It’s 2025 and the school year is underway! There is a buzz in the air as the chitter chatter of reuniting students and staff fill the campus. It’s an exciting time, and an opportunity for fresh starts.

However, ‘back to school’ can also trigger heightened emotions, for both students and for parents. Common fears may include navigating a new environment, wondering who the new teachers will be, or returning to social or academic challenges. Parents may also experience overwhelm in keeping up with schooling administration requirements and notifications, filling lunch boxes, washing uniforms, and establishing new family routines.

Whilst some students may experience a combination of nervousness and uncertainty, there may be others who experience significant challenges in returning to school. This may manifest in physical complaints, disturbed sleep, school avoidance, meltdowns, isolation, distorted thinking, rumination, and anxiety.

If you are noticing any of the above concerns, please seek out the guidance of your campus counsellor. The counselling team is able to support you and your child during this time of transition.

For children who might need additional support at school, now is a good time to get in contact with your campus counselling team to discuss your child’s needs. School counsellors are a gateway to integrating social, emotional, and behavioural support with teachers and coordinators, and where necessary the Learning Support team.

Counsellors will spend time with parents getting to know the needs of your child and planning appropriate interventions, in a safe, supportive, and confidential setting.

If you or your child are struggling with the start of the school year, or, if your child has come from another learning environment where they have accessed support and you anticipate they will need ongoing support, please reach out – we’re here to help!