HEALTH & 

WELLBEING CENTRE

Turning school mode on after the holidays 

Young people experience a mix of emotions when going to school. Easing back after the holidays can range from feeling really excited and eager to concern, fear or anxiety. Getting butterflies or general worry about going back to school is normal. The main concerns for teens are coping with stress (44.7%), school or study problems (34.3%) and mental health (33.2%). 

Not thinking about school until it is time to return is one way to enjoy the last week of holidays. But for some, this can make going back to school more difficult. 

The steps below can help you support your young person through back-to-school challenges and reduce negative school experiences: 

1. Set up a back-to-school routine 

Be guided by your knowledge and history of what best supports your young person during times of change and transition. The first weeks back can cause disruption from being in holiday mode so don’t forget: 

• Healthy habits around sleep (around 9-11 hours for children aged 5-13 and 8-10 hours for those aged 14-17), 
• Exercise (around one hour per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity three times a week) and 
• Diet (Click here for links between diet and emotional wellbeing) 

• consistent bed and wake-up times help too.  

   

In some way, parents go back to school with their children. Consider adjusting your own schedule to make the transition smoother. If you can’t in the mornings, arrange the evenings so you can give as much time as your young person needs. 

2. Talk about going back to school 

Most young people deal with some level of stress or anxiety about school. They have insight into their school experiences, so find out what worries them by asking directly. 

You can offer support by normalising experiences of worry and nerves. Reassure them that their feelings are common and they will likely overcome them once they have settled in. Worries and courage can exist together. 

3. Help create a sense of school belonging 

A sense of belonging at school can affect academic success and student wellbeing. Parents can facilitate positive attitudes about school by setting an encouraging tone when talking about it. 

Also show an interest in school life and work and be available to support your young person both academically and socially. More than half of the parents in one survey said homework and schoolwork were the greatest drivers of stress in their children. When parents are more engaged in their child’s schoolwork, they are better able to support them through it. 

4. Look out for signs of stress 

Research suggests parents can miss stress or anxiety in their children. Parents can spot stress if their child (depending on age): 

• Appears restless and flighty or cries 
• Shows an increased desire to avoid activities through negotiations and deal-making 

• Tries to get out of going to school or is sick in the mornings 

   

If these behaviours persist for about half a term, talk to your child's homeroom teacher, head of year or school counsellor about what is happening. Together work on a strategy of support. There may be something more going on than usual school nerves. 

5. Encourage questions 

Let your young person know nothing is off limits to talk about. Set up times to chat throughout the term – it can help with back-to-school nerves. 

Following these steps will help you to quickly and effectively re-establish school mode. If you would like additional support of advice, please contact our counselling team on sac.counsellors@cns.catholic.edu.au or 4052 9111 

Source: theconversation.com 

Is your child sick or just sluggish? The Queensland Health rules that decide your morning. 

• The 38°C line: A fever of 38°C or higher means an automatic stay-home day – no exceptions. 
• The sleep cure: Pushing through exhaustion delays recovery; sleep helps your immune system fight back. 
• The 24-hour clock: Your son must be entirely fever-free for 24 hours (medication-free) before returning to class. 
• The sniffle exception: Mild cold symptoms with no fever? Pack his sanitiser and send him to school. Remind him to regularly wash his hands as well. 
• The notification: Parents must log any sick leave absence via MyCE or call the attendance line by 9am. 
• The catch-up plan: Have your child rest completely now, then have him log into the Student Portal to check missed work when feeling better. 
• The official guide: Check the Queensland Health Time Out rules to see exactly when your child can return to school.