PREPARING FOR PREP PARENTS AND FAMILIES

Create Routine

Build Confidence

Build Independence

Set times for everyday activities and tasks to help your child understand what they have to do each day. For example, set a bed time and wake up time, have a healthy breakfast or make time for academic and physical activities.

Set Healthy Habits

Help your child cope in challenging situations by finding answers to their questions or concerns. Together, talk through some ‘What will I do if?’ situations to build their confidence. For example, ‘What will I do if I spill yoghurt on my shirt?’

Know Your School

Before your child starts school, strengthen their independence by helping them to practise unfamiliar tasks, including packing and carrying their own school bag, putting on their shoes, opening their lunch box and more.

Engagement

Encourage your child to make healthy choices by providing food in realistic quantities and practice drinking from a water bottle. You should model sun-safe practices and encourage your child to wear a hat and sunscreen.

Help your child get to know the school environment and routine by driving past the school or taking a tour. Prepare any materials that your children will need to bring on their first day.

Develop their concentration skills by reading aloud and writing with your child (e.g. shopping lists or letters). You can also build their imagination and natural curiosity by visiting new places or playing sport.

How To Ask For Help

Hygiene

Belongings

Talk with you child about how to recognise bad situations for example, feeling sick). Teach them how to ask teachers and school staff for help by modelling what to say.

Ensure your child knows how to cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze, blow their nose, use the toilet, wash their hands and other things that keep our community safe.

It is important for students to recognise their belongings so they can be accessed when needed. We recommend marking clothes, or using bag tags, ribbons and similar to mark lunch boxes, water bottles, bags and more.