Class Act with ACG Tauranga Principal Shawn Hutchinson

A new year brings renewed excitement, new opportunities and, of course, new challenges.

For many children, these challenges will include heading back to school. Whether it is returning to routine, transitioning to primary, intermediate or high school, or shifting to a brand new school, where there is excitement there is also anxiety.

Anxiety can manifest itself in various ways: some students become withdrawn, others act out or refuse to go to school, and some may be physically unwell or exhausted. Regardless of what form it takes, there's no denying the impact it has on children's mental and physical wellbeing.

So what can parents do to help students start the school year on a positive note?

Focus on the basics and set a routine a week before school returns, the night before and the day of.

A week out, ensure your child gets into a routine which ensures enough sleep ahead of those early mornings. A good night's sleep can have a hugely positive impact on a child's ability to cope with anxiety.

The night before, make lunches, pack their bags, and set out their uniform for the day.

When the big day arrives, try to get everyone up 10 minutes earlier than usual to give yourself extra time to chat and relax before rushing away in different directions. The school morning is a great time to set the tone for the day – if you can ensure you send your children off with warmth and positivity, they will excel.

Maintain a focus on the positive aspects of the school experience rather than dwelling on the negative. For example, if your child is concerned about missing their friends, remind them to look forward to meeting new people and the joy that can come from this.

Whether returning to school or starting fresh this year, I wish students all the best for their first day and especially look forward to meeting the new additions to the ACG Tauranga family.