The countdown is on for families with children starting primary school this year. Classrooms across the country will soon be welcoming new students.

For children starting primary school for the first time, preparation goes a long way towards helping them feel safe and settled as quickly as possible.

Here are some activities you can do before the big day to make everyone, children and parents, feel relaxed and comfortable about the new routine.

### 1) Practise getting to school

Part of alleviating nerves for your child is ensuring they’re as familiar as they can be with their new routine before they have to do it for real. Try walking the route you’ll take to school so they can picture how the first part of their day will go.

You can still do this if you’ll be taking them to school by car. Drive the route as often as possible and point out some key landmarks they can look out for on the way, so that the journey becomes recognisable.

Ensure your son or daughter understands where you’ll be dropping them off and picking them up from. You can even talk about which teachers they’ll see waiting for them.

### 2) Set up playdates with their new classmates

Some children go to school knowing several other children in their class, but others don’t know a single person. While many children are very good at playing with children they’ve just met, not every child finds this easy. Make it easier for them by organising playdates through the summer holiday.

Many schools offer opportunities for parents to meet each other before the start of the academic year, and some ensure parents have each other’s contact details too.

### 3) Have picnic school lunches

Your child might be used to eating with you, or the food they got at their kindergarten or simply to a quieter lunchroom.

Help them get used to the difference by packing a picnic with the type of lunch they’ll be having at school. That way, they’ll be confident opening their lunchbox, dealing with packaging or selecting their food.

### 4) Get them to try getting dressed and pack their bag
Lots of children are all too happy to show off their new school uniform. Take advantage of this by making sure they know where they’ll find their uniform and shoes every morning, and where possible, how to put it all on.

Although you’ll want to avoid messy activities, it might also pay to let them play in their uniform a few times so it doesn’t feel unfamiliar when they start school. Allowing them to wear in their shoes is a good idea too.

Your child might also need a school bag. Assuming they do, you might want to start familiarising them with what’ll be inside and how to recognise their bag amongst everyone else’s. Consider if there’s anything in particular they’ll want in there, like spare underwear in case of an accident.

 ### 5) Set aside some time to talk about any worries

While we all like to think we know our children inside out, you might be surprised at some of the things they’re wondering about before starting school. When you prepare your child for starting primary school, schedule some time to talk and relax. Talk about their new school a lot and ask plenty of questions to gauge what they understand or what they haven’t yet grasped.

From this, you’ll be able to explain any processes they’re not clear on or talk about how they’ll deal with different situations at school - providing them with some easy-to-use strategies. Remember that even the concept of putting their hand up is new.

Don’t stop finding time to discuss how they’re feeling once school starts either. Plan a restful few weeks with plenty of time to talk and some outdoor activities to burn off any restlessness.

### Before and after school care options at Primary School

As well as preparing your child for school, you may need to adjust your own routine or work out how the school run fits in.

To make this easier on parents, lots of schools offer [out of school hours care](https://campaustralia.com.au/families/oshc), either before or after the formal school day. These sessions are great for parents who need to drop their children to school before lessons begin, or who will struggle to get back for finishing time.

However, [before and after school care](https://campaustralia.com.au/blog/how-to-decide-if-after-school-care-is-right-for-you) also provides an enriching environment where children get to meet other children outside of their class, try new activities for fun and develop their social skills.

Check if [your school is a Camp Australia location or to request a new program](https://campaustralia.com.au/schools).

Starting primary school can be a daunting experience for children. Make starting school as stress-free as possible with our top tips.

5 Tips on Getting Ready to Start School

Blog

After school care allows children to remain at school after the bell goes, and continue to receive outstanding care from highly qualified staff.

It’s often provided by external providers like Camp Australia, rather than the school, and isn’t just for children whose parents are at work. Our after school care allows children to enjoy a mix of activities, learn new skills and get their homework underway.

### An overview of after school care
Timing: After school almost always runs from the end of the school day until around 6pm. This gives most parents time to get out of work and pick up their children on the way home - while your children get to socialise with their friends longer, have fun and keep learning.
Location: Many after school care providers operate on the school site. Not only is this practical in terms of getting the children to after school care, it also means they’re likely to be close to home, easy for parents to collect and in a familiar environment.
Age: After school care is generally provided for primary aged children. They are too young to be at home alone - and both benefit from, and enjoy, the activities on offer.

### The terminology - OOSH and OSHC
These two acronyms are often used in association with after school care. They stand for Out of School Hours and Out of School Hours Care. They’re generally interchangeable.

### What happens at after school care?

When lessons finish, children head to the after school care meeting area – either a dedicated area, a hall or a large classroom which can accommodate the whole group. All children are accounted for, and in many cases a snack is offered before activities commence.

At Camp Australia’s after school care, we have all the activities set up and ready to go. Children are given the choice and decide for themselves which they’d like to join in with. None of the children are forced to do any activity - it’s down to them to decide what they’ll enjoy.

We separate our after school care into multiple zones so that children can choose an activity that aligns with their interests or mood. There might be a creative zone, a construction zone, a quiet reading zone or anything in between. Children know what these areas offer and can pick accordingly each day.

Activities might include:

- Painting.
- Reading.
- Sports.
- Cooking.
- Acting.
- Team activities.
- Other arts and crafts.

