THE end of the summer holidays can be daunting enough for kids without having to move to a new school.

Last year Hamilton Senior High School closed its doors, amalgamating with South Fremantle High School to form Fremantle College, a new independent public school.

Over the summer holidays the South Freo school grounds underwent a multi-million dollar overhaul in preparation for the 2018 school year.

As students hit the books last week, the Chook went down to find out what they thought of the new grounds and how they’re settling in.

“It’s great, it’s all new,” says year seven student Halle Burns, 11, whose favourite part is the new science labs.

“I like that it’s really interactive. They have jars and animals for biology and stuff.”

• Christina Burns with her daughter, Halle (11)

Her mum Christina says the school grounds are “amazing” and Halle’s move to high school has been smooth.

“She didn’t know anyone when she came here but she’s met some really nice friends.”

Brothers Riley and Reed Luff were nervous but are also settling in, and with the influx of hundreds of new students, are enjoying making new friends.

“It’s better than last year,” says 13-year-old Riley.

• Rylee (13) and Reed (12) Luff. Photos by Emilee Neeson

“There’s more people, more friends and better classes.

“And they’ve added more programs in the school like the AFL program.”

Riley says over the holidays his younger brother Reed, 12, who was entering year seven, kept asking him questions about the school and he couldn’t answer all of them because he didn’t know himself.

“I answered some, but I didn’t realise the school wasn’t quite finished yet,” Riley says. “Some of the rooms are still getting finished.”

It was all smiles for the brothers and students down at Fremantle College; let’s see if they’re still beaming when the homework piles up…

by EMILEE NEESON