Head of Preparatory School

Love!

This week the message of love was all around. This week we celebrated how and who we love in our lives as well as extending love to those in need. At our student led assembly this week, our Year 2 students shared the message of kindness and love in the classroom and in the playground. New students to Redlands were highlighted as they are still navigating new routines and friendships and, in some cases, a new language. Our little learners are encouraged to check in with friends, use kind language and most of all share the joy of friendship with others who may be lonely or sad. Perhaps have a chat with your child about any new students in their class and how they are settling in or maybe organise a play date so that mums and dads can also experience the joy of a Redlands friendship.

Thank you to all families for helping us create safe and calm drop off and pick up times by respecting the Allister Street and Prep car line processes. Most parents have been supportive and respectful when asked to move along or to do a lap around the block when they have arrived a little early. Can we please encourage everyone to continue to respect the procedures as the term goes on.

A gentle reminder that the area outside of Redlands House is for 5-minute parking only. Staff will ask you to move along if you stay longer than 5 minutes as will the Council Traffic Warden who now patrols Allister Street more regularly.

Helping You and Your Child Navigate Separation

Parents are always welcome on campus between 8am-8.20am to drop their children off and to catch up with teachers and friends. Can we please ask that when the bell rings at 8.20am parents leave the campus so that the children can line up for class and be ready for learning. It is tempting to watch the children lining up, wave them off and continue talking, but this is creating some anxiety for children and prolonging the morning separation for some students.

To help this separation time in the mornings, our counsellors have put together some tips and resources to help you and your child navigate the process.

Supporting a Sense of Belonging

Children have a strong need for affiliation and a strong sense of belonging after separating from their caregivers. When separating, children instinctively seek their own protection and membership by forming close attachments to their peer group. It is essential to encourage positive interactions and bonding with new peers to promote resilience and restore a sense of belonging. Remind the children of their support resources, such as their teacher, and encourage children to seek out new experiences and form positive relationships with others.

Separation anxiety is a common experience for many children, and parents can be faced with many challenges when it comes to dropping off their little ones at school. It can be tough for both the child and the parent to manage the feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. However, with patience, understanding, and some helpful strategies, you can make the separation process smoother.

Establish a Consistent Routine

Children thrive on routine and predictability. Establish a consistent morning routine that includes comforting activities such as cuddling, reading a favourite book, or singing a familiar song before heading to school. Consistency provides a sense of security for your child and can ease their anxiety about leaving you. Pack bags the night before to minimise morning chaos.

Stay Calm, Positive and Confident

Children possess remarkable perceptiveness and can easily sense your emotions. Therefore, it’s essential to remain calm and composed during drop-off, even if you’re grappling with your own anxiety. Offer gentle words of encouragement and remind your child about the enjoyable activities awaiting them at school. Your reassuring presence can significantly ease their anxiety. When providing explanations, strive to be concise and straightforward, avoiding a tone that might sound pleading.

Create a Goodbye Ritual

Establish a special goodbye ritual that provides comfort and reassurance to your child. It could be a secret handshake, a special hug, or a kiss on the hand. Whatever ritual you choose, make it meaningful and consistent. It signals to your child that you are leaving but will return later.

Resist the Urge to Hover

While it’s natural to want to linger and make sure your child is okay, hovering can prolong the separation process and increase your child’s anxiety. Once you’ve said goodbye, trust that your child is in capable hands and resist the urge to constantly check in. Short and sweet is key!

Acknowledge Your Own Feelings

Separation anxiety isn’t just challenging for children; it can also trigger strong emotions in parents. It’s okay to feel guilty or worried about leaving your child but remember that separation is a normal and healthy part of their development. If you’re struggling with your own emotions, seek help and try not to let it interfere with your child’s morning drop-off.

Picture Books

They can serve as a valuable tool for initiating conversations with your child about their fears and concerns. Engaging stories and colourful illustrations provide a non-threatening platform for addressing difficult topics. For a curated list of picture books designed to help children navigate their fears and anxieties, you can explore the following link. In addition to this, we’d recommend ‘The Invisible String’ by Patrice Kart, and ‘The Kissing Hand’ by Audrey Penn.

Extra Resources

Common Concerns with Separation Anxiety

Soothing your Child’s Separation Anxiety

Kids Health Article – Separation Anxiety

Upcoming Events to Pop in your Diary

Kindergarten Parent Coffee Morning

Join the Kindergarten Team for a Coffee Catch Up and kickstart your morning while connecting with our vibrant community. It’s an excellent opportunity to mingle with fellow families, engage with teachers and celebrate the first five weeks of kindergarten. Make sure to join us on Friday 1 March outside the Kindergarten classrooms from 7:45 to 8:15 am for a warm and welcoming gathering!

Redlands Photo Days

Redlands school photo days are across the following dates:

Prep School: Thursday 14 March
Junior School: Friday 15 March
Junior Campus Sibling Photos: Week 7, Friday 15 March, 7:00am – 7:45am – Dunnet Hall Foyer

For parents with children across both Senior and Junior/Prep School who would like sibling photos, we welcome you to attend either Sibling Photo Day on Wednesday 14 February on Senior Campus, or Friday 15 March on Junior Campus.

As we are in a transition phase for the new school uniform, Prep students are to wear which ever option they come to school in on this day as well. There is no need to buy any additional pieces.

You can book sibling photos for Wednesday 14 February online 24 hours beforehand by using the following link.

Get to know the Lucy Hill Library

Prep families are invited to join Mrs Roberts in the Lucy Hill library to hear all about what our library has to offer. If you have ever wondered what books to borrow your child or want to know more about the Premier’s Reading Challenge, come along!

When: Tuesday 20 February
Where: Lucy Hill Library
Time: 8.25am

Redlands Child Safeguarding Policy

We are pleased to share our new Redlands Child Safeguarding Policy, which replaces our previous Child Protection Policy.

The development of this policy follows the release of the new Redlands Statement of Commitment to Child Safeguarding last year, that highlighted our commitment to act in the best interests of students and promote their wellbeing and to provide safe and inclusive environments where our students feel they belong, are supported and can thrive.

You can view our new Child Safeguarding Policy here.

Mrs Ainslie Breckenridge
Head of Preparatory School
abreckenridge@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9848