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Starting at a new school can be a stressful, challenging and exciting time for students. Parents play an important role in providing support and guidance for their child at this time. Here are 10 tips to share with your parent community to help provide support during this time.

Download the PDF resource here.

Tip 1: Be positive about the transition.

Build excitement by talking about all the new opportunities for friendships and activities they'll have.

Tip 2: Practice the new trip to school

It might sound silly but practicing the walk or bus/train trip beforehand will really reduce first day nerves.

Tip 3: Arrange a chat with an older teen who's been through it.

If there's a neighbour or cousin who's started at a new school in the past organise for them to hang out and hear what it was like.

Tip 4: Make sure everything is organised.

Bag, uniform and books are essentials for starting at a new school so help them sort it all out before day one.

Tip 5: Start afresh with a tidy room and desk.

If their desk or room is hared make sure the rest of the family are on board with keeping things sorted.

Tip 6: Farewell the holidays.

Organise a social day just before school goes back and, if possible, invite friends from their old school.

Tip 7: Don't commit too early.

Encourage your teen to be social and not rush getting a new best friend. With the stress of making friends at a new school it's easy to jump at the first people that speak to you.

Tip 8: Avoiding comparing the new to the old.

Get your teen to look to the future even if they’re missing their old school a bunch.

Tip 9: Sign up to things straight away.

Research extra-curriculars and help them decide on some they’ll sign up to in their first week.

Tip 10: Prepare them for stress.

The unknown can be really scary but things like breathing exercises, getting active, and having "me-time" can all help with the transition.

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