From the Assistant Principal

Helping Children Settle Back into School Routines

We’re back into the school routine, and for many families, the first few weeks after the holidays can be a big adjustment. Add the start of daylight saving, with lighter evenings and an extra hour of daylight, and it’s understandable that children may be feeling a little more tired than usual.

Getting back into a consistent routine can help children feel settled, secure and ready to learn.

Why is routine important?

Children thrive when they know what to expect. A predictable routine helps children feel safe and secure, reduces anxiety and supports their confidence and independence.

Regular routines also make transitions easier and help children gradually take responsibility for everyday tasks.

Getting back into the routine

Be patient with tiredness

It can take a little while for children's body clocks to adjust after the holidays and the change to daylight saving. You may notice your child is more tired than usual, particularly at the end of the school day.

Where possible, allow some extra time for rest and keep after-school activities manageable while everyone settles back into the school routine.

Prioritise sleep

Sleep plays an important role in children's mood, concentration, learning and overall wellbeing. With the later sunsets, it can be tempting for children to stay up later, but maintaining a consistent bedtime is important.

A calm and predictable bedtime routine can help. Turning off screens before bed, having a shower or bath, reading together or enjoying another quiet activity can help children wind down.

If your child's bedtime has shifted during the holidays, gradually bringing it back to the usual school-night routine can make the adjustment easier.

Keep mornings predictable

A consistent morning routine can help children start the school day feeling calm and organised. Encourage your child to follow the same sequence each morning: getting dressed, having breakfast, brushing teeth, packing their bag and getting ready to leave.

A visual routine chart can be particularly helpful for younger children and can encourage them to become more independent rather than relying on adults for constant reminders.

Create a 'school launch pad'

Having one designated place for school belongings can make mornings much easier. School bags, shoes, hats, lunch boxes, library bags and sports equipment can all be kept in the same place.

Encouraging children to return their belongings to the launch pad when they get home also helps build independence and self-management skills.

Allow some downtime after school

After a busy day of learning, children can benefit from some quiet time when they get home. They may need a snack, some time to play, relax or simply do very little before beginning homework or other activities.

Remember that tiredness can sometimes look like irritability, frustration or a lack of motivation. A little patience and understanding can go a long way while children adjust.

Give it time

It is completely normal for children to take some time to settle back into school after the holidays, particularly with the added adjustment to daylight saving.

Keep routines simple and consistent, give children plenty of encouragement and try not to worry if things don't go perfectly every day.

Small, consistent routines at home can make a big difference to helping children feel settled, rested and ready for learning at school.