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Starting High School
It is a big step for your child going from a familiar primary school to a completely new high school with very few friends around. This happens to be at about the same time when your child is changing to be a teenager. There are new friends to be made, new rules to learn and new routine to be settling into.
For parents, it is a big change too: new timetable, new way of travelling, a few new faces among your child’s friends and perhaps, a new attitude comes with the package. To prepare yourself and your child for the challenge, please consider the following before the start of the new school term:
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Communication
Mental preparation: sit down with your child and talk about the new environment she or he will adapt into. Openly discuss about fears, worries and expectations that come from both your child and yourself. Address those fear factors, such as bullying, workload, friendship and try to work out an initial solution together.
This open communication will encourage your child to keep you informed during at least the first few months in the new school, and hopefully, become long-lasting.
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Friends:
Arrange to meet as many kids attending to the same high school as possible, some of them may become your child’s close friends later on, or they may live close by.
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Transport: if your child will need to use new forms of public transport, such as trains or buses, take her or him on the trips a few times to familiarise them with the routes as well as the duration of each trip.
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Uniform: check with your orientation package, have at least the summer uniform ready for the first term. Clearly label each item with your child’s name, perhaps a contact number.
Books and Stationery: follow the list given by the school and try to have them all ready before the school starts – buying a text book after school starts may require a waiting period and it may adversely affect your child at the beginning of the high school.
Your Orientation Package: it is your ultimate “Starting High School Guide”, so please read it thoroughly. No matter how competent or confident your child is for his or her age, your attention is always seen to be a sign of caring and support.
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