Wellbeing at TPS

Transitioning to a New School Year: Settling In with Confidence and Comfort

The start of 2025 has been nothing short of fantastic! Our students have settled in beautifully, and we’re thrilled to welcome new faces joining the Teesdale family. Whether they’re arriving from other schools or stepping into school for the very first time as our bright-eyed Foundation students, every student is on their way to making this year a great one!

However, as we all know, transitioning into a new school year – or a whole new school – can sometimes feel like a bit of a rollercoaster. No need to worry though, we’re here to help make this journey as smooth and joyful as possible for both you and your child/ren. Here are a few tips to help your child feel comfortable, confident, and ready to face the new school year with a smile:

1. Talk Positively About School 

   A positive attitude is contagious, so be sure to talk excitedly about your child going to school. Focus on the fun and exciting parts of their day, and show them that you’re genuinely excited for them to attend. Kids are pros at picking up on our energy, so the more confident and enthusiastic you are, the more your child will be too!

2. Say Goodbye with Confidence 

   A quick, upbeat goodbye can make all the difference. Trust your child will be okay, and show them you believe in their ability to handle the day. Children tend to mirror our emotions, so your confidence will help ease their nerves.

3. Don’t Overstay the Goodbye

   We know it’s tempting to sneak in one last hug, but try to avoid hesitation when saying goodbye. A swift and confident departure will help your child feel secure, and might even make the transition a little easier for you too! We promise it’s worth it.

4. Trust the Staff

   We have an incredible team here at TPS, full of caring, experienced professionals who are dedicated to looking after your child. Saying goodbye with a smile shows your trust in them, and that trust will help your child feel more comfortable and confident in their own school day.

5. Label Everything!

   From hats to lunchboxes to shoes – label it all! Having labels on your child’s belongings not only reduces anxiety (for you, your child, and us!) but also helps your child feel more independent. Plus, it ensures no one gets lost in the search for that elusive uniform or water bottle. Trust us – labels are a small but mighty tool.

6. Communicate with Your Child

   Staying in the loop with your child’s school week helps them feel supported. Check out the newsletter dates and let your child know what’s coming up at school. When they come home, ask about their day and listen closely to how they’re feeling. If you ever have concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher – we’re here to help!

7. Avoid Overloading Your Child

   Starting school can be a big adjustment, and your child might need some extra downtime to recharge. It might be a good idea to limit extracurricular activities for the first few weeks so they can focus on settling into their new routine. Less really can be more!

For our Foundation families, we’ve also included a fantastic resource on supporting your little one through their school transition here.

With a little patience, trust and excitement, your child will thrive in their new school year. 

Speak soon,

Rhys Lindsay