With school students transitioning back to the classroom, we asked Cromer Public School Principal, Julie Johnson, for some tips on preparing school children for their return to school.

Discuss returning to school

School children may feel a variety of emotions at the prospect of returning to school. Talk about what your child is looking forward to doing at school. Ask them how they feel about going back to school and any concerns or expectations they might have.

Routine, routine, routine

Ease school children back into a school routine a few days earlier so they are prepared for what’s to come. Get them up at the normal school wake-up time and eating a good breakfast at the normal time. It will be less of a shock to them (and you) when they head back into the classroom.

Prepare early

Find school clothes, school shoes and school bag and make sure everything they need is ready to go. Have your child help plan and make lunch and organise snacks for the first few weeks back.

The night before 

Help your child pack their school bag the night before to save any rushing. Try to have a calm evening and an early night in bed the day before returning to school. Allow more time to settle before bedtime if your child is feeling excited or nervous about school.

Observe any changes the school might have implemented

Many schools have adopted changes to cater for students returning to school. Talk about the plan for drop off and after school pickup according to the information you've received from the school, including talking through the steps of getting to their classroom.

Road safety first

It is a great time to think about getting your kids to school safely. Try parking your car a street or two away and walking the kids to school. You will have less stress parking, create less congestion around the school gate and you’ll be keeping active by walking (whilst socially distancing).

Hygiene first

Before returning to school, remind kids of the importance to wash their hands regularly. Hand sanitiser will be available in all classrooms.

Continue to engage with the curriculum

For many parents, online learning has providing an invaluable insight into their child’s progress at school and their individual learning. Continue to engage with them and what they are learning so they can discuss anything new they’ve learnt with you.