Families with children are busily preparing for the start of school next Tuesday, September 4. It’s a hectic time, with parents and students organizing school supplies, clothes and transportation. The carefree days of summer will end as a routine takes over that may involve some adjustment.
This year school starts in a better environment compared to last year, when teachers throughout the province began limited job action as a result of stalled contract disputes with the province. Teachers performed regular teaching duties but didn’t take part in any administrative tasks, such as writing report cards, recess supervision or staff meetings. The difficult year unfolded with a three-day full-scale walkout, a province-wide action plan including withdrawal of extracurricular activities, and numerous actions before the Labour Relations Board.
Finally, BC Teachers’ Federation and BC Public School Employers’ Association reached an agreement in late June and teachers voted to ratify the deal, although reluctantly, as it did not address class size, class composition or give teachers a salary increase that would have matched salaries in other parts of Canada.
Success in the classroom takes cooperation among administrators, teachers, parents and students. Last year’s conditions put a strain on that cooperation, yet all sides insisted that students’ learning had not been compromised.
Parents play a significant role in ensuring their children succeed in school. They have to ensure their offspring have enough sleep, pack lunches that are both nutritional and tasty and set a good example by reading, both individually and as a family, obeying school speed limits and showing respect for authorities.
Some children experience anxiety with the return to school. Parents can help their children by reminding them that they are not the only students who are a bit uneasy about the first few days of school. Teachers know that students are anxious and will make an extra effort to ensure everyone feels as comfortable as possible.
Parents can also point out the positive aspects of starting school, such as seeing old friends and meeting new ones. As well, it’s fun to learn new things. Parents can also remind their children about previous years, when they may have returned home after the first few days in high spirits because they had such a good time in school.
Positive experiences in the formative years set a pattern for lifelong learning, a goal that becomes more important as we continue to face complex challenges. Success at school plays a large role in building healthy, resilient individuals.
