Back to school

 Well today's the day for most of our munchkins. Back to school, back to routine, back to homework. The first week is usually exhausting as we (yes teachers too) get used to new expectations, workload, classmates and topics. It's pretty exhausting for us parents prising our nearest and dearest out of bed for the early starts, making sure they have everything they need and keeping an eye out for homework. But it settles down; for most of us this time next week it will be like there's never been a break.

For a substantial number of children it will be a bit more challenging as they start new schools. Transitions can be tough, with so many new things to remember: a whole new staff, new classmates, a new, and possibly far bigger, building to find your way around, a longer day - especially for those who are having longer journeys to get to school... trains, buses, long walks.  And MORE homework. I still remember my first day at secondary school. We had comprehensive schooling in Essex - no selection - and the journey to the local comp wasn't too bad but the school was huge and there was so much moving around. At the end of the day I wasn't sure that I'd make it through the rest of the week, let alone another 7 years. It's no wonder that sometimes our children get a little emotional at the start of term.

We have a number of our old students starting new school's today. Good luck to each and every one of them. You are stars.