‘RISE UP’ to calm learning
Year 7 marks a significant milestone in the transition from primary to secondary schooling, and at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School, students receive an extra layer of support to help them settle confidently into their new routines.
As part of their transition, students across our secondary schools have completed the school’s six-day RISE UP (Ready to Inspire, Succeed and Excel) Program, with Part 1 delivered during last year’s three-day Orientation and Part 2 continuing across the first three days of Term 1.
Designed to support a confident transition, the program equips students with the skills they need to engage successfully in St Paul’s learning culture and community. Through explicit instruction and clear explanations, students complete the RISE UP Program with a strong understanding of how the school’s values in action, along with the learning expectations and social behaviours required of a St Paul’s student.
Educators delivered a series of tailored activities and workshops, alongside guest speakers, to help students explore the school’s values of wisdom, integrity, compassion and respect, and how these are demonstrated in daily school life.
By the program’s conclusion, Year 7 students had built a clear understanding of classroom expectations, social behaviours and school routines, helping to foster wellbeing and prepare them for success on their pathway to VCE graduation.
Head of St Paul’s Traralgon Secondary School Leonie Clark said that when students understand clear, consistent expectations, including wearing their uniform, their wellbeing is supported and this contributes to a safe, predictable and calm learning environment. “It is anticipated that students will feel reassured by the predictability of expectations, safe in understanding the routines and that this will, in turn, foster greater wellbeing and independent learnership in each of our new Year 7 students; the graduating class of 2031!”, she said.
Following its successful introduction in 2025, the RISE UP Program was extended this year to the Warragul Campus. Ina addtion, Years 8 to 11 students took part in reminder sessions at the start of term to reinforce expectations for positive learning behaviours and uniform standards.