From the Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing

I hope your daughter has settled well into the new school year. The year is full of promise and challenge and we, the staff, are here to support all parents and girls to live up to the promises and challenges of the year, to feel successful and grow.

It is a long and very full day in the MLC Junior School. We have high expectations for our girls, and they so capably live up to them. There is lot to do and enjoy.

You might find your young children are often tired and grumpy after school at the beginning of the year. This is very normal. Children use so much energy at School – for learning, social connections and behaviour. The school day is full of lots of sensory information, distraction, rules to follow, thinking, processing and managing social interactions. This can be overwhelming for developing brains. Transitions can put stress on children as well. The transition from a structured school day where they work hard to unstructured play time at home can be challenging.

Here’s a few things you can do to help your daughter:

• Healthy snacks are great to have ready to go in the car.
• Don’t ask questions about their day straight away. Instead focus on something you may have for dinner, or that they can look forward to (a swim might be good at the moment). This can keep them from getting frustrated with trying to recall in formation from the day.
• Give them an opportunity to rest and relax.
• Connect with them. If they are frustrated and complaining connect with them by acknowledging the struggle – ‘It sounds like a hard day’ and sit with them just to show you are present. It’s ok to have bad days. Give them space to work it through. Be positive that tomorrow is another day.

If you find you are asking about the school day and getting the typical responses, such as ‘nothing’ or ‘I can’t remember’ try one or more of these questions and see if you get more information:

• What was the best thing you did today?
• What games did you play at lunchtime?
• What was something different that happened today?
• What made you laugh?
• Who did you play with?
• What are you looking forward to about tomorrow?
• What did you learn about in music/PE/library?
• What’s something your teacher said to you today that made you think?
• If you could change one thing that happened today, what would it be? Will you try that tomorrow?

If, at any time, you are concerned with how your daughter is settling into the year please contact your daughter’s class teacher. I am also available to contact at any time jsharpe@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au .

We look forward to another wonderful year of learning and fun in the Junior School.

– Joanne Sharpe
Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing