Transitions always brings a certain level of uncertainty. Whether it’s moving from one place to another, changing social circles, switching schools, or transitioning from primary to secondary education. However, the main point of this article is that transition can also be seen from another perspective, as an opportunity for growth and continuous development of our personality.
I remember when I started my education in high school, I felt excited but also anxious. Some of the main concerns that crossed my mind were:
- “Who’s going to be in my new class?”
- “What’s my new teacher going to be like?”
- “How will I get used to these new changes?”
- “What if schoolwork is harder this year?”
- “How will I cope? What if I can’t keep up?”
On the other side, I was looking forward to:
- Having more freedom,
- More challenges,
- Making new friends,
- Learning new things.
Change doesn’t always have to be associated with negative things. And it’s ok if you want to prepare more than your backpack. So, let me help:
- Go through everything the night before. This will help make the first day easier.
- Turn some practical tasks into fun activities, like re-establishing and practicing routines, sleep cycle and waking time.
- Plan your lunch.
- Decide on your outfit.
- Set the morning alarm.
The first day at AHSS is an Orientation Day. This means that:
- You need to be here by 11am
- You will be welcomed by our staff, who will guide you to your class and classroom
- You will be welcomed by the academic coordinator and the school principal
- You will receive your classes schedule and the key to your locker, where you will keep your things
- At 12pm, you will be invited to go down to the Srekja Food & Bar for a gig by the school band, The Third Brigade
- That’s it!
The most important part is to bring yourself and to be yourself.
On link you can read about what students said about studying in American High School Skopje: https://ahss.edu.mk/en/students-about-ahss/
If you need more information, you can contact your school, or you can always contact me at psychologist@ahss.edu.mk
References
van Rens, M., Haelermans, C., Groot, W. et al. Facilitating a Successful Transition to Secondary School: (How) Does it Work? A Systematic Literature Review. Adolescent Res Rev 3, 43–56 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40894-017-0063-2
Evangelou, M. and Taggart, B. and Sylva, K. and Melhuish, Edward C. and Sammons, P. and Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2008) What makes a successful transition from primary to secondary school? Project Report. The Department for Children, Schools and Families, London, UK.
For parents
Managing big feelings about going back to school
I want to offer some practical advice, drawn from two reputable sources, on how you, as parents or caregivers, can help facilitate a smooth and successful transition for your child into a new school environment. By implementing these strategies, you can provide the support and guidance necessary to ease this significant change and promote a positive educational experience.
I would also like to emphasize that it is completely normal to have some big feelings about going back to school, as a new school year often brings about lots of changes. These feelings can be experienced by both parents and young people. Often, it is helpful to have a conversation about these feelings, and provide a space for young people to talk about their concerns. During these conversations:
- Provide support, validate and normalize these feelings, whilst instilling confidence in the school, and your child’s abilities to manage their day and enjoy school.
- Remember that anxiety may show up physically in the form of stomach aches, headaches, and feeling tired.
- It may be helpful to write down your child’s worries, and help them categorize whether their worries are ones that a parent or teacher could help them with, and assist them in developing an action plan for managing those worries.
- Identify a trusted friend, teacher or support person that your child can talk to whilst they are at school.
- Reflect back on a time where your child has been able to manage school well, and encourage them to think of past strategies that have been helpful.
Don’t forget to remind yourself that you are only human, and strive for progress not perfection, particularly if things do not go to plan (they rarely do!). Reach out to other parents, or friends and family to share the load, and remember you’re not alone.
There are many ways to make these changes as smooth as possible for you and your children:
- Talk with your children’s teachers to find out how they can help make the move easier.
- Talk about the new routines, rules and expectations with your children.
- Be enthusiastic and excited! Your attitude influences how your children feel and cope.
- Talk to your children about peer pressure and behaviors that could put them at risk and what to do if they encounter these behaviors.
- Know your children’s homework requirements and check regularly to see if they are keeping up. Teach them planning, organization and time management skills by getting them to keep a diary – this develops self-motivation and independent learning.
- Ensure your children are comfortable with the new school environment by attending orientation days or making an appointment with the principal to visit the school.
- Make sure you and your children are familiar with the transport options.
- Encourage your children to eat well, get plenty of sleep and balance study with sport and enjoyable family and social activities.
- Help them to make new friends with these tips:
If you need more information, you can contact your school, or you can always contact me on psychologist@ahss.edu.mk
References:
https://www.lawsonpsychology.com.au/managing-back-to-school-stress/