Below are links to some useful articles on how to prepare for the start of school, with tips for families on how to transition from school holidays and how to get ready for a child starting primary or secondary school.

Preparing Kids for a Healthy School Year - by the Editor

As long summer days of fun in the sun and family holidays come to an end, families are preparing for the start of a new school year.  ‘Back to school’ is a frantic time for parents with so many things to organise, but the start of a new school year is also a great time to start afresh with healthy resolutions.

School Transitions: Parents Do Make a Difference - by Angie Wilcock

Whether our children are moving from pre-school to 'big school', primary to secondary, or secondary to tertiary or the work place, parents ALWAYS have a role to play - significantly different in each phase, but a role nonetheless.

Surviving Beyond the First Week of School - by Angie Wilcock

Five year olds all over the country are about to embark on their first week of 'big school'! Mums and dads are preparing to wipe away the tears, settle into a new routine of ‘pick-up’ and ‘drop-off’, and tackle the thirteen year journey ahead...

High School, Here We Come! - by Fay Prideaux

Top of the pile one week... New kid on the block the next. This is the scenario facing thousands of year six children over the coming weeks when they farewell their primary school days and enter the world of secondary school...

Gearing Up for Back to School: 10 Tips - by the Editor

It seems as if the madness of the holiday season has just finished, and now that we are finally starting to relax,  we are being inundated with 'back to school' ads everywhere we turn! Well, the first day of school really is only around the corner, and parents need to turn their attention to the new school year. 

Transition to High School, For Students and Parents - by Angie Wilcock

Transition to high school is considered by some to be one of the most traumatic experiences our children will encounter. This period is already associated with huge physical, cognitive, and emotional changes – and they are expected to cope with social and academic change as well! 

Going Back to School and Transition Tips - by Tahlia Mandie

Starting back at school can be a challenging time, for parents and kids. It can be a tough time especially for kids that are starting school for the first time. While it is an exciting time for both, it can also be a time that is filled with a variety of feelings, emotions and challenges including anxiety, fear, guilt and uncertainty.

Children Need Support on their Very First Day of School - by Government of South Australia Children, Youth and Women's Health Service

Thousands of children will have their first day at school soon and this can be stressful for little children who are used to a very different routine.

From the Holidaze to School Days - by ASG

To help parents in their back to school preparations, the Australian Scholarships Group (ASG) has prepared a back to school guide for parents, From The Holidaze To School Days – How to get a stress-free start back to school.

Sunsmart's Back to School Tips - by Sunsmart

Pack your hat and sunscreen and Slip! Slop! Slap! your way back to school.  With thousands of children starting the new school year right now, it's a great time to remind students, parents and teachers of how to stay SunSmart at school.

Back to School Tips - AAP - by AAP

Tips and recommendations by the American Society of Pediatrics on the first day of school, backpack safety, travel, eating, bullying, and study habits.

Ten Tips to Help Prepare for High School (PDF)- by NSW Department of Education and Training -

Here are some steps you can take to help your child start high school on a positive note. Download factsheet.

For more links, visit our 'School Transitions' section.

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