Back to School with Confidence

Many students are excited to return to school and will thrive as they return to classrooms. Some students, however, may be feeling anxious about the return, having enjoyed the comforts and flexibility of learning from home. Students may be worried they have fallen behind, anxious about friendship groups or concerned for their safety. All of these feelings are within the normal range.

So what can we all do to support students to have a successful return to school?

Reassure children that it is safe to return. Let them know that the decision to return is based on medical advice and that there are many safety measures being implemented to help protect them.
Prepare your child for changes to routines. Begin realigning body clocks to school bedtimes and wake up times. Talk through the change to routines. Openly discuss what to expect when returning to school. Talk positively about the fun of being back on campus and seeing friends.
Prepare your child for drop-offs and pick-ups. Discuss with your child how they will be dropped off and walked to their classrooms with the support of school staff while parents remain in cars. Discuss how they will come home.
Listen to your child. Take a moment to hear their concerns and to answer their questions. Reassure your child that it is normal to be a little afraid or anxious, but you believe in them.

We are delighted to welcome students back to school over the coming weeks and we are here to support our students’ learning and wellbeing. While we are keen to launch into learning, we have plans in place to ensure students feel settled, connected and calm as they return. Calm brains learn so much faster than anxious brains.

As Pooh Bear famously said, ‘You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.’ Let’s work together to give our children and young people the confidence they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Mrs Deb Cooper

Principal