Easing back to school a matter of routine
Okanagan educators say year will go more smoothly if students and parents both know the drill and stick to it
School is back in session Tuesday and there are many lessons to be learned, both for students and parents. Students can expect a traditional half-day. But, after two months of staying up late, sleeping in and spending time with friends, a half-day can feel like forever.
“I’m a big believer in routine,” retired principal and School District 67 trustee Bruce Johnson said in an interview. “It’s hard the first week to get a routine set, but it’s worth it in the long run.”
By encouraging kids to maintain good study habits, whether it be by a set homework schedule in the evening or an hour devoted to review, goal-setting in preparation can pave the way to success.
And while the focus is undoubtedly on ensuring that students are adjusting to their new schedules properly, parents shouldn’t forget about their own health. What’s the best way to do so? Work on a healthy sleep schedule and diet for the entire family, don’t skip breakfast, and always work with kids to keep learning fun.
“Keep that positive energy moving,” said Janet Williams, principal of George Pringle Elementary School in West Kelowna. “Be a part of this journey, because ultimately the parent is the No. 1 teacher of the child.”
“It’s a very interesting time for teachers as well,” said Johnson.
With 17 years as a teacher and an additional 17 as a principal, Johnson remembers his many “first day back to school” memories well.
“Teachers like to get to know the students and establish routines themselves. Once students understand the expectations outlined, it makes for a better working environment for the whole 10 months. It sets up the whole year,” he said. For Pauline Tinka, a new teacher at Penticton’s Princess Margaret Secondary School, this year is very exciting.
“I feel like a Grade 9 student,” she joked. Having moved from the Coast back to her hometown, Tinka is an experienced secondary school educator who will be teaching French and Spanish at the high school. Believing that the key to success is a healthy routine and preparation, Tinka is one of many teachers tirelessly working to ensure their classrooms are prepared and their
curriculum is ready.
Parents are encouraged to meet their child’s teacher and establish a connection with him or her to remain up to date on expectations. This is important for children heading into kindergarten or transferring to a new school. This should help ease any anxiety experienced by the student or parent.
“It’s an exciting new adventure for everyone,” said Williams.
It’s not only parents who need to take note of the new school year. Motorists are reminded to slow down and obey school zones with the return of students to class.
“We can all take preventative measures to make sure children are safe when walking to and from school,” said Const. James Grandy of the Penticton RCMP.
He reminds drivers that traffic on both sides of the road must stop when school bus lights are flashing and that drivers should remain extra vigilant as children walk, run and bike to school. For children, wearing bright colours, walking bikes across intersections and looking both ways before crossing streets are important steps to ensuring their safety.