Media Release Jan 28 2008

Back to School – Happy New School Year Jan 08

The first day of school brings much anticipation and excitement. It’s a time where children catch up with old friends as well as make new ones. Stories of the summer break are exchanged. New teachers, classrooms and classes are discovered.

For some children the beginning of a new school year can be difficult, especially first time school goers or those changing schools. Parents can reduce apprehension and uncertainty by including children in back to school preparations such as shopping for text books and stationary. These activities also provide an outlet to discuss the new school year and any fears or concerns your child may have.

“The transition to “School mode” begins at least one week before school goes back” says Dr. Carolyn Cooper, Paediatrics Staff Specialist at Royal North Shore Hospital.

“Try to establish or re-establish school week routines, including regular mealtimes and going to bed and getting up at realistic times. This will help reduce back to school fatigue and lessen the stress associated to with a new routine.”

“Be prepared; pack school bags and lay out uniforms the night before. This will help familiarise students with their belongings and minimise the possibility of chaos on the first morning of term “ says Dr Cooper.

Plan in advance school drop off and pick up points. Many schools have specified places for parents. If children are walking, riding or catching a bus, familiarise the route beforehand. Now is a great time to reinforce road safety rules.

If the shoe fits, then wear it! It’s important that school shoes fit well and allow the foot to breathe. Many children feet often widen over the summer break from wearing thongs or no shoes at all. If your child is wearing last year’s school shoes, ensure that they still fit.

When choosing a backpack look for those which have padded straps and bear an endorsement from a back care professional organisations such as the Australian Physiotherapy Association. Backpacks should be worn on both shoulders to reduce strain to the neck and back. When packing packs, try to evenly disperse weight and keep the load to less than 10% of the wearers weight.

What’s inside the lunchbox? Good nutrition fuels students’ minds. Fill your child’s lunchbox with healthy tasty snacks. Ideas include nuts, fresh and dried fruit, rice cakes and wraps. Frozen poppers are a great way of keeping lunch cool and make a refreshing icy treat. Ensure contents are appropriate for the weather. While yogurt is a healthy lunchbox snack, it may not be so desirable after sitting inside a lunch box on a warm summer’s day.

Designate an area for homework. The amount of parental involvement, as well as computer and internet usage will differ for each learning level. Allocate a study place based on your child’s individual homework requirements. Primary school children often require more help from parents, making the kitchen table ideal. Older children’s home work may be predominately completed on computers, lending itself to a computer workstation.

A little bit of preparation and a positive attitude can make for a very happy new school year.

Media Contact: Kristen Bunyard 02 9926 7199 or 0413 025 742

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