Home is where the heart is It’s been said that moving is one of life’s most stressful events, and for many ISA families and alumni this rings true. Starting out with a new home, school or friendship group is something of a norm for many ISA students, which is why the school works hard to ensure that the life changes associated with such transitions go as smoothly as possible for those entering and leaving the
exhibit in the classroom and/or on the playground,” explains Denise Granai, ISA Lower School counsellor. “Children who know their friends are leaving may begin to distance themselves from the leavers – we may see them strengthening friendships with children that they
school.
know will also be here the following year. Conversely,
The average ISA student has a stay of two to three years,
themselves from friends – they may appear preoccupied
making change a constant in both the Upper and Lower Schools. With this in mind, ISA’s counselling teams have developed a programme to help students and their families cope with the excitement and anxiety that comes with such frequent changes in environment, cultures and social dynamics. Coming and Going The transition process begins as soon as families know that they will be moving, which is something that isn’t always understood by both parents and students. For students, their mental state shifts from thinking in terms of the present to thinking in terms of the future and, depending on whether the student is the “leaver” or the
children who are leaving may also begin to distance or withdrawn at different times before they move. Often students are anxious about the prospect of leaving and may show increased agitation in their interactions with others or withdraw from full participation in class activities.” ISA trains teachers to be aware of these emotional shifts and to address them early on. Early intervention is essential to ensure that the students know that what they are feeling is natural, temporary and that they will indeed adjust to the new changes in their lives. Engagement is Key The decision to move, where to live and what school
“stayer”, reactions may vary.
to attend often involves only the parents, so allowing
“It’s essential that teachers are aware of the stages of
Encouraging them to connect early with their new
transition and are sensitive to some of the behaviours 12
linked to the transition process that our students might
students to feel some sense of control is also key. surroundings
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