Old School / New School

Renna is a 12 year old artist who lives in our community. This year she moved to a nearby city and started at a new school. This striking image is an expression of how this threshold has felt for her. Her sense of being watched and monitored made her not want to go back to school the next day.

We sat down with Renna and her sister Sachi to ask them how their experience of starting in a new school has been, what helped and what they would say to others who are going through the same transition.

WHAT HAS IT BEEN LIKE MOVING TO A NEW SCHOOL?

Renna: Being in a new school is very different to what you are used to. Sometimes I still feel like I belong in Kyneton where I used to live, I lived there for over 10 years. In a new school the furniture is different, the atmosphere is different On your first day you feel like everyone is watching you. You are being watched at your every move. During class I felt like I was being monitored. It made me not want to go back to school the next day but when I did, they were used to me and the watching had stopped.

Sachi: So many people don’t know I exist. I’m not used to everyone being “do I know you? What’s your name?” At my old school I could walk around the school and always know someone.

WHAT HAS HELPED YOU IN THIS TIME?

Renna: We see your old friends quite often and chat to them online. Having a few friends at the new school really helps.

Sachi: Talking to friends after school helps. Sometimes when hanging with new friends at recess at lunch you can forget that you are in a new place at a new school and you can just have fun.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANOTHER YOUNG PERSON ABOUT TO CHANGE SCHOOLS?

Renna: Don’t feel like you are alone when people are trying to help you.

Sachi: If you talk about it- it’s like a weight off your shoulders