Chaplains Chat 

It is so exciting to be back at school after a short break away.  It was so nice to see all our students return last week along with our brand new Prep students feeling so proud in the Woori Yallock school uniforms. I would like to warmly welcome everyone back to the fresh start of a new year together, with a special welcome to all the new students and their families. You have chosen a wonderful community where your children will thrive and be encouraged to reach their full potential. 

To get off to a good start in 2021, start by asking your young person to describe what they are excited and concerned about and acknowledge any concerns that they have. Take it as an opportunity to reassure them that school is a safe and fun place and that they are likely to make new friends. Most importantly, let your child know that you are there to support them.

Connect with the school community early

• Other parents can be a useful source of support, information and advice. Get to know them. A group email is a good way of building a parent community with the parents from your child’s class. There is a Woori Parents Facebook page which is a great place to start.
• Having classmates over to play will help build your child’s friendship network. Sports and other school events are also a good opportunity to get to know other parents.
• Get to know your child’s teacher and learn how to keep in contact. This will ensure you know what the class or school has planned. Often teachers will share emails or place notices on Compass.  This can be a great basis for talking with your child about projects they are working on or what might be coming up during the term.
• Talk with your child’s teacher about opportunities for you to assist in the classroom with reading or other ways that you may be able to help.
• Remember our school offers a free ‘Breakfast Club’ for all students on a Tuesday and Thursday. This starts at 8am and is a great space where students can catch up and share a healthy breakfast together. Parents and toddlers are welcome too.

Support your child in their first few days at a new school

• Allow lots of rest and play after school.  Our junior students will often feel very tired, especially in these first few weeks as they adjust to the longer hours and class expectations. Let them talk about the day and the interesting things they’re doing and experiencing.
• Be patient with them if they forget things and allow them time to settle into a new routine.

What to do if things aren’t going well

In the first month or so of starting school, not everything will go perfectly. Be prepared for this. Regularly check-in with your child and look out for warning signs. These include if your child:

• Regularly tells you they’re feeling sick
• Has trouble sleeping and getting out of bed on school mornings
• Refuses to go to school
• Seems particularly anxious prior to or after school
• Appears withdrawn, isolated or unhappy
• Expresses self-doubt about their schoolwork or not fitting in.
• Doesn’t seem interested in school, friends or school-based activities.

If things don’t appear to be settling, talk to the class teacher or home room teacher on how to best support your child through and after the school day. Andre the school’s full time Student Wellbeing Co-ordinator and myself are always here to support you in any way we can. Never hesitate to come and have a chat about your child if you have any concerns. We are always here to help.

A successful education and learning journey needs both the parents and the school to work together to ensure we keep a child’s wellbeing and learning at the centre. It is always a partnership and you are never alone.

Blessings,

Veronica