As we approach October 18 we are eagerly anticipating students returning onsite.

Next week we will see Prep, Kindergarten and Year 1 return onsite to the College. One of the important aspects of returning is preparing your child for the return to campus. Below is a list of helpful ideas or tips for how to prepare your child for the return to school.

Helpful Hints and Tips for your students

There are a number of things parents can be doing to prepare the students for returning to College.

1. Remind students that School is a safe and happy place to be. Keep positive – children will reflect your outlook.

2. Establish routines of going to bed early, packing the school bag, getting the uniform ready

3. Talk positively with your child about seeing their friends and teachers and the lovely activities that they will be able to do again at College

4. Remind them that the teachers and some students will be wearing masks, but they are the same teachers and this is just another way to help keep people safe

Some things will be different at College, but most of the important things will be the same.

We will all be saying a quick goodbye to mums and dads - mums and dads won’t be coming in the gates - maybe you could practice a cool goodbye handshake, wave or high five

It is important to start thinking about what your child might like in their lunchbox next week to add to the shopping list, the canteen won't be open until the week of the 25 October so make sure they have a packed lunch.

Explain that we all have different feelings about coming back to College - we can talk to our parents, and we can talk to teachers about this. Talk about how students may miss seeing Mum and Dad when at College, but it will be great for them to be able to do other things.

I hope you will join me in prayer as students return to College, that we are able to keep everyone safe and happy about the return to school.