From the Assistant Principal

Drop-Off Routines That Help Children Settle ⏰

You might notice that some families aim to arrive before the bell, rather than right on time. While it can seem practical to arrive at the bell for a quick goodbye, this approach can sometimes make transitions more challenging for children.

The time before the bell rings is important for helping children prepare for their day. Opportunities to socialise, engage in calm activities and become familiar with the classroom environment support a smooth and positive start. 

Before learning begins, children benefit from time to:

• settle into the space 
• reconnect with peers 
• move and release energy 
• transition emotionally from home to school 

These important steps don’t happen instantly when the bell goes.

When children arrive right on the bell, or slightly late, they may:

• miss important information 
• feel more noticeable entering the classroom 
• have less opportunity to connect with others 
• find it harder to feel calm and ready to learn 

Over time, this can impact their sense of belonging and confidence in the classroom.

Arriving a little earlier allows children to:

• unpack and organise themselves calmly 
• chat with friends 
• regulate and feel settled 
• separate more confidently from their parent or carer 

This calm start can set a positive tone for the entire day and support stronger engagement in learning.

Helpful Morning Tips for Families 

• Aim to arrive 5–10 minutes before the bell 
• Keep goodbyes short, calm and predictable 
• Encourage your child to follow a simple routine (unpack, greet a friend, start a task) 
• Reassure your child that you will see them later 
• If mornings are tricky, speak with your child’s teacher, we are here to help 

We understand that running late occasionally is unavoidable. However, building in a small buffer of time each morning can make a meaningful difference.

Transitions take time, and every child is different. Some children move quickly into their day, while others need a little longer to feel comfortable and ready. By allowing this time, we are supporting children in feeling safe, capable, and connected within their classroom environment.

By supporting children to arrive before the bell, we help them begin their day feeling calm, connected and ready to learn. 

“Children learn best when they feel safe, settled and a sense of belonging.” 💛