Helping New Students Feel at Home

Starting at a new school is an exciting milestone, but it can also bring a few first-day nerves. Fortunately, new students joining BIS Primary are welcomed by our wonderful Young Interpreters, who help make the transition into school life as smooth and positive as possible.

Every class from Year 1 to Year 6 has at least one Young Interpreter. These students are carefully selected because they consistently demonstrate our core values, including Care, Respect and Integrity. Before taking on their role, they complete specialised training that equips them with the skills and confidence to support new students and help them feel welcome from day one.

At the Junior Campus, our Young Interpreters from Years 3 to 6 went the extra mile by arriving at school a day early to support new families during the Orientation Morning. Wearing their distinctive purple sashes and welcoming smiles, they greeted students as they arrived, helped them navigate their new surroundings, and introduced them to their classmates. Through campus tours, friendly conversations and acts of kindness, they quickly helped new students feel comfortable, connected and confident in their new environment.

Meanwhile, at the Early Years and Infant (EY&I) Campus, Young Interpreters also played an important role during the Orientation Morning by offering guided tours to new children and their families. Their warm welcome helped families become familiar with the campus, answer questions, and ease any anxieties about starting at a new school. These first connections helped create a strong sense of belonging before the school year had even begun.

The maturity, independence and enthusiasm shown by our Young Interpreters across both campuses were truly impressive. It was wonderful to see new students settling in so quickly, making friends and beginning to feel part of the BIS community.

Since the start of term, Young Interpreters at both the EY&I and Junior Campuses have continued to play an invaluable role in helping new students establish routines, build friendships and feel a sense of belonging. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our Young Interpreters for their commitment, compassion and outstanding support. They are fantastic ambassadors for our school and a wonderful example of the caring, inclusive community that makes BIS so speciall.