What teachers want parents to know

Top things new entrant teachers want parents to know: 

• Don't hover. Helping your child unpack and pack up his school things is not helpful. He needs to learn to do things for himself as soon as possible.
• Teachers are trained to know how to deal with clingy children. Lingering at the classroom door will only make things worse.
• If your child can't yet tie his own laces buy shoes with Velcro fastenings.
• Help prevent nits by tying long hair back and teaching kids not to share hairbrushes or hats. Spray water mixed with a few drops of teatree oil around the ears and neckline every morning as this is a great deterrent.
• Check inside your child's school bag every day - important school notices can be buried deep inside.
• All special toys should stay at home.
• All clothing should be labeled, including shoes and swimming togs. 

ARE YOU READY?
There are many things you can do to prepare your child for school:

• Go shopping with her a week or two before for clothing, a pencil case, drink bottle etc so she feels involved and excited about starting school.
• Do a trial run a few days before, practising getting dressed, packing her bag and opening her lunch box.
• Make sure your child knows where you will pick her up in the afternoon.
• Pack a change of clothes and spare undies in the school bag.
• Warn your child about school bells or sirens so she won't get alarmed.
• Expect a few tears - listen and remind her of all the other new things she's done that have turned out well.