CLASSES FOR 2020

We are currently in the process of putting our classes together for the 2021 school year. This important task whilst time consuming, is extremely important so that we have the right balance of students across each class in our school.

All students have been asked by their teacher to nominate 2-3 peers that they know they can work well with. We explain to children that this is not about being in a grade with your best friends, as “best friends does not always guarantee best learning.”

The reality is sometimes kids get their best friends in their class, sometimes they do not. Not being with their best friends is never a given and it is not a factor that we use when setting up classes and grouping children for an academic year. The reality is that the bigger a school gets the harder it is to place children with best friends.

I often say to parents, it’s a great opportunity for a meaningful teaching moment when a child comes home devastated that they are not with their best friend for a year or that they didn’t get the favourite teacher that they wanted. Building resilience and working through tough times is the key discussion to have in this space.

Over the last few week’s we have given parents the opportunity to submit requests for their child’s grade next year based on individual student needs of their child. It is important that all parents understand that this opportunity to submit requests is not based on preferred teachers, friendships or social relationships that occur outside of school. We also want parents to understand that making a request does not come with a guarantee that the request will be put in place. In saying that we will always support students as best we can in the social, emotional and academic sphere.

As parents, we try to structure our child's life in such a way as to remove instability, provide predictable routines, and minimize emotionally difficult changes. However, no matter how hard we try, change does occur and sometimes it is impactful.

One of these changes that happens in every child's life is moving into a new Year level at school. Every year we have a few students who struggle going into another grade level for a whole host of reasons. Most of which relate to anxiety, the fear of the unknown or not being with their friends.

Stepping into a new classroom environment can be a challenge for both child and parent. The first days and weeks of a new classroom with a new teacher can be exciting, but they can also be filled with uncertainty and anxiety. The following tips and strategies will help your child quickly adapt to their new grade.

STAY POSITIVE

There is nothing that will help your child maintain a positive attitude toward their new grade than your positive attitude. If you are concerned about the transition, and you let it show, your child will be concerned too. It is okay to discuss your child's fears and expectations, but reassure them they are going to have a great year. Sometimes it is helpful to let your child know that every other child is going through the same thing they are.

LET THEM KNOW YOU ARE IN IT TOGETHER.

Nothing is more reassuring to a child, especially a younger child, than knowing that you're going to be with them every step of the way. No, you are not going to sit with them in class, but you will be there for them before school, after school and will even be available during school, if needed. Volunteering in your child's classroom can be an effective way of helping a struggling child adjust to their new classroom environment. Making sure, you are physically and emotionally available for your child will help them make a smooth transition to their new classroom.

GET YOUR CHILD INVOLVED.

Getting your child involved in school activities is a great way to ease their fears and help them quickly adjust to their new classroom. While you do not want to force them into anything, you want to encourage participation in classes and activities that will foster new friendships and help them feel a part of the class community – and less like an outsider. Older students who participate in school activities, clubs, or sports tend to feel more connected and perform better academically. Getting involved in extracurricular activities outside the classroom can help a child feel more connected inside the classroom.

GET SOME SLEEP

More and more studies confirm what many parents have known for years, getting a good night’s sleep is necessary to have healthy, well-adjusted kids. Getting enough sleep prior to a new school year is also important. To make transition easier, we recommend starting your child's new school-year sleep routine several weeks before school starts. This will help ensure that their transition to a new school does not include transitioning to a new sleeping schedule at the same time.

GO THROUGH THEIR FIRST DAY AHEAD OF TIME.

Why wait until the first day of school to figure everything out? The unknown is what scares students the most about their first day of school in a new classroom. Sometime before the first day of school, take your child on a trial run. Walk them to their bus stop. If they are going to walk to school each day, walk to the school with them using the route you have decided on. If your child will be going to school with friends, invite them to come along on your trial run. Take your child to school ahead of time and help them find their classroom. Taking your child on a trial run of their first day will help make school less daunting.

SEND YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL PREPARED.

Most schools will let parents know ahead of time what supplies and materials are required for students. Arriving to school with the appropriate supplies and materials keeps children from feeling like the odd man out. This is particularly true of younger students who are sensitive to feeling different or left out. It is also important to make sure lunchtime and snack arrangements have been made. If they take lunch to school, prepare a good lunch the night before so it is ready to go in the morning.

DO NOT GET RUSHED.

The morning of the first day of school can often end up being a mad house – especially if you have more than one child to get ready. In order to avoid the morning rush, get everything ready the night before. Make sure supplies are organized and in backpacks, lunches are made, clothes are laid out, and your child has a plan in place for their first day of school. Planning the night before will allow your child to get plenty of sleep, get out the door on time and not feel any additional anxiety.

EAT HEALTHY.

Parents often overlook the importance of a healthy diet for children, especially when they are going to school. A treat now and then is a welcome treat, but healthy snacks and a healthy lunch should be the norm. It is also important that children eat a healthy breakfast every morning. Children who skip breakfast do not have the energy or ability to focus and often have a hard time paying attention in class.

TAKE YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL THE FIRST DAY.

It may be helpful to take your child to school on their first day in their new classroom so you can introduce them to their new teacher and help them find their way around. Taking your child to school the first day, especially if they are in their early primary school is a wise and supportive idea.