Welcome to A New Year from the School's Psychologists
Welcome to Our New School Year
A new school year brings change. Whether your child is starting school for the first time, is new to AISHK, beginning Year 7 or Year 11, or venturing into new classes, it is normal for students to experience a mix of emotions. It's important we acknowledge the possible range of emotions and understand they may come and go as your child settles back into the school routine over the coming weeks.
Parents, you may also find yourself riding the unpredictable emotional roller coaster while trying to maintain a level of calm and encouragement.
There is a saying “Calmness is catching” ... our kids need to catch our calm. New things sometimes make us feel anxious, it is part of being human.
A few things to keep in mind when supporting your child/young person through this transition time.
Take some time to check in with them to hear how they are thinking and feeling about their school day. Give them time and space after school to decompress before diving into questions. Simple, positive, and specific questions, like “What’s news from school today”, “What’s the funniest thing that happened today?” or “What was the most interesting thing you learned today?” can get your child talking. Keeping it casual and picking the right moment is also important - some days there might not be a right moment at all, and that’s okay.
Encourage positive conversations about change - all the new things they are experiencing and people they are meeting. Emphasise effort and persistence over perfection when they are tackling learning and managing new environments. Celebrate both successes and attempts to encourage positive self-talk and resilience. Listen to and acknowledge their concerns and worries and work together to figure out ways to reduce any stress.
Creating an open, nurturing environment where children and young people feel heard can significantly boost their well-being and confidence. If you have any concerns about your child’s adjustment to the school routine, please contact their Primary School class teacher or Secondary School homeroom teacher. You may also contact Joanna Chan, Primary School Psychologist, or Bernadette Spencer, Secondary School Psychologist.
Looking forward to a year of rich learning and experiences.
Joanna and Bernadette
