Welcome back to all our students and families. We hope everyone enjoyed a restful and refreshing school holiday break and had the opportunity to spend quality time together. 

It has been wonderful to see how positively our students have returned to school. There is a terrific buzz around the classrooms and yard, with students settling quickly into routines, reconnecting with friends, and engaging enthusiastically in their learning. We are very proud of the way they have started the term. 

A quick reminder that Term 2 is winter uniform. However, if the forecast temperature is above 26°C, students may wear their summer uniform. We kindly ask that uniforms are not mixed — students should wear either full winter uniform or full summer uniform on those warmer days. 

Supporting Our Children with Anxiety 
Adapted from the work of Mark Le Messurier 

As we settle into the new term, it is important to remember that feelings of anxiety are very real for some children, particularly around returning to school and navigating daily routines. Mark Le Messurier reminds us that anxiety is often driven by feelings of uncertainty, lack of control, and perceived risk. 

Here are some practical and reassuring strategies for families to support children: 

1. Acknowledge and talk about feelings – Encourage open conversations about worries. Simply talking about concerns, without dismissing them, can help children feel understood and supported. 

2. Identify triggers – Work together to recognise what might be causing anxiety. Understanding the 'why' is often the first step toward finding solutions.
 
3. Create a consistent goodbye routine – A simple, predictable routine — such as a hug, special handshake, or positive phrase — helps children feel secure at separation and reassured that they will reconnect later. 

4. Use transitional objects – Small, meaningful items (a note, photo, or special object) can provide comfort during the school day and reinforce connection. 

5. Establish clear routines – Regular morning routines provide a sense of structure, helping children feel safe and confident about what to expect. 

6. Keep goodbyes calm and brief – A short, consistent farewell is often more reassuring than a prolonged or emotional goodbye.
 
7. Be mindful of language – Use calm, simple, and consistent phrases that reassure without overwhelming. Children are less likely to absorb lengthy explanations when they feel anxious. 

8. Trust the school’s support – Teachers play an important role in helping children settle. They may offer tasks, provide social connections, teach calming techniques such as deep breathing, and build strong, trusting relationships. 

9. Show confidence in teachers – Children notice the trust you place in their teacher. Positive, trusting partnerships between home and school help children feel secure. 

10. Develop a simple 'anxiety plan' – Ask your child to rate their anxiety, compare perspectives with a trusted adult, talk through outcomes, discuss coping strategies, and agree on a clear plan for routines such as morning drop-off. 
Supporting children through anxiety is an ongoing journey. With patience, consistency, and connection, we can help our children feel safe, capable, and ready to learn. 
  
I wish you all a wonderful week and a very settled start to term 2. 

Deb Clifford & Melissa Taylor

Deputy Principals