Wellbeing & Engagement

Return to School

We are so looking forward to the students returning on-site in the coming weeks. We are busily developing activities and strategies to minimise anxiety and support our students to transition back to school. We are aware that some students may feel excited about coming back while others may be worried about returning to school. Here are some suggestions if you are unsure about how to navigate all the emotions around the return to school.

Encourage your child to talk about their feelings
Try to help your child build a healthy sleep routine in the days leading up to the return to school
Acknowledge that it is normal to feel anxious. Perhaps share a story about a time you felt anxious and how your managed the situation
Encourage your child to focus on what is in their control – packing their bag, making their lunch, washing their hands etc.
Let your child know that the teachers and other staff are all looking out for them
Look for the positives. What are they looking forward to about being back at school? Do they remember what they enjoyed about the previous 'returns to school'? How can they help others to feel comfortable to return to school too?
Create a ritual to acknowledge their return to school e.g. going to a playground with a school friend, having an icy-pole after their first day or having a cuddle on the couch at home

Please contact the school if you have any other concerns, we are here to support all students and families.

Here are some links you may find useful:

Helping children transition back to school in the COVID-19 era - https://psychology.org.au/getmedia/6a3f524c-02c1-4e29-ac16-32a92a204599/20aps-ccn-is-transitioning-to-school-p1.pdf

Tips for returning to school for autistic primary students

https://www.amaze.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Tips-for-returning-to-school-for-autistic-primary-students.pdf

Coping with school refusal

https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/school-learning/school-refusal/school-refusal

The Invisible String read aloud (a nice picture story book to share with your child)

https://video.link/w/FxOEc