What advice can you give to your child on those first few days and weeks at a new school?
Have a positive attitude! Yes, joining a new school is a challenge BUT embrace the adventure.
Remember the times you have tried something new before and how you survived, remember the times you tried something new and how you enjoyed it!
Remember you will not be the only new pupil:
Others will be feeling exactly like you! You may find that you quickly become friends with someone in the same boat as you, together you will make friends, but you will always be reminded that you are not alone!
Before term starts:
Have you got details of any pupils already at the school? It is worth contacting them informally to ask any burning questions you may have and/or to meet up. Even exchanging emails/texts would mean you already know someone at the school.
Be confident or at least pretend to be!
Hold your head high as you walk in those gates for the first time. Just because you’re new at the school doesn’t have to mean you’re scared, share your funniest joke or most interesting fact to break the ice with your new classmates.
SMILE at all the people you meet:
A smile goes a LONG way, and it has an immediate effect on others, you will feel more positive too. You will also be surprised how many people will smile back and how quickly it will help you relax.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions:
Things like your timetable and where certain classrooms are located may be worrying you and sometimes you just need to ask. Whether you ask a fellow student or a member of staff – a teacher for example. Someone will have the answers to put all your worries to rest.
In the first lessons:
Introduce yourself to the people who sit near you, join in the discussions, try to ask, and answer questions. You will feel better about yourself if you can but do not despair if it is all too challenging in the first few days!
Break and lunchtimes:
Be prepared for these. Ask others where they go for break/lunch and ask if you can go along on the first day. You may find the friend you made who is in the same boat as you would like a dinner buddy too. Don’t be shy!
If the first day is difficult: Remind yourself that it is early days and things WILL improve.
Be proud of yourself at the end of the day: