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How teachers can start the new school year right

The start of a new school year is a chance to embrace fresh opportunities, welcome new faces, and set the tone for success.

It’s not just about preparing your classroom—it’s also about fostering collaboration and building a supportive community with parents, staff, and the broader school network. Here’s how teachers can start the year on a high note:

Encourage a whole-of-school mindset

The school is more than just classrooms: it includes admin staff, support staff, traffic wardens, librarians, ground staff, the P&C and more. At the start of the year, encourage students and parents to recognise and engage with the broader school network. This builds a sense of collective ownership and strengthens relationships throughout the school.

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For new families, a warm introduction to the wider school community can make a lasting impact. Highlight the incredible contributions made last year and, where appropriate, personally invite families to connect or get involved. Even if they don’t become committee members or regular volunteers, acknowledging their potential value as part of the school community can inspire participation down the line.

As a teacher, take time to express gratitude for the efforts of parents, volunteers, and staff. Your enthusiasm for this partnership can set a positive tone for ongoing collaboration throughout the year.

Related article: Why NESB parents should volunteer at schools

Build relationships early

Strong relationships are the foundation of a successful school year. Start by learning your students’ names quickly and showing genuine interest in their lives, hobbies, and goals.

Extend this connection to families by sending an introduction email outlining your teaching philosophy, contact information, and availability. Be transparent about when you’re reachable, setting clear boundaries to manage expectations. Encourage parents to share any significant events or changes in their child’s life—whether it’s a new sibling, a family move, or a renovation—that might affect their behaviour or performance in class.

If your role involves engaging parents in classroom or school-based activities, consider creating a parent skills register. This allows families to share their talents or resources, from assisting with art projects to offering professional expertise. And don’t forget to reach out to new staff members, offering to share resources or simply meet for coffee—it can go a long way in building a supportive professional network.

Related article: Parent Skills Register: How can parents contribute to you school

Friendship and support
© A Stock Studio, Adobe Stock

Plan the year ahead

Providing a roadmap for the year benefits everyone. Share a calendar with key events like excursions, assemblies, exams, and special activities, even if some dates are tentative. Highlight school-wide events such as Book Week, athletics carnivals, and school development days to give families ample time to prepare. Flagging major events like NAPLAN or camps can help families plan their schedules. Early communication about recurring activities, such as fundraisers or community events, allows families and volunteers to mentally prepare and make space for participation.

Set expectations

Start the year as you hope to end it by establishing class routines and expectations. Regardless of the age of your students, encourage ownership by asking the students to collaborate not only on rules but consequences for breaking them. Class routines do not only need to be strictly academic, but can include class traditions such as weekly meetings, monthly birthday celebrations, post-lunch meditations or brain breaks. Consistency in routines helps students feel secure and ready to engage.

Related article: Brain Breaks: 10 High Energy Games for Restless Kids

Prioritise your own well-being

With teacher numbers dwindling and workloads on the rise, it’s more important than ever to maintain a focus on your own physical and mental health. Set healthy boundaries early—this includes defining your availability for parents and implementing classroom management strategies that support a calm, productive environment.

Make self-care a priority from the first week, whether it’s carving out time for exercise, setting aside moments for mindfulness, or ensuring you have downtime outside of school hours. A well-rested and motivated teacher is essential for a thriving classroom.

By building strong relationships, fostering inclusivity, planning proactively, and prioritising well-being, teachers can create a positive and productive learning environment. Starting the school year right isn’t just about preparation—it’s about connection, collaboration, and care. Together, we can set the stage for a successful year ahead!

 

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Shannon Meyerkort

Shannon Meyerkort is a freelance writer and the author of "Brilliant Minds: 30 Dyslexic Heroes Who Changed our World", now available in all good bookstores.

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