Settling in Suggestions

It is natural for both parents and children to feel some anxiety when moving to a new school, especially an international move. At Avondale we aim to make the transition as smooth as possible. Our small size and community spirit should help your child to feel a sense of belonging very quickly. We all work together, teachers, parents and students to help each new student to settle in because we know happy children are in the best frame of mind to learn. Here are some ideas to help your child settle into their new environment as soon as possible.

Make your child feel part of the decision making

If possible, try to include your child in the first visit to Singapore and take them with you when you visit the schools on your short list. Encourage your child to find a few positive points about each school visited. Once you have decided on your preferred school, use the positives stated by your child as some of the key reasons for choosing that school.

Talk about the move

Talk to your child about all aspects of the move. Allow them to voice their concerns. It is sometimes good to also share some of your concerns with your children as long as you always reassure your child that the most important thing is that the family members have each other for support.

Talk to your child about where you will live, show them photos and look at google earth. Talk to them about school routines and similarities and differences between their previous school and Avondale. Children will take time to understand the Avondale routines and rules and the more you talk to your child about what they should expect at Avondale, the more comfortable they will feel.

Allow adjustment time

Where possible, it is best to arrive in Singapore at least a few weeks before starting school. This will give your child time to adjust their body clock, get used to the tropical weather and the new routines. Ensure you bring some familiar things with you, especially if you will have a stay in a serviced apartment, prior to finding permanent accommodation. A few special toys and your child’s own pillow can make a huge difference to the way they feel about the move.

Ensure you take your child to orientation day

Take every opportunity to visit the school and allow your child to familiarise themselves with their new environment. Attending orientation day is important to build confidence in your child. At orientation day your child will meet other new students, meet their new teacher, learn where their classroom is and be separated from you for a short while. The atmosphere is calm and informal and after orientation day your child should feel more comfortable with their new surroundings.

Buy your school uniform early

Your child will feel much happier if they arrive at school looking like everyone else. We encourage children to wear their new school uniform to orientation day. If you get the chance, we recommend you visit Lim Meng Keng Department Store at Holland Road Shopping Centre and purchase your Avondale school uniform before orientation day. Lim Meng Keng Department Store, 211 Holland Avenue #02-18, ph: 6468 3655.
For students participating in a trial day, the school has spare uniforms available for students to borrow.

Be early during the first week

It is unsettling for your child if you are rushing to school in the first week, especially the first day. Make sure you allow extra time so you are at school at least 15 minutes before the bell rings.

Allowing that extra time will give your child the chance to find friends they made at orientation day, take their bag to the classroom area, or simply stay with you and watch the other children play until the bell rings for morning lines.

It is equally important to be early when collecting your child from school in the first week. Your child will feel assured when Mum or Dad’s smiling face is waiting in the playground to pick them up at the end of the day.

Talk with your child’s teacher

During the first week, ask for feedback from your child’s teacher as to how your child is settling in. You may get a chance to talk briefly in the playground with the teacher or you can use the message book or some teachers are comfortable with email. If you have concerns you should make an appointment with your child’s teacher.

If you have any concerns at all about how your child is settling into Avondale, no matter how minor, you should speak to your child’s teacher sooner rather than later. Often if you deal with a small issue early it will make all the difference to your child’s happiness at school.

Organise a play date

Take every opportunity to participate in social events organised by the school because this will allow you to get to know the children and parents in your child’s class. Once you are comfortable with a family, organise a play date for your child. It is surprising how quickly children can form friendships, particularly when given the opportunity to play one-on-one.

Be patient

It is a huge challenge to relocate a family to a new country and assimilate into a new culture, workplace and school. In most cases our children surprise us by settling in with ease and often more quickly than the adults! Each child is different, however, and some will need more time to reach a level of comfort in their new environment. We need to be patient and give everyone a chance to adjust at his or her own rate.