Wellbeing Hub
Back to School- Tips for Starting School
A happy return and welcome to our students who are joining us in 2026 at St. Joseph's Cobram. We have loved seeing the smiling faces of our students as they get to know their new teachers and get back into the school routine.
As we know, once school goes back everything suddenly feels like it is coming all at once- lunches, uniforms, nightly reading, sports and trying to keep everyone calm and get to school on time each morning. The best way to support everyone is by establishing consistent routines morning and night so that students begin ready to learn every day and drop offs become easier over time.
Some things that help support children in their transition to school:
- A consistent nighttime routine (e.g. dinner, bath, reading, lights out at similar time each night)
- Unpacking bags as soon as you get home- resetting lunch boxes, water bottles and lining them up in the fridge/bench for the next morning
- Being aware of sport days or changes to the timetable for that week so you can prepare your children (e.g. swimming timetable, after school sports)
- Talking about their learning and asking what they are enjoying about school (understand their interests and strengths to build confidence)
Saying goodbye at drop off confidently and enthusiastically so that they
know you trust they will be safe and cared for during the day
Teaching them where to wait or meet you for pick up and what to do if you are not there on time
There are many sources of information you can use to help with setting consistent routines- please see them below.
Remember, you are doing a wonderful job. Routines take time to embed so be patient with yourself and your little ones.
Resource:
Back to School - Tips for Starting School
Maggie Dent- ABC podcast, Parental As Anything
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/about/programs/Tips-for-parents_Starting-Prep.PDF
Kids Helpline or 1800 551 800
Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free (even from a mobile), confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. Also has fact sheets and information about a range of topics for parents to support their children.
Access to trusted mental health and wellbeing information, online programs and digital resources.
Learn more about depression and anxiety or talk it through with our support service.
Phone: 1300 224 636 (24/7)
Email or chat online
A confidential, free and secure space where young people aged 12 to 25 or their family can chat, email or speak on the phone with a qualified youth mental health professional.
Phone: 1800 650 890 (9am – 1am everyday)
Access to crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services.
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)