The 'BIG DAY'

On the Big Day..

COMING IN …

• When you arrive in the classroom, please be as casual as you can
• You and your child will meet the class teacher and the other children
• Hopefully, your child will be absorbed in the new surroundings, so having given assurance that you will be back to collect him/her, wave goodbye and make your getaway without delay to the school hall for a ‘cuppa’

GOING HOME

 Junior Infants will be released from the door beside the sports hall – please wait outside

• Be sure to collect your child on time. Children can become very upset if they feel they are forgotten
• If at any time the collecting routine has to be changed please ensure you tell your child and the class teacher in writing. We understand that emergencies can also arise so a phone call to the school office will ease anxiety

 HANDLING THE UPSET CHILD

In spite of the best effort of both teacher and parents a small number of children will still become upset. If your child happens to be one of them, don’t panic. Patience and perseverance can work wonders.

A Word of Advice …

•  On day one take as many photos and videos as you like. It is a great day for children, parents and the school.
• Trust the teacher. He/she is experienced and resourceful and is used to coping with all kinds of starting-off problems.
• Try not to show any outward signs of your own distress. Sometimes the parents are more upset than the child and are the main cause of his/her anxiety.
• When you have reassured your child, leave as quickly as possible. The teacher can distract and humour him/her more easily when you are not around.
• Check back discreetly in a short while with the office. You will invariably find that calm has been restored.
• You must be firm from the start. Even if a child is upset you must insist that they stay. He/she must never feel that he/she is winning the psychological battle of wills.