Engagement & Wellbeing Page

Supporting Your Child Through Change and Transition: Preparing for a New Class and Teacher

As we move towards the Fresh Food Fair and the middle of Term 4, it’s a wonderful time to celebrate all that our students have achieved this year. Classrooms are buzzing with Fresh Food Fair planning, preparing work for our art show and many children are beginning to sense that change is coming. For some families, this might not yet be front of mind but now is the perfect time to gently start preparing your child for the transitions ahead.

Change is a normal part of school life, and with the right support, it can be a positive and confidence-building experience. Below are some ways to help your child feel ready and reassured as they look toward a new class, and a new teacher in 2027.

1. Acknowledge their feelings. It’s natural for children to feel nervous, excited, or even sad about change. Encourage them to talk about how they feel and reassure them that it’s okay to have mixed emotions.

2. Reflect on their growth. Spend time together looking back at the year — what they’ve learned, how they’ve grown, and the challenges they’ve overcome. Recognising their progress builds confidence that they can handle what’s ahead.

3. Focus on what will stay the same. Routines, friends in the playground, and familiar staff help create a sense of stability. Remind your child of these constants to balance out the uncertainty of change.

4. Stay positive and curious. Children often take their emotional cues from adults. When you speak about the new year with calm optimism  e.g. "I wonder what fun things you’ll do with your new teacher”, it helps your child view the transition as an adventure rather than a worry.

5. Practise independence. Encourage small steps toward independence — packing their own bag, solving small problems, or greeting teachers themselves. These skills make adjusting to new environments much smoother.

6. Keep communication channels open with us at school. If your child seems particularly anxious or withdrawn, reach out to their current teacher or a member of our wellbeing team; Kellie Hewson, Mel Lonergan or Gill Hodgson. We’re here to support both you and your child through the transition.

Change can be a powerful opportunity for growth. With reassurance, reflection, and connection, children can approach new beginnings with confidence and curiosity.

Further Parenting Support Resources

Below are some recommended articles and podcasts to further support children with transitions and change.

        Articles

• Child Mind Institute  “How Can We Help Kids With Transitions?”: Practical advice about building routines, giving previews of change, and praising when it goes well. Child Mind Institute
• “5 Ways to Help Your Child Through School Transitions” – Psychology Today: Outlines five key strategies (e.g., parent stress management, communication) that help children thrive when routines and teachers change. Psychology Today
• “6 Ways to Support Children to Settle into a New Class” – Victorian Academy of Teaching & Leadership covers predictable routines, meeting classmates early, and liaising with teachers. academy.vic.gov.au

 Podcasts for Parents

• “283: How do You Help a Child Who Struggles with Transitions?” – Podcast Dysregulated Kids (hosted by Dr Roseann Capanna‑Hodge): Focuses on children who find change difficult, with practical strategies around structure, predictability and emotional support. Dr. Roseann

Did you know that many disabilities aren't immediately apparent. It's estimated that around 80% of disabilities are non- visible. These can include neurological, cognitive, sensory, mental health and chronic conditions among many others such as;

• Austism
• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Diabetes
• Specific learning disabilities are persistent difficulties with particular areas of learning, such as reading (dyslexia), written expression (dysgraphia) or mathematics (dyscalculia). 
• Developmental language disorder
• Some hearing and vision impairments
• Chronic pain and fatigue conditions

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower helps people with non- visible disabilities discreetly indicate that they may need additional support, understanding or patience. 

At Surfside Primary School, we work hard to recognise and support students with hidden disabilities by understanding their individual needs, providing personalised adjustments and creating an inclusive environment where every student feels understood, valued and supported to learn and thrive.

A little understanding and kindness can go a long way in helping people feel seen, understood and supported.

World Kindness Day reminds us that small acts of kindness can make a big difference to anyone. At Surfside Primary School, we encourage students to show kindness through their words and actions—inviting someone to play, offering help, respecting, listening and appreciating each other’s differences. By showing care and respect, we help everyone feel safe, valued and included.

Students are encouraged to wear free dress as we celebrate and value everyone’s differences on World Kindness Day, Friday 13 November 2026.

                                             Be yourself. Be kind. Everyone belongs.