A few thoughts on return to school anxiety. This is a 'normal' feeling for both children and adults with the commencement of something new- transitions require thoughtful planning, time and patience.

It is important to talk with your children about the changes, provide reassurance and familiarity with their new teacher, classmates and environment.

Some children may take longer than others to resettle and require you to drive or walk them into school more than last year- others will take it in their stride.

A new year provides a good opportunity to build resilience in your children and strongly praise the positives as they adjust to the new changes.

Routines, Routines- The most important aspect of adjusting comfortably to change.

We are all adjusting from holiday layback time and getting back to more structure and routine with the start of the school year.

It will greatly benefit your child and family if you can maintain a consistent morning routine for a good start in the morning in readiness for school.

Try to involve your children in the planning of both morning and after school routines as this will help them also 'own' and take more responsibility for what happens at home and assist in developing positive organizational habits - also don't forget about the importance of a good sleep routine, perhaps less screen time and healthy nutrition.

Wishing you all a happy and positive start to the 2026 school year

See below for a fun idea that may help some of our children if they are struggling with separation anxiety in the morning.

Kind Regards

Kate Bevan

Deputy Principal / Wellbeing Leader

Student Absences If your child is absent from school for any reason, it is vital that you notify the school prior to 9am, along with the reason for the absence eg: if your child is ill, attending an appointment, family holiday etc. Families can log into your child's PAM account to record absences

Play Therapy Week 2026 Open Day.

Insight Therapies Counselling and Consultancy warmly invites families and service providers to our Play Therapy Week 2026 Open Day, taking place on Thursday 5 February 2026 from 10:00–11:00am.

International Play Therapy Week is held annually from 1–7 February and is a time to recognise the vital role play therapy plays in supporting children’s emotional wellbeing, healing from trauma, building regulation skills, and strengthening relationships. The week aims to increase community awareness of play therapy as a developmentally appropriate and evidence-based therapeutic approach for children.

In celebration of Play Therapy Week, our open day offers a welcoming opportunity to:

Explore our play therapy room and therapeutic materials
Learn more about what play therapy is and how it supports children and families
Talk with our therapists about referrals, therapy processes, and suitability for different needs
Collect play therapy and child wellbeing resources to take away
Connect with other families and professionals in a relaxed environment

Light refreshments, tea, and coffee will be available, and guests are welcome to drop in at any time during the hour.

Whether you are a parent curious about play therapy, or a professional interested in collaborative practice and learning more about therapeutic play, we would love to welcome you.

RSVPs are kindly requested by Tuesday 3 February.When responding, please also let us know of any dietary requirements so we can cater appropriately.

Please feel free to share this invitation with others who may be interested. For any questions or to RSVP, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Kind Regards,

If you are not able to find a suitable time to get the support you or your family are seeking, here are some alternatives we believe can help:

Wellbeing Group Sessions Insight therapies can specially design a wellbeing session tailored for your teams needs to promote team cohesion, communication, build connection and promote creative thinking and team planning. Email info@insighttherapiesvic.com.au to find out more or to book a session.
AAT Professional Development Training Canine Assisted Therapy in Practice is everything you need to know to start your journey to becoming a Canine Assisted Therapist. Training is held both in person and via self-paced online learning find out more here https://anita-s-school-fc23.thinkific.com/courses/canine-assisted-therapy-in-practice
Clinical Supervision Supportive and reflective supervision for Social Workers, Counsellors, Allied Health Professionals, Therapists and Animal Assisted Practitioners/Educators to enhance clinical skills, maintain best practices, integrate AAT practices, and ensure maintenance of personal well-being and professional growth.
Insight-full Kids A term long program helping children aged 6-9 manage big feelings, build confidence and learn to self-regulate. Groups run both term to term and over school holiday workshops. Find out more here https://www.insighttherapiesvic.com.au/groups/
Connected Kids A Term Long Program Helping 4-6 year olds Develop Social Skills, Self-Expression, and Emotional Awareness through Play and Mindfulness. Find out more via this link https://www.insighttherapiesvic.com.au/groups/
Insight-Full Paws A term long program helping children aged 9-11 years improve emotional awareness, mindfulness, emotional regulation, confidence, and social skills through therapeutic interactions with certified therapy dogs. https://www.insighttherapiesvic.com.au/groups/

If you would like to know more about us, our team or our values here at Insight Therapies Counselling and Consultancy, please follow this link www.insighttherapiesvic.com.au

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