Supporting Mental Health: Preparing for the Start of School

  • Back to school
Mother comforting daughter while sitting at home on a comfortable couch

As the summer winds down, anticipation builds for the new school year ahead. Some students experience this as a wonderful time of year, while others find this time stressful. Our mental health specialists have collected resources to help families ease the transition back to school and help every student succeed:

  1. Embracing a Healthy Routine
    Families can smooth out back-to-school jitters with praise, understanding, and some structure. Read more: Helping Kids Back Into the School Routine - Child Mind Institute

  2. Cope with Back-to-School Anxiety: 12-Steps for Families
    Anxiety Canada has created these simple tips to help families minimize their child’s anxiety on the first day back: Our 12-step back to school checklist for parents - Anxiety Canada
  1. Coping with Back-to-School Anxiety
    Anxious feelings are normal in children and teens returning to school, changing schools, or for first-timers starting kindergarten. This transition can be stressful for the entire family. Here are some helpful tips to reduce fears:  Coping with Back to School Anxiety - Anxiety Canada

Preparing for a new school year is a shared journey. By embracing the right strategies and supporting each other, we create more opportunities for a positive and successful start to the school year.

If your child needs extra mental health support, please contact your school administrators directly after August 22, or read more on our website: https://www.gppsd.ab.ca/our-learning/inclusive-education

Division Information
Grande Prairie Public School Division
Email: communications@gppsd.ab.ca 
Phone: 780-532-4491