The Primary Years

A Principal's Perspective on Raising Happy Kids

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Starting School in 2025 →

January 22, 2025 by Gail Smith in active listening, Communication, Education, Family, Listening, school, School involvement, Starting School, Starting Term, Well being

Ease your child's transition into a new school year by talking positively about the fun activities and friendships they'll enjoy, and practice morning routines to help them feel prepared. Offer lots of encouragement and remind them that you're there to support them every step of the way.

January 22, 2025 /Gail Smith

The Primary Years, starting school, new school year, Listening skills, encouragement, Patience, Adaptation, Gail Smith, Raising Children, Family, School

active listening, Communication, Education, Family, Listening, school, School involvement, Starting School, Starting Term, Well being

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Five simple but powerful tips for parents to help their child start school on a positive note →

January 15, 2025 by Gail Smith in Children, Communication, Education, Family, school, School involvement, Starting School, Starting Term, Support

With school reopening soon, take a moment to chat with your child about their holiday highlights and what they'll miss. This helps them transition from break to school. Ask them what they're excited about, whether it’s seeing friends or new activities. These simple conversations can set a positive tone for the new school year.

January 15, 2025 /Gail Smith

The Primary Years, gail smith, Parenting, Children, raising children, starting school, communication, Small Wins, Opportunities

Children, Communication, Education, Family, school, School involvement, Starting School, Starting Term, Support

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Let take a good look at why boredom can be a good thing →

April 24, 2024 by Gail Smith in Activity, Christmas, Education, Happiness, Independence, Raising Boys, Raising girls, School Holidays, Relax, Starting Term, Starting School, Technology

Discover the benefits of embracing boredom! Gail Smiths explains how encouraging children to slow down and enjoy moments of stillness can lead to new ideas and creativity. Let's create space for quiet reflection and see the magic it brings to their lives!

April 24, 2024 /Gail Smith

boredom, bored children, creativity, creative, encourage, encouragement, skills, listening, hours, time, holidays, school holidays

Activity, Christmas, Education, Happiness, Independence, Raising Boys, Raising girls, School Holidays, Relax, Starting Term, Starting School, Technology

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School is a magical place and children learn through many and varied mystical ways →

April 24, 2024 by Gail Smith in Activity, Children, Education, Experiences, Friendship, Reading, school, teacher, Starting Term, Starting School, Technology, Values

Discover the magic of school beyond academics and schedules. It's a realm of enchantment, surprising lessons, and delightful moments. Explore with Gail Smith how to engage with your child's school experiences, encourage their passions, and embrace the wonder of everyday learning.

April 24, 2024 /Gail Smith

school, school holidays, school library, school playground, parent-teacher conferences, learning

Activity, Children, Education, Experiences, Friendship, Reading, school, teacher, Starting Term, Starting School, Technology, Values

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Help your child have a great start to the school year →

January 31, 2024 by Gail Smith in Activity, Children, Communication, education, Happiness, Independence, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, school, Seperation, Starting School, Starting Term

Every child will encounter a mix of excitement and anxiety at the start of a new school year. Gail Smith shares tips on actions you can take to ease the pressure for your child and let them know you are navigating this journey together.

January 31, 2024 /Gail Smith

The Primary Years, gail smith, School, new school year, Anxiety, parentingtips, parents, Children, communication

Activity, Children, Communication, education, Happiness, Independence, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, school, Seperation, Starting School, Starting Term

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You have produced a book that contains specific ways in helping young children, families, teachers, and others toward the goal of raising happy children.
I find it a reminder for adults to take a look at ourselves and revue the lessons we may have forgotten in the turmoil of living.
Wise and well done, Gail.
Nadine M