Have we got a starting Secondary School Support thread?

thanks for the kind messages about my mum.

Had a lot more tears last night, but DS2 was up, showered, had breakfast and dressed by 6.30am. Minor wobble about knocking for his friend on the way to the bus stop so DH went with him. Was a mix up over the time so they were early, friend's family tried to get DS2 to come in and wait and he started crying. Friend appeared shortly after and they walked off chatting away.

He'll be home soon, can't wait to hear all about it. Though he may be waiting for me as I've not sorted a spare key and I'll probably still be out collecting DS3. DS1 is home but there chances of him hearing the door are slim to none!

Hope all those that have started had a good day, and good luck and for those starting later this week.

Saw this on Twitter this morning and will show it to DS1 as a last minute reminder:

Before you speak #THINK.

T - is it true?
H - is it helpful?
I - is it inspiring?
N - is it necessary?
K - is it kind?

watching thread
DC1 starts tomorrow
will read properly tonight.

Walked my DS almost all the way to the bus stop and then waited out of sight for the bus to come and see him getting on it I saw some of his primary school friends on the bus so that was a relief. Only a few stops anyway. He was nervous but trying not to show it

We got given a looooong list of what to bring and the only thing I missed was a glue stick so hoping that won't be an issue....

He had to bring his PE stuff but doubt they will be doing PE today. They also have to be in full winter uniform which involves a thick jumper and a blazer on top! Can't wait to see him this afternoon to hear all about it. I probably get, yeah it was ok

Had a bit of a stressful morning.

We have a new bus organised by a group of parents (we all live outside the LEA). They'd spent all summer organising it and collecting payment through parentpay etc,

Waved my youngest of with his Y9 sister this morning in good time for the new bus (Y7's had to be in 45 mins earlier than the others). However we got a Facebook message that the new buses were running late! Ended up screeching down to the bus stop in the car and bundled my youngest in. Got to school 5 mins late.

Luckily the school knew the buses were late.

One parent Gas majorly kicked off on the school bus fb Page though saying she's really unhappy and it's not good enough. I think that's unfair. Organised by a group f parents who had no control over the traffic.....it's just teething problems.

My ds looked a bit sick running in. Hopefully it'll go ok

Ds went off quite happily today although we did have a last minute flap when we realised his inhaler was very low and they are doing pe all day today! Luckily his sister had a spare so he's gone in fully ready.

Frayed so sorry for your loss Be kind to yourselves.

Good luck to all the other starters today - my DD was very nervous but still walked on her own to the school bus and is currently on it. So grateful to live in the days of text messages!

I hope everyone has a fab day!

Good luck to everyone starting today. I'm reminding dd, who struggled socially at primary, just to be herself and if she's ignored to remind herself that the behaviour of others shouldn't influence how she acts or feels about herself. I've suggested she try to ask two people each day something about themselves. I've reminded her of the good friends she has outside school and of her many wonderful qualities. We've practised questions she could ask and I've said not to worry if she doesn't immediately gel with others. That can take time but doesn't mean it won't happen.

My DS starts tomorrow I told him to treat this morning as a practise run. He is supposed to get up and ready to leave the house at 7:40. He is currently still in bed.

Unlikely to have PE on the first day and even if they do they are often just talking about what sports they'll be doing that term etc. At DC school they do form room, timetables, planners, assembly and then a few lessons which are mainly getting exercise books. Plus they do some testing in the first few days (I think they are called CATs).

I am worried about DS and PE. His coordination is rubbish and he is very slow and clumsy. One of the first lessons DD had for PE was a running test where they all had to run a mile. Not a great start for him.

Last day off tomorrow. I will relish the lay in!

I don't think they take PE lot on day one. I think they'll get their timetable on day one and so will know which is their PE day after that.

This is a v useful thread btw.

I so need this thread! DS2 is starting tomorrow. My mum died recently and I got back from tonight having been away for 4 days, sorting her place out (400 miles away) funeral etc. DC have been at in-laws.

DS2 has cried non-stop since he got home, saying he doesn't know why. I've already let the school know he may be a bit upset and they've emailed me back to say they'll keep a close eye on him. But I'm currently wondering if I'll get him there at all! I also have to label all his clothes etc. Argh!

We have been out and bought a lovely backpack today, the day before school starts we head out to a large mall, browse round and have lunch McDonalds but lunch sounds better and then come home.

DD did a practice walk to the bus stop on her own and back this morning, that went OK. The nerves are beginning to kick in a bit now though. Will pack her bag later and make sure she has a relaxed, lovely evening.

Iron on name labels always come off for me, a biro or sharpie works much better IMO!

I woke up early this morning worrying about everything going wrong .

He has Sen’s and finds change difficult. I have done as much as I can to prepare . I am sure my anxiety will get worse.

DS1 starts on Thursday; he's a late August baby and not going up with his primary school peers, so he's a bit nervous. However, he will talk the hindleg of a donkey to anyone, so I think once he gets started he'll be OK socially. Organisation and time-keeping are not his strong points though.

He's just practised the bus route again with his granny and used his bus pass for the first time. I've just put together a zip lock back with emergency bus money and a note to say how far it will get him; just buying a weekly pass as it will be less financially painful -if- when it gets lost.

He has also been practising letting himself into the house and locking up. Keys on chain that he can clip to a belt loop and put in his pocket.

Mine is starting tomorrow and is starting to get nervous. Nearly all his Y6 class are going with him and he's in the same form as two of his best friends, but there have been all sorts of friendship dramas last term which are still rumbling on (his best friend was bullied by a former friend and most of the group have sided with the bully), so I'm a bit worried that he'll get sucked into that. He's a bit quirky and socially awkward, and he never quite found his tribe at primary - he could really do with finding another few kids with the same interest as him.

Will they need to take stuff like PE kit in on the first day? We've got it all ready and named, but the potential for him to get in a flap and lose the lot is significant!

Sharpie is my preferred method so all good

I'm naming everything Giles but just with a sharpie on the label

Not sure re pens - I just give them biros or ballpoints as the decent stuff goes "missing" I've found.

Two days until they are back here. Feeling a tad nervous (DS isn't though!).

I have one starting Friday...

I can't help but feel I've forgotten something...

Do we name stuff still? Or is that not the done thing?

I bought some pilot frixon lens but I'm not Impressed. What pen writes nicely ?

What lunch box ?

If you have to get a plain black one look to putting something on it that will make it stand out when they're all grabbing their bags in a hurry. Doesn't have to be big, nametape in an obvious but unusual place will do.

I was thinking about this thread when I saw a black rucksack in Tesco today! Although it did have a stitched pattern of stars on it and a pink star keyring which could be removed.

We are still gathering items for school, keep going through the lists to make sure I haven't missed anything!

American I got Nike -plain black rucksack for dd. Super Dry has a few but dd wasn't keen on any of them.
Making notes of all the tips.