Getting lost, making new friends and adjusting to later lunchtimes are just a few of the things girls told us they are feeling nervous about for next year. We know that starting a new school, or even just making the transition from Junior to Senior School, can feel incredibly daunting. To make that process a little easier, each year we host an Orientation Day across the school.

In the Junior School, new students experience a day in the life at St Cath’s, spending time in classrooms, joining specialty lessons, and enjoying the playground. Staff incorporate games and icebreaker activities to help the girls get to know one another and start forming lasting friendships.

This year, our Music lessons became movement workshops where new and current students worked together in groups to create routines. From the smiles and laughter that filled the room, it was clear that everyone was settling in beautifully.

Now I know some new girls and what the classes will be like. I think I’ll be more confident on my first day.

Elena W (Year 7 2026)

Meanwhile, in Senior School, our incoming Year 7 students — from both the Junior School and beyond — spent the day discovering Senior School together. The morning began in House groups, where the girls took part in activities led by our 2026 Student Leadership Team.

They had the chance to ask questions, connect with older students, and begin building the friendships that will support them next year. As part of those activities, the girls created t-shirts that represent them, which will be included in their time capsules to be opened at the end of Year 12.

 “I’m already looking forward to seeing my shirt again and looking at how I have changed and grown,” Caylee N (Year 7 2026) shared, “It will be really interesting to see all the things that I loved when I was younger when I’m old in Year 12.”

Later, the girls joined an assembly before heading to a series of simulation classes designed to give them a taste of what’s to come. “I love designing things, so I loved going to the Technologies Lab,” said Mila M (Year 7, 2026). “We drilled into blocks of wood to make a candle holder. It was so cool, and I’m definitely looking forward to learning more things like that next year.”

Elena W (Year 7, 2026) also enjoyed her classes, especially creating apple slices with googly eyes in Food Tech. “The leaders and teachers really made us feel welcome,” she said. “Now I know some new girls and what the classes will be like. I think I’ll be more confident on my first day.”

Her future classmate, Ella H, agreed. Coming into the school as a new student, she had felt nervous about not knowing anyone or where to go. “Today has been really fun because we’ve done so many things together,” she said. “We went to an assembly, had classes, and I’ve made lots of new friends as well.”