Have we got a starting Secondary School Support thread?

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

I’ve just just asked DD what the sandwich box and bottle are for in the fridge. It turns out she’s made her first packed lunch ready for school. She doesn’t start till next Tuesday

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!

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.

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!

Oh Frayed I’m so sorry about your DM

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.

Glad your practice run is going so well Bunny

Giles DD just has a lack of pens and a lunchbox from the local supermarket. Both are fine and nobody gets upset if they go missing

Starlight hope it goes well for you both

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.

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!

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.

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

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

watching thread
DC1 starts tomorrow
will read properly tonight.

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?

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.

DS just rang from the playground - 'It's brilliant! It's the best! I don't know what I was nervous about - I can't wait for tomorrow!'

Hope all the rest of today's starters have had a good day too.

tramp god that does sound stressful. If that parent was happy to use a brand new service orga used by other people who possibly have no idea what traffic etc would be like then not sure why he's kicking off at what woukd he expected teething problems.

spider brilliant news

frayed so sorry

Froglet off to join the big pond tomorrow. She is fine. I am weepy.

Frayed What a time you've had. I hope your DS has had a good first day. So sorry for your loss

What a lovely phonecall Spiderlight

Hope you're o.k. Frogletmamma. I'll admit to some pacing today. though DS4 started copying me so I went from teary eyed to cracking up laughing.

Thanks again, you're all so kind. Truth be told, my mum was a bit of difficult person(!) but she doted on my boys and it's weird that I'm not ringing her to let her know how's he got on. When we were clearing here flat we found a maths set she'd got for DS2. I've not given it to him as I don't want him to worry about losing it. It's just a cheapy thing but maybe once he's more settled.

DS2 has returned. Had a great day, a couple of children from primary in the same mentor group and same Maths and English classes. He had a mini pizza for break, then spaghetti bolognese for lunch. And a few snacks out of his packed lunch!

He has had a tearful flap thinking he might have had homework but doesn't know for sure. I'm going to ask on the FB parents page. Why do I sense this will become part of my daily routine

Ds has come home and rated his day a 7/10. Which considering he knows barely anyone else and didn't even have a full time table today is a result in my eyes!

He seemed happy and buzzing to talk through his day. Although he didn't say "I've made 10 new friends!" .....I wasn't really expecting him to. So it's a good result in my eyes.

Sorry repeated my turn of phrase there

Glad they've had a good day, Frayed and Trampire.

DD is playing with 2 friends from our street, secondary are all new kids so gladd to know she still got friends.

Brilliant your DS had such a good day Trampire. DS2's "homework" flap over. It was a couple of forms/agreements to both sign. He has a terrible memory but also dreads getting in trouble which makes for a fraught combination!

My Dd1 starts today and I'm more anxious than she is. I've discussed all the tips on this thread with her. She seemed alright before going to bed. American how was dd's first day? We're you able to buy black rucksack?
Frayed sorry about your dm