Prepare for the first day of Junior Infants
The child’s first day at school is a day to remember for the rest of their life. We can help to make it a really happy one for her/him.
Tell them about school beforehand, casually, and talk about it as a happy place where there will be a big welcome and where they will meet new friends.
It may be a good idea to bring your child with you when shopping for a lunch box and drink container. Check that your child is able to open and close the containers before purchasing as it is important they can do this unaided.
Parents and guardians of our new Junior Infants might like to listen to this short podcast about starting school.
Click here to listen to Dr. Elizabeth Dunphy, Head of Early Childhood Education, St. Patrick's College
There are also tips in a leaflet produced by the National Parents Council
Click here for NPC leaflet
Coming in…
When you arrive at the classroom be as casual and calm as you can. Help your child find a coat hook (there are no assigned hooks) and encourage them to hang up their coat. You will meet with the teacher who will encourage your child to sit with a group and play with the other children.
Assure her/him you will be back to collect them, wish her/him goodbye and make your getaway without delay.
In spite of the best efforts of both teacher and parents, a small number of children will still become upset. If your child happens to be one of them, please remain calm. Patience and perseverance can work wonders.
· Trust the teacher. They are experienced at helping the children to settle into their new surroundings.
· We understand that parents may be feeling anxious inside but it is vital that you have a positive and calm exterior.
· Tell your child that the teacher will look after him/her until home time. When you have reassured her/him, leave promptly. The teacher will then comfort your child and help them to settle into the morning.
· Check back in the office in a short while. You will invariably find that calm has been restored.
Going home...
· Be sure to collect your child on time. Children can become very upset if they feel they are forgotten.
Tell them about school beforehand, casually, and talk about it as a happy place where there will be a big welcome and where they will meet new friends.
It may be a good idea to bring your child with you when shopping for a lunch box and drink container. Check that your child is able to open and close the containers before purchasing as it is important they can do this unaided.
Parents and guardians of our new Junior Infants might like to listen to this short podcast about starting school.
Click here to listen to Dr. Elizabeth Dunphy, Head of Early Childhood Education, St. Patrick's College
There are also tips in a leaflet produced by the National Parents Council
Click here for NPC leaflet
Coming in…
When you arrive at the classroom be as casual and calm as you can. Help your child find a coat hook (there are no assigned hooks) and encourage them to hang up their coat. You will meet with the teacher who will encourage your child to sit with a group and play with the other children.
Assure her/him you will be back to collect them, wish her/him goodbye and make your getaway without delay.
In spite of the best efforts of both teacher and parents, a small number of children will still become upset. If your child happens to be one of them, please remain calm. Patience and perseverance can work wonders.
· Trust the teacher. They are experienced at helping the children to settle into their new surroundings.
· We understand that parents may be feeling anxious inside but it is vital that you have a positive and calm exterior.
· Tell your child that the teacher will look after him/her until home time. When you have reassured her/him, leave promptly. The teacher will then comfort your child and help them to settle into the morning.
· Check back in the office in a short while. You will invariably find that calm has been restored.
Going home...
· Be sure to collect your child on time. Children can become very upset if they feel they are forgotten.
- The teacher will call each child in turn to exit the classroom and return to their parent/guardian. Your patience at this time will be much appreciated.
- If at any time the collecting routine has to be changed, ensure you tell the child and write a note to their teacher.
- Check the Junior Infant schedule for September for correct collection times.