Transitioning smoothly into ‘big school’: What parents need to know

The first day of Kindergarten!

It’s a milestone filled with excitement, pride and maybe a few nerves (for both you and your child!). Starting “big school” marks the beginning of a whole new adventure, and with a little preparation, you can help make those first weeks calm, confident and full of smiles.

1. Talk it up with excitement!
Children take their cues from you. Speak positively about school, the friends they’ll make, the fun activities and the stories they’ll hear. This helps build excitement rather than anxiety. If you’re feeling nervous, that’s normal too, just try to keep the focus on the positives!

2. Practise the little things
In the lead-up to school, have a few “practice mornings.” Pack the school bag, try on the uniform and walk or drive past the school together. Familiarity makes everything feel a little less overwhelming when the big day arrives.

3. Create a calm morning routine
Have a predictable morning - breakfast, get dressed, brush teeth, bag in hand. This helps children feel secure. Try it out before term starts so it becomes second nature. And remember: even if the first morning feels like a blur, a hug, a smile and a confident goodbye go a long way.

4. Expect tiredness (and big emotions)
Starting school is exciting and exhausting! Don’t be surprised if your child is extra tired or emotional in those first few weeks. Keep afternoons simple, with plenty of rest, snacks and downtime.

5. Stay connected
Ask open-ended questions like “What was the best thing you did today?” rather than “What did you learn?” And remember, every child settles in at their own pace. If you have any concerns, your child’s teacher is there to help.

Starting school is a big step, but it’s also the start of something wonderful - new friends, new skills and new adventures. At our Catholic schools, we’re here to partner with you in nurturing your child’s learning, faith and wellbeing from the very beginning.

Click here to find a Catholic school near you and learn more about enrolling

Written By

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au

Facebook

16 Feb 2026
From Facebook
We were so excited to welcome Joash Papalii and Kitione Kautoga from the @theparraeels to St Angela’s today as part of @nrl Schools Blitz. They talked to us about the important messages of wellbeing and gave tips to help with physical and mental health. The kids loved asking questions during Q&A, finding out what’s it’s really like to be an NRL player. Joash even challenged a few of the kids to a Scissors Paper Rock competition. Thanks for visiting boys - you made our day. 🔵 🟡

16 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Year 4 shared a meal together for their Religion unit, 'Why are people Hungry?' They then discussed these questions: - What does it mean to you to 'break bread' with others? - How does sharing this meal feel like being part of a bigger community, like our parish or school Mass? We then used the See, Think, Wonder Routine to look at an image of a local Eucharistic celebration and The Last Supper.