HANDY HINTS FOR PARENTS OF FIRST-TIME STUDENTS

More than 80,000 state and non-state students are expected to start full-time schooling for the first time on Monday, 29 January 2007.

Education and Training Minister, Rod Welford, said this will include more than 29,000 students who will start the new Prep year being offered at more than 1300 state and non-state schools in 2007.

“Children born between 1 January and June 30 2002 are eligible to start Prep this year and this has bolstered the number of first-time students significantly,” Mr Welford said.

“Year 1 enrolments will increase to 56,000 this year, with 2700 of these students having trialled the first Prep year at 121 state and non-state schools in 2006.

“Starting school is a major event in a child’s life and the first day at school can be an emotional time for the child and mums and dads.

“Parents who talk positively about the school experience play an important role in helping their child avoid first-day nerves.

Mr Welford said there were a few simple steps parents and carers could take to make the first day easier for children and themselves.

“Children feel more comfortable if they are familiar with their surroundings, and parents can help by showing children the school grounds ahead of time,” he said.

“Talk to your child about lunch times and the need to leave some food for the second break. Ensure you pack a healthy lunch, with a water bottle and don’t forget a hat and sunscreen.

“Assure your child about the after-school routine, whether it is after-school care or being collected at the classroom or school gates.

“Go step-by-step through the school preparation routine and sometimes a full dress rehearsal in the days prior can help reduce anxiety. Allowing them to get dressed in their school uniform and pack their own bag familiarises them with the new routine.”

Mr Welford said Education Queensland staff were well prepared to help students adjust to the start of the 2007 year.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000 or 0419 734 985