Returning to School

What to expect

Returning to school - some ideas from Michael Grose - one of Australia's leading parent educators

It has been a challenging couple of months for all students at SJV. But we have to give a huge compliment to all our students for (mostly) trying their hardest and having a real go in independent learning. It is not easy. 

 

Luckily we are coming to the end of lockdown and we are preparing to slowly come back to school. Here are some tips from Michael Grose, a leading expert in parenting education, about how to manage the return-to-school situation.

1.Park our expectation for a little while - SJV will work hard with the students in both social-emotional, physical and academic learning. We, however, also understand that kids will have to settle back into the routine, expectation, social relationships and onsite learning. We all need to have some patience.
 
2.Some of our students will be anxious, understand that their feelings are real - Michael states: An anxious child desperately wants a parent to understand that they feel anxious and apprehensive. Even if, you can’t comprehend the impact that a return to school has on their state of mind and physiology, recognise that their anxiety is real. “Ah, I see you’re worried that you won’t know what to do when you go to school” is the type of response that an anxious child wants from a parent. Validating your child’s feelings will help them feel safe and secure, putting them in a good position to make a return to school. “Mum/dad know that I’m feeling nervous” is very reassuring for a child.
 
3.Prepare them - Talk to your child about their expectations, your family's routine (eg. what time to get up, how to make a healthy breakfast and lunch, where you will pick them up after school, etc). Also, let your child know in advance that you will only come to the gate and no further. Ask them regularly about how they are feeling and address misconceptions

4.Focus on reconnection and wellbeing - Students will have to reconnect with friends, peers, teachers and onsite classroom learning. This takes time. We, the teachers and staff of SJV, will make sure that we work hard on reconnecting with the students, making sure they reconnect with their friends and with the learning.

5.Time to unwind and relax after school - it is important for children to unwind and relax after a day at school, especially in this situation. Exercise is vitally important. They need plenty of free time to relax and play.

6.Last but not at all least: take care of yourself - You have been doing somesignificant emotional labour over the past few months. Michael says: The learning and adjustment curves have been massive, with little time to relax and take a break. Consider your own emotional resources and make your wellbeing a priority, which will make it easier for you to stay calm if your child experiences difficulties.

 

Do you have any questions about your child returning to school? Please email your child's teacher and they will be able to give you further information. But please, look after yourselves and your little ones (some are big little ones).

 

Kind regards,

 

Ru Lameijn (Student Wellbeing Leader)