Learning and Teaching
Starting School
Starting School
Starting school is a significant milestone in a child’s life. It is important to make the transition run smoothly by creating a consistent morning routine that includes waking up at the same time, getting dressed, having breakfast, and packing their school bag the night before. A routine helps children know what to expect and reduces morning stress.
Talk to your child about what to expect at school, including classroom rules, teacher expectations, and any specific instructions they need to follow. This helps them feel more comfortable and prepared.
Some helpful tips
Practice opening lunchboxes
Lunchboxes and drink bottles can be challenging for small hands so choose containers that are easy for your child to open and close. This promotes independence and minimises frustration during lunchtime. Talk to your child about what you are putting in their lunchbox and what to eat when, for example, fruit and yogurt may be considered a ‘snack’ while a sandwich or sushi might constitute ‘lunch.’ Also discuss whether they will eat their lunch (larger food item) at the first or second break, depending on their needs and their opportunities to eat after school. Try to give them healthy food options that they are familiar with, that will sustain them, and that they like.
Using the Bathroom
Ensure your child knows how to use the bathroom independently. Teach them about good hygiene practices, including washing hands thoroughly. Remind your child to use the bathroom before leaving for school, during breaks, and after returning home. This helps prevent any discomfort during the school day.
Separating From You
If your child is starting school for the first time or transitioning to a new grade, gradually ease them into the separation process. Spend some time in the classroom with them initially and then gradually decrease your presence. Keep goodbyes positive and brief. Assure your child that you'll be back to pick them up and highlight the exciting aspects of their day. Create a goodbye routine that your child can anticipate. This might include a special handshake or a quick hug and kiss before parting ways.
Put After-School Activities on Hold
Expect that your child might come home tired after school and consider putting after school activities on hold. Explain the reason behind the decision and reassure them that it's temporary. Use the opportunity to emphasise the importance of a balanced schedule that includes time for schoolwork, relaxation, and extracurricular activities when possible. While some activities may be on hold, explore alternative ways for your child to engage in hobbies or interests. This could include weekend activities, at-home projects, or joining clubs during the school year.
School Uniform
Practice taking jumpers off and putting them back on again, doing up buckles or laces, and walking in new school shoes. Navigating new school bags can be complicated for young children so they will need to try zipping up and unzipping their bag. Encourage them to zip their bag up each time they put something away (such as a jumper or their lunchbox) to avoid loss of property. Show them how to plug in their headphones and adjust the volume if necessary.
Be excited and enthusiastic about your child starting school - this will send a positive message and assure them that school is exciting and fun!
Attendance
Daily school attendance is important for all students to succeed in education and to ensure they don't fall behind both socially and developmentally. There is a direct link between school attendance and achievement later in life and students who regularly attend school and complete Year 12 or an equivalent qualification have better health outcomes, better employment outcomes, and higher incomes across their lives. It is important that students develop habits of regular attendance at an early age. Poor patterns in attendance in the early years lead to poor patterns in attendance throughout the school year. It also makes it difficult for students to form positive relationships with their peers.
Students are expected to attend the school in which they are enrolled, during normal school hours every day of each term. On a daily basis, absences tend to be short (less than 1 hour) or for the whole day. It is worth noting that regularly missing out on part of the school day can add up quickly.
How many mornings or afternoons/days/weeks has your child missed this year?
0-6 days: This is within the normal range. A child with this attendance rate is able to take full advantage of the teaching and learning opportunities available to them.
7-10 days: This attendance rate is below average. A child with this attendance rate could miss over 1 year of schooling between Prep and Year 10.
11-20 days: This is a poor attendance rate. A child with this attendance rate could miss out on up to 2 years of schooling between Prep and Year 10.
20+ days: This is a very poor attendance rate. A child with this attendance rate could miss out on up to 2.5 years of schooling between Prep and Year 10.
Families choosing to holiday during term time should plan wisely, as schoolwork will not be provided by class teachers for these periods of absence.
Learning and Teaching