Wellbeing & Diversity

Transitioning through School

As we near the end of another school year, it is important that we recognise that children experience several milestones, or transitions, during their schooling. These happen when children move:

from home to Kindergarten
from Kindergarten to full-time school in Pre-primary
from primary school to secondary school
to a different school.

These transitions, while exciting, may require a level of adjustment for you, your children and your family, as your children settle into new environments, new ways of learning and new routines.

There are many ways to make these transitions as smooth as possible for you and your children:

Talk with your children’s teachers to find out how they can help make the move easier.
Talk about the new routines, rules and expectations with your children.
Be enthusiastic and excited! Your attitude influences how your children feel and cope.
Talk to your children about peer pressure and behaviours that could put them at risk and what to do if they encounter these behaviours.
Know your children’s homework requirements and check regularly to see they are keeping up. Teach them planning, organisation and time management skills by getting them to keep a diary – this develops self-motivation and independent learning.
Ensure your children are comfortable with the new school environment by attending orientation days or making an appointment with the principal to visit the school.
Know your children’s strengths and weaknesses. Involve them in decisions about their education.
Encourage your children to eat well, get plenty of sleep and balance study with sport and enjoyable family and social activities.

Healthy Food Choices

Eating well and being active are critical to children’s health and wellbeing. Research indicates that eating well and being active are critical to children’s health and wellbeing in both the short and long term. They also have a direct impact on children’s performance at school.

The school day is busy, filled with learning, concentration and physical activity. Food is fuel for our bodies and healthy food provides your child with energy and nutrients to get them through the day.

Healthy eating habits begin at home. Children should eat a wide range of foods so that they have the energy for learning and growing.