Helpful Hints
Imagine it’s the first day of school…
You’re walking into the school gates with your backpack on, wearing a stiff new uniform, your shiny new shoes still need breaking in, you don’t really know anybody, and your hands might be a little sweaty
Starting a new school is a big deal. You’re going to meet lots of new people and be thrown into new situations. That’s bound to make you feel lots of different emotions.
It could be exciting and fun – if that’s how you feel, then enjoy the feeling! For some of you, it could make you feel scared and worried. If that sounds like you, read our tips on making your first day or week a little easier.
Things that students might worry about include:
Plan ahead and prepare
Here’s a few things you can do in the lead up to starting a new school that can make things easier
Visit the school and find out where everything is
Visualise your first day going successfully - try to stay positive and calm
Plan your lunches and pack healthy meals and snacks to keep your energy up
Organise your books, stationery, uniforms, backpack and anything else you’ll need
Get lots of sleep and start school well rested
Talk to your teacher or a grown-up if you need support – talking helps!
- Turn anxiety into excitement
Anxiety and excitement are two closely related feelings. Anxiety is excitement with the added fear that things may not go well. You can enjoy the anticipation of starting at a new school by trying to turn your anxiety into excitement.
2. Create images that excite you!
When you don't know what will happen in the future, you can create more anxiety by imagining awful things will happen. By changing your story (and the images in your head), you can create excitement instead. So, imagine what can go right instead of guessing what can go wrong. VIsualise yourself arriving in your new school happy, confident, and ready to learn.
3. Make space to talk about what is being lost
While you want to feel optimistic about joining the OC class, change means that you lose something too. Old teachers, old friends, and an old school building will be left behind – and that can sometimes make you feel sad. So make sure you let yourself experience the sadness by talking it over with friends who are going through it too.
If you're sad, it's a good thing because it means you had a good experience that you're sad to leave behind. As the first day approaches, talk about your feelings to people you trust. You can explore your emotions through art, writing, music, or whatever! Share what you produce with family or friends.
4. Remember that we're all in the same boat
Sometimes you can get so caught up in your feelings that you forget everyone changing schools will feel the same way. All our new students will be excited and nervous at a fresh start – so will the teachers! In short, it's normal to feel a bit nervous, but you won't be the only one – you're in good company.
5. Change is a part of life
Stay aware of your feelings as they develop over the first few weeks, and then compare them to what you had anticipated – you'll be surprised. Next time a significant change comes, you'll know how to face it.