Student Wellbeing

Managing End of Year Emotions 

As we approach the end of the school year, it’s common for a mix of emotions to surface. Many children experience excitement alongside anxiety about the changes and challenges a new school year may bring. At Greenhills, we understand that these emotions are a natural part of each child’s unique learning journey, encompassing both cognitive and emotional growth. Recognising and addressing these feelings is essential, as we know,  learning can only flourish when a child feels emotionally safe and regulated. This emotional safety is rooted in a child's ability to identify and communicate their feelings.  As we begin to prepare to transition into 2025, we encourage families to join us in helping their child understand and manage these end-of-year anxieties.

Encouraging children to approach change with openness can also help ease anxiety. Being open to the unknown allows them to embrace changes as opportunities for growth and new experiences, rather than as stressors. Modelling curiosity about new challenges can help children build resilience and feel more equipped to handle transitions.

To support this, here are some statements you can use at home to encourage a positive outlook toward new experiences and managing emotions:

• “It’s okay to feel a little nervous. That’s just a sign that something is new, and it’s an opportunity for us to adapt and learn.”
• “I’m really curious about how this new experience might turn out. Let’s see it as an adventure together!”
• “Even if things feel unfamiliar, I know you have the skills to try, adapt, and make it work. Let’s give it our best shot!”
• “I can see this change is big, and it’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and worry. Let’s find one thing we can look forward to in this new experience.”

You can also model resilience and adaptability by sharing your own experiences, saying things like:

• “When I try something new, I sometimes feel unsure too, but I remind myself to stay open and give it a chance.”
• “When I was in a new situation, I found that curiosity helped me feel excited instead of scared.”

At Greenhills, we understand the connection between emotional and academic growth. We believe there are no "bad" emotions, only emotions that we need to learn to identify and manage. As we approach the end of the school year and see signs of end of year fatigue, it’s even more important to address these feelings. We invite you to actively support your child's emotional development by encouraging them to listen to their bodies, use tools from their personal 'zones toolbox,' and aim to be in the "green zone."

Thank you for being a vital part of this journey, helping your child prepare to enter the next school year with confidence, resilience, and an open mind.

janine.hough@education.vic.gov.au     

bradley.ryan@education.vic.gov.au   

Janine and Brad.