AI Generated Image
Most people will say that spring is the season that denotes a fresh start, but many would argue that the first couple of weeks of September, when the crispness of the air returns and school begins, is the real new beginning.
This September, hundreds of thousands of students will either return to school or venture into the next phase of their young lives as they enter a classroom for the first time. Kristen Niemi, Chief Executive Officer of the RCDSB, knows this time of year very well, and she knows the challenges that heading back to school can bring to students and parents alike.
Niemi points out that kids often pick up on the mental cues from their parents, and if a parent is anxious about the school year, the child may mirror that anxiety in their own behaviour. She says there are strategies to manage this and help smooth the transition.
She goes on to suggest that open and honest communication between parent and student is critical when discussing what to expect and what kinds of challenges the child may face, perhaps for the first time. Reminders about favourite aspects of the school experience can be very helpful in easing anxiety about returning. Explaining the key aspects of the first classroom experience to little ones can also be a good starting point.
Niemi says that validating a child’s anxious feelings can go a very long way toward getting to the root of the issue, starting with a simple, straightforward question.
Practising routines ahead of time is another way to help alleviate the natural nervousness that new situations can bring about.
Niemi knows that with time comes change, and that includes how education is delivered to students. Curriculum changes are an inevitable part of the education process. Outdoor classrooms have been proven to enhance the overall learning experience, and the world is rapidly becoming more digitized, so schools must keep pace.
Some of the more simple golden rules sometimes need to be reinforced, especially for older kids returning to school.
Niemi again emphasizes that routines are critical, especially when it comes to establishing bedtime and morning routines. Sleep habits have been proven to be among the most important factors in student physical and mental health. A final thought from Kristen.
School Mental Health Ontario has an information pamphlet available for parents and students that can be accessed through the RCDSB website. It includes information about routines, sleep habits, screen-time concerns and a myriad of other student health-related matters.
Good luck to parents and students for the 2026-27 school year.
(Written By: Richard Evans)
