Wellbeing
Supporting Your Child as They Prepare to Meet Their 2025 Teacher
As we prepare for the new school year, it’s natural for children to feel a mix of emotions - excitement, curiosity, and sometimes a little nervousness - when thinking about meeting their new teacher and classmates. Change can bring about feelings of uncertainty, but with your support, it can also be a positive opportunity for growth and new beginnings.
Here are some tips to help your child navigate these changes with confidence:
Stay Positive: Your attitude towards the new school year can greatly influence your child’s feelings. Focus on the positives, such as the chance to make new friends, learn exciting things, and develop new routines.
Acknowledge Their Feelings: It’s important to listen and validate your child’s feelings if they share that they’re feeling nervous. Reassure them that it’s normal to feel this way and that these feelings often fade as they settle into their new class.
Highlight Familiarity: Remind your child that while their teacher or class may change, many things will remain the same—like seeing their friends during recess, familiar school spaces, and being part of a caring community.
Talk About the Benefits of Change: Emphasise how change helps us grow and build resilience. Share examples of times when you or they faced something new and how it led to a positive outcome.
Prepare for the Transition: Encourage your child to think of questions they might like to ask their new teacher or share something about themselves they’re excited about. This can help them feel more prepared and confident.
Above all, let your child know that their teachers, classmates, and you are all there to support them as they step into 2025. With encouragement and patience, this transition can become an opportunity to learn, grow, and shine!
Supporting Young People During the Holidays
The holidays are upon us once more. Hopefully, it's a time where we can wind down and recharge our batteries. However, changes to routine during holidays can cause some young people to feel stressed, isolated and alone. Your support is very important at this time as it will help them to maintain good mental health during the holidays and beyond. The link below is a short 5 minute read that has useful information to help us all support our children to stay in a healthy headspace during school holidays. In the link, there is also some information that may help you to identify when your child might need some extra support and where to go for help.
New autism resources to support students starting school
'Neurodiversity is about celebrating and embracing difference and diversity across humankind, and looking at how we can support neurodiversity across all contexts.'
— Dr Beth Saggers, Professor, School of Early Childhood and Inclusive Education, Queensland University of Technology
The Student Wellbeing Hub has recently launched a new suite of free resources that provide information for families, educators and students to support young people on the autism spectrum (diagnosed or undiagnosed) as they begin their primary school journey.
Find comprehensive content for families and educators, featuring FAQs, videos, actionable tips, and more at https://studentwellbeinghub.edu.au/autism/
|
