Principal’s Message August 2024: Happy New (School) Year!

As we approach the Labour Day weekend, the countdown is on. A little like the dropping of the New Year’s Eve ball, but instead of a new calendar year, we are counting down to the start of a new school year. It generally comes with the same excitement and anticipation and yes, sometimes even nervousness for what’s ahead. To help us through this big time of year we should all know, and accept, the power of preparation.  

The first days of school, whether it is a child’s first time ever, or a child’s first day back after the summer break, can come with all kinds of feelings and worries. It’s hard to get it perfect but the more prepared we are, the better chances of a smooth and happy transition. The way we connect with our children in the days and hours leading up to the start of school, will make all the difference in how the first day will land.  

The best way to connect is to talk about, and go over, the routines the children can anticipate (even practicing, if possible) and also to listen. Find out what the children are most looking forward to, what they are most nervous about, what makes them happy about a new school year and on the flip side, what makes them sad or anxious.  

In going over the school day routine, you will want to include what the morning will look like, not only at home but at school. Developing a separation routine is so important. Prepare your child for the good morning goodbyes by going over how it’s going to work and then (now here’s the hardest part) STICK TO IT! Younger children will need to hear the routine more often than older children but regardless of age, children do best when they are prepared, and surprises are kept to a minimum.

The narrative could run something like this:

“When we get to school, we will…go to the doors of the school, or to the playground, we will give each other a hug and then say ‘see you later’.

Remember, we always come back. You will stay with your teacher while we do our jobs, and we will pick you up at the end of the day. Let’s practice”. 

Maybe easier said than done but the more we have communicated the plan with our children, and the more consistent we are, it really can go smoothly.

If you are worried, try a dry-run or two even. Set the alarm for a school day wake up, get dressed, eat a healthy breakfast, ditch the T.V. and/or devices, grab the backpack and head to school. I know a parent who picked up some donuts and sat outside the school with their daughter. Together they enjoyed a treat and shared their feelings about the start of a new school year, giving Mom the opportunity to know what anxieties she may have to handle with her daughter on the first days of school and also a chance to let her daughter know how proud she is to see her daughter growing so beautifully. You could get out of the car and walk around the school grounds and take a peek at the playground. Really, anything that prepares your child for the big day ahead is a good thing! 

This is also a great chance to let your children know that you not only expect them to go to school and learn but also to be kind and empathetic with their classmates. It’s the perfect time to remind our children that each new school year comes with the opportunity to be our best, not just academically but in humanity. Let’s remind them to smile at the shy ones, lend a hand to the struggling ones, do their best to include everyone, stand up for anyone being mistreated and apologize when they make a mistake. Most importantly they need to hear from you that success at school is not just about being a good student but it’s about being a good human.   

Parents should also be preparing themselves for the change in routine from the more carefree days of summer. Getting a good night’s rest is as important for the adults as it is for the children. Children will be looking for a calm and guiding hand during the weeks ahead. So as the clock clicks down, 10-9-8-7-6 ….it’s time to get started! We look forward to everyone being well prepared for what promises to be a wonderful school year ahead. 

Happy New Year!  

Onward,

Marie Bates
Principal