Back to school tips for a smooth start

Students of all ages are heading to the classroom at the start of the new school year. Here are some tips from the Ministry of Education to make the transition from summer to school a happy and successful experience for parents and students:   

• If your children are going to a new school, be sure to bring the required information or identification with you on registration day. Confirm what time school starts.  
• Get your children started on their routine before the first day. Consider having them shift to their school bedtime and wake-up routine the week before school begins.
• Choose clothes for school early.  Have them select their outfits the night before.  This helps start the morning on a calm note.
• Find a safe route to school and practise the route with your children. Discuss how to interact safely with strangers.
• Encourage your children to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables for lunch. Let them help pack their lunch so they can learn to make healthy choices early on.
• Help your children get a library card and take weekly trips to the library.
• Get involved in the school community.  Contact your local school board or the parent advisory council at your child’s school for volunteer opportunities.

• Be positive.  Talk to your children about the mixed emotions they may be feeling as the school year approaches.  Remind them of the friends they will meet, the new things they will learn and the fun they will have.
• Review their class schedule with them to make sure all of the classes are correct. 
• Talk to your children about appropriate behaviour at school and what to do if they encounter bullying.
• Set up a homework area away from the TV with adequate supplies and lighting.
• Make sure children always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or scooter.
• Continue to be involved in the school community.  It’s a great way to get to know your children’s teachers and other parents.

Secondary school students

• Encourage your teenagers to review their schedule and to make an appointment with the counsellor if there are any problems.
• If your teenagers are going to a new school, arrange a visit for them to learn where to find their classrooms, the library, gym and cafeteria.
• Keep an assignment calendar on the fridge for quick reference of due dates, exams and how they fit in with other activities.
• Talk about being a safe driver as well as a safe passenger.  Let them know it’s OK to say no to getting into a car with someone they feel is unsafe.
• Continue to be involved in the school community.