Orientation Day is a milestone for both you and your child as they prepare to start school. It’s a day filled with excitement, curiosity, and maybe a few jitters too.
But before we dive into the do’s and don’ts, it’s important to remember that on Orientation Days, schools are showcasing their classrooms, teachers, and community – and you are a guest.
Think of this as a ‘first date’ with the school: everyone is putting their best foot forward, and there are limits on what teachers can and can’t discuss with you in a group setting. This day is all about getting a feel for the school, so let’s focus on making the most of this initial introduction.
What to do at your child’s school orientation day
Do Observe and Explore
Take your time to walk around the school. This isn’t just a tour; it’s a chance to really soak in the atmosphere. Notice how the classrooms are set up, check out the outdoor play areas, and observe how the staff interact with the children. Your child’s comfort in this new environment is crucial, so pay attention to how they respond as you explore together. Are they excited? A little nervous? Both reactions are perfectly normal. The goal is to help them begin to see this new place as somewhere they can feel at home.
Why it matters: Seeing how your child reacts in this new setting gives you valuable insights into how they might settle in when school starts. It also allows you to assess if the school’s environment aligns with your expectations and your child’s needs.
Do Engage in Light Conversation
Introduce yourself to the teachers and staff with a warm, friendly greeting. Something simple like, “Hello, we’re excited to be here today,” works perfectly. Remember, this isn’t the time for deep discussions about your child’s specific needs or challenges. Keep things light and positive, showing your enthusiasm for the journey ahead.
Why it matters: First impressions count, and a friendly, positive approach sets the tone for future interactions. Keeping conversations light also respects the busy nature of the day, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the orientation experience without feeling rushed or pressured.
Do Focus on Your Child
This day is all about your child. Watch how they interact with the environment and the people around them. Encourage them to explore, participate in activities, and share their thoughts with you. Ask them what they liked, what made them curious, and how they felt about different parts of the school.
Why it matters: Your child’s reactions provide valuable clues about how comfortable they feel in this new setting. It also helps them feel seen and heard, reinforcing that their feelings about starting school are important to you.
Do Take Notes
If any questions or concerns come to mind during the visit, jot them down. You don’t need to get all your answers on the spot; you can always follow up with the staff later when things are less hectic. Writing down your thoughts ensures you won’t forget to address anything important once the initial excitement of the day has passed.
Why it matters: Having a record of your thoughts and questions helps you stay organised and ensures that you don’t overlook any important concerns. It also allows you to have more focused and productive conversations with the school staff later on.
What NOT to do at Your Child’s Orientation day
Don’t Try to Have In-Depth Conversations
While it might be tempting to discuss your child’s specific needs with teachers or the principal, Orientation Day isn’t the right time for this. With many other families present, staff won’t be able to give you the detailed attention and support that such conversations require. Save these discussions for a private meeting where everyone can focus fully.
Why it matters: Important conversations deserve time and attention, which simply isn’t available on a busy Orientation Day. Scheduling a separate meeting shows respect for the staff’s time and ensures that your child’s needs are discussed thoroughly and thoughtfully.
Don’t Discuss Your Child’s Needs Publicly
It’s important to keep discussions about your child’s specific needs private. Public conversations can inadvertently disclose sensitive information to others, and it’s best to save these for a more appropriate time and place.
Why it matters: Privacy is crucial, especially when it comes to your child’s personal information. Keeping these conversations private helps maintain your child’s dignity and ensures that their needs are discussed in a focused, professional manner.
Don’t Take Photographs Without Consent
We all love capturing memories, but it’s important to respect the privacy of other families and school staff. If you want to take a photo of your child, make sure you ask for permission and be mindful not to include other children or staff members who may prefer not to be photographed. Also, think carefully before sharing any photos on social media.
Why it matters: Respecting others’ privacy helps create a trusting and respectful environment. Being considerate about photography and social media also aligns with school policies and community expectations.
Don’t Rush Through the Day
There’s no need to hurry. Allow your child to take their time as they explore the new environment. Let them move at their own pace, whether that means lingering in the classroom or spending extra time in the playground. The goal is to make them feel comfortable and excited about this new chapter in their life.
Why it matters: Rushing can make the experience stressful for your child, and it might prevent them from fully exploring and enjoying the day. Giving them time to adjust helps build a positive association with the school, setting the stage for a smoother transition.
Make the Most Of School Orientation Days
Orientation Day is a special occasion that marks the beginning of your child’s school journey. By keeping these do’s and don’ts in mind, you can help make the experience positive and stress-free for both you and your child. Remember, this day is about laying the foundation for a successful start to school, so take it one step at a time, focus on the little moments, and enjoy the excitement of this new beginning!
Concerned About Your Child’s School Readiness
If you are concerned that your child may not be quite ready to begin school, seek advice from early educators who know your child well. They can share insights about any ‘gaps’ in your child’s skills and assist with professionals in your area, such as speech pathologists, occupational therapists or early intervention teachers who may be able to help.
Kids First Children’s Services also offers a wide range of School Readiness supports, including Sonja Walker’s best-selling book SCHOOL READY: A practical and supportive guide for parents with sensitive kids
Contact us on (02) 9938 5419 or click on the image below to get your copy.
