Every year, there is always that excitement and anticipation from students, parents, and educators as the new academic year begins. We have all been through this before, yet our ever-changing world keeps us asking, “What are the best ways to prepare for the new school year?”

Over the years, I have observed and heard from parents about behaviors and skills that positively impact academic and social-emotional learning, which can be sustained in any further education or work environment in the future.

Tips for Parents

Establish routines

Establishing routines from the start of the academic year is crucial, and involving your children in establishing practices that work for you all as a family.
Successful sleep routines – no digital devices at least 1 hour before going to sleep – use this hour to do something relaxing like reading, light exercise
Wake-up routine- get up at the same time every day, make their bed, or with the help of an adult or older sibling.
Morning routines, breakfast, getting washed and ready for school.
Talk about getting to and from a school and with whom

Family time
Talk to your child about going back to school. Ask open questions such as: What are you excited about? Is there anything you are nervous about? What would you like to achieve this year?
Please share your stories of going to school; believe me, some children don’t realize that their parents and grandparents also went to school! This starts an open dialogue that can be sustained throughout the year.

Supporting with schoolwork
Please encourage your child to tackle home tasks independently and ask them to explain the activity; this gives them ownership of the job while being aware that their parents know they have work to complete.
Read with or at the same time as your child.
Ask open questions about your child’s day; if you ask them what they did at school today, the answer will be “Nothing!”
Introduce yourself to your child’s teacher as soon as possible, either casually or through a meeting. It lets your child know who is in their learning community to support them.

Tips for Students
Be as independent as possible.
Ask for help if needed.
Pack and carry your school bag; this creates confidence and reassurance that you have what you need for the day.
Make sure pencils are sharpened, and pens work. (This can be done during the evening or morning routine.)
Check your school uniform presentable for the next day.
Be involved with packing healthy snacks and lunches to sustain you through the school day; then, there are no surprises when you are ready to eat.
Remember your water bottle!
Try to do your homework as soon as you get home when the lessons are fresh in your mind, and get it out of the way!
Do include some rest
Do go outside to play

As part of our PSHE program, our Students with Special Needs are encouraged to follow many steps as independently as possible. They show an exemplary attitude to these daily routines. This is only possible, as with all learners, with patience and positive encouragement from parents, families, and the school community.

I wish everyone great success for the school year ahead.

Miss Francis