The Maverick Principal — 09/04/18

Today was the first day of school. It is always something that makes me feel young again. Whether it is watching the students smile and chatter excitedly with their peers, or seeing parents bring a Year 1 Kinder to class (tears in their eyes), or taking in the anticipation with which staff look forward to meeting their learners, or the pride with which the support staff welcome families to the shining halls — it is always a joyful day.
Every school does things a little bit different on the first day — every community has routines and expectations, and today was the first time I got to experience St. Martha’s. It was wonderful to be out on the yard with so many families, and to be greeted and welcomed by all. Transitions are so much easier when there is a smile, or a handshake, or a wave to make those who are new feel at ease and part of the community.
One wondering I had though, as I meandered through all of those shining faces, was for those students, and there were some, who were apart, alone, or clearly anxious about the first day. I tried to greet and smile to as many as I could, but it made me think about the way we handle entry, and whether or not its current structure might actually make some kids very upset and anxious.
Class lists are posted on the exterior doors of the school the morning of the first day. Teachers come out and collect their students (each division has a separate entrance) and brings them into the class.
Families that have children with special needs are invited the week before school to learn their classroom and teacher, and to be able to chat with our Special Education Resource Teachers.
My wondering: Is it better to share this information just before the start of school or at the end of the previous school year? Or, is there another, better time I haven’t thought of?
What are the consequences of sharing this information, at essentially, the last minute? Do we increase anxiety levels in kids and families? Do we cause kids to dread the first day of school? Do we ruin some of the sunny days of July and August with worry?
On the other hand, do we invite conflict if we share information too early? What happens if numbers change and we have to change a student’s placement and when they show up it isn’t what we told them?
I am not sure, but it is something that I will be asking our Parent Council when they have their first meeting later this month. Maybe things are as good as they can be right now — but whenever I see a student who isn’t smiling on the first day I wonder…..
Thanks for a great first day.
