Orientation Day 2025

Orientation Day marks the beginning of a remarkable journey. It is the moment where bright minds step into a school community dedicated to academic excellence, agricultural innovation, and student growth and development in all areas. At Hurlstone Agricultural High School, Orientation Day is not just an introduction to the school, it is an induction into a community that expects, inspires, and achieves at the highest level. It is where students first experience the rigour, opportunity, and spirit that define Hurlstone and step into a school where effort meets aspiration, and where learning is both an individual pursuit and a collective commitment to excellence.

This day signifies more than arrival. It begins a process of belonging to something greater. Every student who walks through our gates joins a proud lineage of thinkers, innovators, and achievers who embody the values of curiosity, diligence, and service.

Our Orientation Day this year will welcome the incoming Year 7, 2026, students as well as Year 8-11, 2026, enrolments.

Orientation Day sets the standard from the very beginning for all new enrolments.

Please note: No on-site parking is available to visitors. Please use public transport (Glenfield is the nearest train station) or make use of the multi-story commuter carpark on Station Road.

Check back regularly for updated information.

Orientation Day 2025

What to Expect on Orientation Day

Our Orientation Day is designed to immerse students and families in the culture of high expectations that defines Hurlstone. From the first welcome to the closing reflection, the program introduces students to the routines, skills, and relationships that underpin success at our school. Students will meet their future peers and teachers, explore the school's facilities, and engage in experiences that build confidence and connection.

Every aspect of the day reflects our belief that success is earned through effort and guided by purpose. Future students will begin to understand not only what it means to be part of Hurlstone, but what will be expected of them academically, personally, and as contributors to our school community. Parents and carers will see and hear firsthand how Hurlstone’s learning environment, values, and supports nurture excellence and resilience.

Orientation Day is the first step in a journey of high achievement, leadership, and lifelong learning for our future students.

Transition to Our High School

The transition to our high school marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, one defined by challenge, growth, and excellence. At Hurlstone Agricultural High School, this step signifies entry into a community of high achievement where curiosity, effort, and purpose are celebrated. We recognise that strong beginnings create lasting success: A confident start lays the foundation for academic distinction, personal integrity, and leadership.

Our approach to transition is intentional and evidence-based. We work closely with partner primary schools to understand each student’s strengths, learning habits, and potential, ensuring that the high expectations of secondary schooling build seamlessly on the achievements of primary years. At Hurlstone, every student is encouraged to move beyond comfort towards thinking critically, engaging deeply, and striving for excellence in all areas of their development.

Through a planned approach to the continuity of learning, aligned curriculum, and a culture that values effort and resilience, students begin their Hurlstone journey equipped to meet challenge with confidence. This is not simply a move to a new school; it is the first step in joining a tradition of excellence that extends from our classrooms to our farm, our boarding house, and beyond.

The Department of Education has a range of resources available for parents and carers to assist in navigating the transition to a new high school:

Preparing for Boarder Orientation Day 2025

Boarder Orientation Day is yet another opportunity for our new boarder families starting in Years 7-11 in 2026 to meet with current boarders and to develop a better understanding of our facilities, support mechanisms, policies, and procedures. The agenda for the day and evening is available on this page. In addition, we provide you with the following information to support a positive experience that will leave everyone confident in their preparedness for boarding next year.

What to do before Orientation Day

• Families will need to arrange accommodation close by the school for Monday the 1st of December. Our new boarders will stay with the current students in the residential facility and experience a full 24 hours as a boarder.

What to Bring

• There is a packing list at the bottom of the Boarding School Orientation Program. All meals will be provided to the students in the dining hall and take-away recess will be provided for Tuesday, December 2nd. Lunch on that day will be provided as part of the day-school orientation program.
• Lunch for all attendees will be provided on arrival at the school.
• Families staying close by are invited to join the Boarding Executive for dinner on December 1st at The Sherwood - we will send out a separate RSVP for that event. Those family members travelling to us on public transport or by plane, will be supported to travel to and from the dinner using the school vehicles.

What to Wear

• Tidy casual clothes (closed in shoes, a T-shirt and pants/skirt) will be all that is needed for the day and evening activities on December 1st.
• Current school uniforms (as described in the details below/above) for Tuesday, December 2nd.

When to Arrive

• Please plan to arrive between 12noon and 1pm at the school front office. Parents will sign in and be escorted over to the boarding school for lunch and show where the uniform shop is for uniform try-ons.
• During the afternoon students will be issued keys to their room for this event. Note that the room students stayed in as part of our orientation programs this year will not necessarily reflect the room or type of room they will be accommodated in for 2026. If you have not already done so, speak with the Boarding School Executive to get more details about the type of room you will have next year.

Whole School Orientation Day - Tuesday December 2nd

• Students will be supported by our Duty Team to prepare for Tuesdays events and to pack up their belongings in readiness to depart later that day.

• Parents should arrive back at school on Tuesday morning to join their children in the orientation events.

• Students should be packed up on Tuesday morning and will be able to return to the residential blocks at the conclusion of the orientation events to collect their belongings and hand in their keys. Families should then be able to depart for home.

Preparing for Orientation Day (December 2, 2025)

Orientation Day is an exciting and important occasion and the first step into the Hurlstone Agricultural High School community. To make the most of this experience, students and parents are encouraged to arrive prepared, confident, and ready to engage fully in the day’s activities.

What to Wear

• Students should proudly wear their current school uniform, representing the achievements and community that have prepared them for this next stage. Comfortable shoes are essential, as the day will involve movement between sessions, tours, and hands-on activities across our campus.

What to Bring

• Students should bring writing materials such as a pen or pencil, and a water bottle in a small backpack. Any required medications (for example, asthma puffers or Epipens) should be brought by students and clearly labelled.
• A BBQ lunch will be provided, offering halal chicken sausages, vegetarian sausages, and gluten-free options. Students are also welcome to bring their own lunch if they prefer. To ensure belongings remain safe, valuable items should be left at home.

When You Arrive

• Upon arrival at Edmondson Hall, students should proceed to the table labelled for their relevant year for 2026. There, they will sign in and receive a class sticker for the day’s activities. Please note that these class groupings are for Orientation Day only and are not indicative of classes for 2026. If a name does not appear on the list, staff will ensure a class allocation is promptly arranged.

At Hurlstone, preparation is an act of respect, for yourself, your peers, and the opportunities that await. Arriving ready demonstrates the initiative, organisation, and pride that define every Hurlstone student from their very first day.

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