Pastoral Care

Transitioning Back to School

SUPPORTING children returning to school at the beginning of a new year can be challenging and is so important for their social, emotional and educational wellbeing. Preparing for longer days after the break, changed routines and structure of school are likely to impact some children more than others, causing stress and anxiety.

At St Norbert College we value strong parent-school relationships. As parents you know your child better than anyone and can assist staff to get to know them too. When we work together in the best interest of your child, they are more likely to reap academic and social benefits and flourish as a whole person. 

We appreciate that not all parents can be involved in school as much as they’d like but you can still form positive relationships, and let your child know that the College and education is important to your family through:

• Talking about school with your child and show interest in what’s happening in classes and co-curricular activities
• Share in special events or achievements 
• Check the College website and emails regularly
• Speak positively about school and the opportunities available
• Monitor attendance, behaviour and academic progress
• Consider being part of the Parents Committee

The parent-school relationship might change as children get older but regular conversations discussing career plans, ambitions, and setting clear specific goals creates a supportive environment at home and reinforces the messages they are receiving at the College. As your child gets older and enters the senior years, they are able to take more responsibility for their learning and communication with their teachers but we encourage you to continue to support them from the sidelines and remain invested in their education.

For students transitioning to St Norbert, it can mean big changes; new peers, teachers, classes, routines, campus, study and homework. It is natural for them to have mixed feelings and you can assist your child by preparing them practically and emotionally in the following ways:

Talk about and support new friendships

It’s natural for children to have mixed feelings as they meet new people and may feel anxious about not fitting in. Your child’s friends do influence how they feel about the move but your support in the early stages of the new year have a much stronger and lasting effect. It’s important to talk to your child about keeping in touch and maintaining old friendships so they still feel socially connected.

The Peer Support Program and vertical Homerooms are structures that are embedded in our daily life to assist in forming friendships and creating positive experiences for all students and families. The Homeroom Teacher will be able to answer questions and give helpful tips on how things work at school.

Create a routine:

If your child is disorganised at home there is a fair chance that they’ll be disorganised at school too. To avoid messy desks, lost books and forgotten homework, set up a system at home where routine items are easily located.

 Establish a set spot for backpacks, shoes and notes that need to be signed.  Having a centrally located calendar to record upcoming events ensures everyone knows what is going on.  Check Student Dairies regularly and praise organisation and forward planning.

Schedule rest and down time. Include calm, peaceful times in your children’s afternoons and evenings so that they have the energy to concentrate, learn and behave well at school. Hobbies and sport are important as is ensuring you plan for relaxation before bed time. Find the balance between ‘work and play’. 

Feed your children for success

Kids need fuel to ensure that their minds and bodies work properly. A well-balanced diet improves your child’s learning potential. A healthy breakfast and a lunchbox that’s filled with nourishing snacks is very important for all ages.  Avoid ‘sugar highs’ that can affect concentration and behaviour. 

Students eat a third of their daily food intake at school therefore what goes into their lunchbox matters.  For inspiring healthy lunchbox ideas and recipes visit Nutrition Australia https://www.healthylunchboxweek.org.au/ or Pick ‘n’ Mix 1-6  https://heas.health.vic.gov.au/schools/healthy-lunchboxes

The College offers Breakfast Club on a daily basis to cater for those who miss breakfast, have morning sporting commitments, or may simply be hungry on their arrival.

Make time at the end of the day

Studies show that just 10 minutes of undivided attention each day is all that kids need to feel connected to you. You can help your child to transition from school to home by creating a routine where you listen to your child talk about their day. This reinforces that they can count on you and that their experiences and feeling of the day can be managed. This small investment of time will encourage the development of emotional intelligence and maturity.

Make time for homework and study

A quiet place away from distractions like the TV or mobile phones are recommended. Resist the temptation to do your child’s homework for them, remember it’s for them not you, and if they’re really struggling contact the subject teacher who is always happy to assist. Homework Club provides support on a weekly basis and is open to all year groups.

Doing homework by themselves helps children learn to be responsible for the quality of their work. Encourage their efforts as over time they are more likely to be willing to give unfamiliar things a try.

There will be times when you may not agree with the decisions that are made by the College. As a Catholic College we are Christ centred and the development of the child is at the heart of everything we do on a daily basis. 

Teachers and parents who work together can be a formidable team, but you can really let the side down if you’re careless with what you say to and about a teacher in your child’s presence.  If there’s an issue, speak to your child’s teacher privately, not in front of your child as they have to spend many days and hours in that educator’s classroom. Let your child form their own opinions and help your child to respect the teacher’s role whenever you can. 

As parents you can assist in the following ways:

• When there’s a problem encourage them to find a solution.
• When there’s conflict ask your child what they can do to avoid future conflicts.
• When something is lost or left behind ask your child how they can avoid this next time
• When things go wrong ask your child what they have learned
• Then decisions are to be made get your child to see positives/negatives of each choice
• And most importantly encourage your child to take responsibility for their own behaviours and decisions.

We look forward to working with families throughout the year for the benefit of their children. Teachers are working hard to support students and families and welcome the opportunity to have regular communication between school and home.

                                                                                                                  Pastoral Care Team