Hastings Secondary College

Excellence Innovation Opportunity Success

Transition Taster Tour Initiative: A Resounding Success

26 Mar 2024

Hastings Secondary College has launched a series of Transition Taster Tours to familiarise Year 6 students with their upcoming academic environment. These tours have been immensely successful, attracting over 100 families in the past few weeks alone, with their children reaping the benefits from the innovative initiative.

Led by Principal in Residence, Mr Phil Harris, and Community Liaison Officer, Miss Amy Schwarze, these small tour groups provide a tailored and interactive experience for students to explore the campus grounds and ask questions at their own pace. Participants have left buzzing with excitement and optimism about their transition to high school.

Our state-of-the-art facilities, including the newly constructed TAS (Technology and Applied Studies) and CAPA (Creative and Performing Arts) buildings, offer endless exciting opportunities for Hastings Secondary College students. Students were captivated by the modern and innovative learning studios, spaces, and amenities. They particularly enjoyed immersing themselves in the dynamic atmosphere and actively engaging with the abundant educational resources.

There was an appreciation for the contemporary furniture and equipment, along with learning in air-conditioned spaces, which enhances both comfort and productivity in the learning environment.

Port Macquarie Campus Principal, Mrs Kristen Miller, thoroughly enjoyed meeting with the Year 6 Tacking Point Public School students during the tours. "The Transition Taster Tours serve as a fantastic opportunity for these students to experience our innovative learning environment. I'm thrilled to see such keen interest from the community and look forward to welcoming more students into the college over the coming weeks. It’s also been lovely watching the students enjoy reconnecting with their previous principal, Mr Harris."

The school farm is an integral part of student learning at Hastings Secondary College. Mr Harris was delighted to see the students joy and excitement during the farm visits. "The farm experience goes beyond traditional learning—it's about fostering a deeper connection with nature and instilling values of care and respect for all living beings. It's heartwarming witnessing students engage with the farm animals and learn about responsibility and connection."

Hastings Secondary College is thrilled to now welcome Year 6 students from Hastings Public School for the Taster Transition Tours, offering the same enriching experience focused on exploring the college facilities and fostering excitement for learning. We anticipate that these tours will be equally well-received.

Port Macquarie Public School will have the opportunity to enjoy these tours at the beginning of Term 2. We look forward to extending a warm welcome to these incoming students, as we continue to see the positive impact of the Transition Taster Tours.