From the Assistant Principal...

Welcome back!

Welcome back to a new school year,  I hope you had a restful and happy break with your families and friends.  We are looking forward to another year of learning and growing and, to help with the transition from holidays to the 'busyness' of school, I thought I would include some tips on getting back into the swing of school.

1. Positive talk: Talk with your child in a positive and cheerful way about school and what happens there.

2. Encourage positive or appropriate behaviour:  Children need to be able to do what the teacher asks, follow rules, and interact appropriately with both adults and other children.  One of the most effective ways to encourage this kind of positive behaviour is by rewarding it. When your child behaves in a positive way, give specific praise, for example – “great taking turns!”

3. Set up routines which help your child go to sleep and wake in time to get ready for school:   Adequate sleep is vital for school – it’s essential to good behaviour and for concentration. The early days of school can also be exhausting, so good sleep habits are key.  

4. Limits for screen time:  Many children use their devices more when they are on holidays.  Limiting screen/device time and encouraging reading during the school week helps to develop and practise skills essential for academic success.  Screen time later in the evening also has also been seen to have an impact on a child's sleep.

5. Teach them to take care of their things:  Children will need to be able to care for their school things. Help your child practice packing and unpacking the backpack they will be using for school. Make sure that your child’s backpack can be easily recognised as theirs. Practice eating recess and lunch foods out of their school lunch box (use a lunch box which is as easy as possible to open and close), letting them open any packaging that will be used for food at school.

6. Create a special goodbye routine:  Being able to say goodbye without tears and tantrums helps the day get off to a good start – some kids will walk away without a backwards glance, while others will run screaming from the building and rugby tackle you by the gate to prevent you leaving.

You understand your child best and what works for them, but suggestions include handing them to the teacher, saying goodbye and leaving without too much fanfare.  Talk to the teacher for strategies that they’ve seen work for others and agree on a strategy before you even start school. Many schools have a morning routine, which may involve all children lining up or participating in a short assembly. These school rituals where children can see and imitate what the other children are doing, can also ease the separation from you.

7. Encourage your child to pack and carry their own bag:  part of growing up and being responsible for their things.

8. Consistent attendance: Regular and consistent attendance, and arriving on time at school, helps your child to learn routine and is important, not only for their academic growth, but also for their social acceptance.  When students are absent for fewer days, their grades and reading skills often improve—even among those students who are struggling in school. Students who attend school regularly also feel more connected to their community, develop important social skills and friendships, and are significantly more likely to graduate from high school, setting them up for a strong future.

Looking forward to a great year!