Selwyn_Times: January 17, 2024

24 Selwyn Times Wednesday January 17 2024
BACK SCHOOL
TO
Tips for starting the school year
Returning or starting school can
be a nightmare or a fun-filled time of
excitement. For you and your child! Take
the stress out of the occasion and be
prepared with some tips to start the school
year in 2024.
Emotional support
Before school starts, organise a trip to
the school for a walk around the grounds.
Arrange your child to meet a friend at
school for support on the first day. Have
a positive attitude to starting school and
talk to your child about any concerns or
address any questions. Talk about the year
ahead and be excited about any goals they
Leeston
Consolidated
School
Term 1 commences Wednesday
31st January. Office open for
new enrolments on Tuesday 30th
January 9-12pm or complete an
online enrolment on our website.
Ph 3243 493 or visit
www.leeston.school.nz
for more information.
want to achieve and how you can help.
When you drop off your child and are
ready to leave, say goodbye and hand them
over to the teacher if they become upset.
On the first day of school, be there early
to pick them up and ask questions about
their day. Talk positively about what the
next day might be like.
School supplies
Remember that many others will do
the same thing, so don’t leave buying
stationery to the last minute. Involve your
children in selecting new stationery, as this
will make them more excited about school.
Many schools now offer online stationery
orders, which may be an easier option
and ensure you purchase the required
stationery. Label everything clearly,
including books, pens, pencils, rulers, and
devices. Don’t assume their schoolbag is
still in good order; check that it is in good
repair and is big enough to fit their books,
lunchbox and drink bottle. If they are
returning to school, check their lunchbox
and make sure their drink bottles are clean
and ready to use.
School clothing
If required, buy the school uniform or
check that last year’s one still fits and is in
good repair. Growth spurts often happen
over the summer break. Check they also
have a suitable sunhat, and if needed,
West Rolleston
Primary - School
Te Kura o Te Uru Kowhai
Welcome
to 2024
Term 1 2023
commences
on Wednesday
31st January
The school office will be open for
new enrolments on Tuesday the
30th January 9am to 12pm
Please visit our website www.
westrolleston.school.nz for more
information
Please visit our website
www.westrolleston.school.nz
for more information
togs and a tog bag for swimming lessons.
Allocate an area where school uniforms
and bags will be kept for easy access.
Routines
Prepare school bags, uniforms, and
shoes the day before school starts, and
arrange lunch items if possible. Relieve
stress on yourself and your child by
getting up early to avoid the frantic lastminute
dash. Display schedules either
written on a planner or whiteboard or
use pictures showing routines. Things to
include could be how to pack their own
bags, tidy their rooms (especially where
things should be put away), and make
their own breakfast or lunch. Good sleep
routines are essential for students starting
or returning to school. Relaxed sleep times
during the holidays need to be adjusted
before starting school, so ease them into
the new bedtime a week or two before. Be
consistent with the bedtime routine and
take time to talk about their day or read
with them. Turn off electronic devices at
least an hour before bedtime.
School lunches
Does your child’s lunchbox often come
home with uneaten food? Does your
child complain about their “boring”
lunch? There are many ways to ensure
your child eats healthy food and looks
forward to their lunch or school snacks.
Here are some tips for the best-packed
lunchbox:
Lunchboxes
These days, bento-style lunchboxes are
popular, with plenty of compartments
that will help to add variety to a packed
lunch. They encourage a balanced, wellportioned
diet; the bonus is that foods
can be stored in each compartment
without using plastic bags or wraps.
Make sure the box has a good seal on
it to avoid any spills. For any plastic
containers you need for packing, have
two sets for any left at school. Freeze
drinks to put in the lunchbox. They can
double as an ice pack to keep the rest
of the lunch chilled and will defrost by
lunchtime. Another idea is to freeze a
wet new kitchen sponge flat in a zip-lock
bag and use it as an ice pack. If possible,
pack the lunches the night before and
store them in the fridge or freezer. Buy
in bulk or larger bags or food containers,
including yoghurt and dried fruit, and
put appropriate portions into reusable
containers.
Pack what they like to eat
Talk with your children about what
they would like, or even get them to
make a list of lunchbox ideas. This will
reduce the likelihood that the food will
come home uneaten, thrown out or
traded with another child. It is also a
chance to talk about food choices that
are healthy and make them part of the
decision-making. Pack foods they are
used to eating and that they enjoy. It’s
better to put in a selection of options
in small quantities so your child can
choose what they eat for lunch or as a
snack. Leftovers can be a great lunch idea
and can be used warm or cold. Cook
extra and save some for the lunchbox,
including chicken, pasta, and rice dishes.
Using a thermos is great for keeping food
warm. If your child enjoys sandwiches,
keep wet fillings like tomato separate
so they can be added in when they are
ready to eat their sandwich. Spread on
mayonnaise, butter, or avocado to stop
the bread going soggy. Try sandwich
alternatives like burritos, wraps, and
pita pockets. Fruit and vegetables are a
great way to ensure a nutritious lunch
or snack, but they can also add colour
and interest. Pack bite-sized pieces that
are ready to eat. If apples are a favourite,
there are various ways to keep them from
going brown, including slicing them and
putting them together with a band or
soaking them in salted water.
Welcome to 2024
Clearview Primary
Term 1 Commences
Wednesday, 31 January
Open afternoon Tuesday 30 January 1-3pm
Office open for enrolments from
Wednesday 24 January
Uniform Sale
Order on-line at: nzuniforms.com/clearview,
or visit NZ Uniforms retail store
455 Blenheim Road,
Sockburn
Second Hand Uniforms
Tuesday 30 January 1-3pm
in the Clearview Hall.
Cash only.
Please visit www.clearview.school.nz for further information on Clearview Primary
The office will be open on Monday 29th January
for new enrolments (By appointment only)
Contact admin@rolleston.school.nz
to make an appointment
Term 1 starts Wednesday
31st January 2024