Vice Principal & Wellbeing
with Mrs Naomi Corfield
Welcome to the 2024 school year! It has been wonderful to join the St Mary's community. I have felt so welcomed by all the staff and students and am slowly meeting parents and putting names to faces and family groups together. Please help me along the way; if I am looking stuck, please remind me of your name and who you are the parents of!
As we begin our new school year, you may notice that your child is getting tired easily and may even be more emotional than normal. The new year is always a time of many changes and this can be exhausting for little people (and big people)!
The key is to be patient. It'll take a little time for your child to get used to their new teacher, new classroom, new routines and new friends. Be patient and let your child know you are there for them. Reassure them they are going to have a great school year, and before they know it, they'll no longer feel overwhelmed.
Some things to pay extra attention to as they settle in:
- Get to know your child’s teacher. Make a point to introduce yourself early in the school year. Communication is the key; let your child's teacher know if there are any changes at home that could impact their learning.
- Talk to your child about their goals for the school year.Ask them what they hope to learn in term 1, what they find tricky and what areas they find success in. Make sure you pay attention to their growth mindset: "You might not be able to do it yet, but with lots of hard work, you will get there and you can always ask for help."
- Encourage social relationships. Arrange play dates with new or old friends and plan activities with classmates on the weekends to help your child form bonds and feel connected.
- Cut down on stress. This can start with making sure your child gets enough sleep. Getting a good night’s sleep is a necessary component to having a happy, well-adjusted kid. Make sure your child isn’t overcommitted so they don't become overtired. Also, don’t overlook the importance of eating a balanced diet; a wholesome breakfast, hearty dinner and providing healthy snacks and lunch.
- Focus on the positive.Actively help your child see the positives in each day. Ask affirming questions such as "Tell me two good things that happened today," or "What was your favourite part of today?" rather than the closed question, "How was your day?" You'll almost always get the answer, "Good". Point out the benefits of the school, the teacher, or the classroom. Keep your emotions in check. It’s normal for you to feel anxious too, but you don’t want those feelings to rub off on your child. Stay calm, and be confident.
Your child's teacher is always the first point of contact if you have any concerns or need to communicate any changes to home life or significant events that may impact their learning or social emotional needs. However, please feel free to make a time to meet with me if there are any bigger concerns that you need to discuss.
I look forward to meeting you all and having a great year together!