for recess and lunch. Students move between classes during the day and do not return to their locker between Period 2 and Period 3.
Clear routines and expectations help students build confidence and independence as they adjust to secondary school life.
| Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday | Wednesday | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 8:25AM - 8:55PM | 8:30AM – 9:00AM | |
| Learning Mentor Group (LMG) | 9:00AM – 9:15AM | - | |
| Period 1 | 9:20AM – 10:30AM | 9:05AM – 10:15AM | |
| Recess | 10:30AM – 11:00AM | 10:15AM – 10:45AM | |
| Period 2 | 11:05AM – 12:15PM | 10:50AM – 12:00PM | |
| Period 3 | 12:20PM – 1:30PM | 12:05PM – 1:15PM | |
| Lunch | 1:30PM – 2:00PM | 1:15PM – 1:45PM | |
| Period 4 | 2:05PM – 3:15PM | 1:50PM – 3:00PM | |
| Supervision | 3:15PM – 4:15PM | 3:00PM – 4:15PM | |
Breaks and Term Structure
As Assumption College welcomes both day and boarding students, the school calendar includes Exeat Week. This provides all students with an extended mid year break to spend time with family and acknowledges the College’s six day co curricular program. Exeat Week extends the winter holiday period to three weeks.
Communication With Families
Families are kept informed through multiple channels. The school calendar is published on SIMON and includes key dates throughout the year. Video newsletters are shared by email, alongside the quarterly digital publication Shandon Calls. Additional updates may be communicated via email, SMS, or PAM notifications.
If you need to contact your child during the school day, families are asked to phone Reception (03 5783 5000) to request a message be passed on. Students may also access their email account during the day. Personal mobile phones are not permitted for use during school hours.
Student ID Cards and Daily Essentials
The Student ID card is an essential part of daily life at Assumption College. It is used for library borrowing, bus travel, printing and copying, canteen purchases, and identification during assessments.
Year 7 students commencing at the beginning of the school year receive their card early in Term 1. Students commencing later in the year receive a temporary card on their first day, which is replaced following school photography.
Lockers and Belongings
Every student is allocated a locker in their House area and provided with a combination lock. Bags are not used during the school day and should be stored in lockers. Students collect materials as required throughout the day.
Lockers provide a secure place for belongings, including mobile phones, which should remain stored during school hours. Students with larger items such as sports equipment or musical instruments are supported to store these appropriately.
Food and Canteen Services
The school canteen, known as The Ref, offers a wide range of food and drink options including hot meals, snacks, and drinks. Options are available for students with dietary requirements.
The Ref is open before school, at recess, and at lunch, and is closed after school.
Homework Expectations
Homework requirements vary throughout the year and increase as students progress through secondary school. In Year 7, it is recommended that students allow approximately one hour each evening for subject revision and reading.
Co-curricular Participation
Participation in at least one co-curricular activity each year is compulsory for all students, with a minimum attendance requirement. Co-curricular involvement supports social, physical, and emotional development and provides opportunities for students to explore interests, build friendships, and develop confidence.
Parents and carers are welcome to attend sporting matches, performances, and events where students are participating. Training sessions and rehearsals are not open to spectators unless specified.
Lost Property
If a student misplaces an item of uniform or personal property, Student Services in The Well is the best place to begin. Families are encouraged to clearly label all uniform items to assist with easy return.
Start Strong and Dream Big in Year 7
At Assumption College, Year 7 is the start of an exciting new chapter. We provide a welcoming and nurturing environment to help students transition smoothly into secondary school, build lasting friendships, and embrace new opportunities.
Contact us today on +61 3 5783 5000 or email reception to learn more about how we can make your child’s Year 7 experience unforgettable.