The exact activities on offer vary across each location, and at Camp Australia, according to the children that attend each club.

Organising for your child to attend after school care
Signing up is easy, although exactly how this works is determined by the provider. At Camp Australia all parents register (registration is free) and manage their child’s attendance via the online Parent Portal. Just select the sessions you want to book in for, and payment is made later in a fortnightly cycle. If you are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), you can use it to reduce the cost of our after school care.

To find your nearest Camp Australia after school care, [search your school on our website](https://www.campaustralia.com.au/schools). If you’d like to talk about starting a new club, call our friendly team on 1300 105 343 or [contact us](https://www.campaustralia.com.au/contact).

After school care ensures children have somewhere safe to stay when lessons finish, and provide enriching activities to encourage further development.

How to Decide if After School Care is Right for You

Entering high school from primary school is definitely one of the most exciting things for all children and parents. Concurrently, it can also be a challenging and anxious period for your child.

So, what can parents do to prepare their child for high school and make them feel supported? Let’s hear from [Art of Smart](https://artofsmart.com.au/), who have prepared some all-important guidelines for parents with children [transitioning from primary school to high school](https://schools.au.reachout.com/transition-to-secondary-school) next year.

## How Is High School Different To Primary School?

Understanding the crucial differences between primary school and high school is the first step all parents should take. As your child transitions from primary to high school, they’ll experience many new things.

*Friendships*

In high school, they’ll meet new people and friends. It’s important to develop new friendships and your child will need to learn how to fit in, as well as re-establish their position in a peer group.

*Increased workload*

There’ll also be much more school work. High school will have a significantly greater amount of work than primary school, so your child will need to adapt to new teaching and assessment styles.

At the same time, they need to be able to cope with a wide range of subjects and adjust to having different teachers and classrooms. Most importantly, it is crucial for your child to become more responsible for their own learning.

*Getting organised*

Your child needs to be familiar travelling to a new school location, get to class on time with the correct books and materials, and possibly cope with new transport arrangements. There’s a lot more responsibility in high school.

*Adolescent development changes*

The influence from their peers can implement a major impact on their growth. They will experience physical change, emotion change and desire for independence. This is the pivotal point of their personal growth.

## How To Tell If Your Child Is Needing Help

![school-library.jpg](https://caprdstdlrs.blob.core.windows.net/public-cms/assets/school_library_91c5e7d79e.jpg)

Your child will probably need your help if they are showing the following signs:

- Lack of involvement with other students in their class
- Loss of confidence and self-esteem
- Not being willing to attend school
- Poor academic performance
- Becoming insecure and emotional
- Addiction to games and the internet
- Reluctant in communicating with others

## How Can You Help?

Be aware that your children may be reluctant to open up to you. This is why you first need to establish the trust between you and them. As well as this, you could try the following ways to minimise the difficulty when they are transitioning into high school.

*Show Empathy Towards Your Child*

[Transitioning into high school](https://kidshelpline.com.au/schools/sessions/transition-high-school) can be very daunting, so it’s important to let your child know that you understand what they are going through — that what they’re feeling is normal. Listen to them and don’t dismiss what they have to say.

*Help Them Develop a Homework/Study Plan*

With the many different subjects that they’ll be taking, your child may feel overwhelmed with the workload since there can be conflicting due dates or lots to do at once. Helping them develop a study plan will keep their mind at ease and organise their workload into manageable chunks.

*Attend Parent Nights and Interviews as much as Possible*

Keeping in regular contact with your child’s teachers will give you a good idea of how they’re coping with their transition into high school. You’ll be able to figure out the areas in which you can help your child.

*Encourage Your Child to Join Extra-curricular Activities*

School should never just be solely about studying. Your child should engage in their interests or try new things through extra-curricular activities. These will not only foster their sense of belonging by making new friends, but also their confidence too.

There are other things you can do to help your child, such as:

- Discussing your child’s results and reports with them and helping them set future learning goals
- Talking to other parents to check whether your child’s experiences and feelings are similar to those of others
- Ensuring your child gets plenty of sleep, eats well and exercises regularly
- Ensuring you maintain consistent routines with your child (e.g. getting ready for school)
- Developing organisational skills

Most important of all, let your children know that you trust them, and they can also trust you too.

If you would like to discuss your child’s progress in [before and after school care](https://www.campaustralia.com.au/your-oshc) prior to heading off to high school, please speak with the coordinator at your OSHC service.

*Art of Smart Education is an award-winning provider of holistic tutoring and mentoring for students in years K-12. We help primary school students develop a love for learning and grow confident so they can smoothly transition into high school. Over the last decade, we’ve supported over 8,000 students and have over one million young Australians, parents, and teachers access our guides, resources and videos to navigate the K-6 journey.*


Art of Smart have prepared some all-important guidelines for parents with children transitioning from primary school to high school next year.

Helping Your Child Transition Into High School

On the first day of Prep, as a parent, you have mixed emotions. 

On one hand, you’re excited for your son or daughter, who put their uniform on in a flash, ready to head off to school. On the other hand, you’re feeling a little anxious.
 
Your child has lived with a food allergy or anaphylaxis for most of their life but dropping him or her off into the Prep classroom for the very first time seems a little daunting.

Here are our top 5 tips to managing your child’s food allergies or anaphylaxis at primary school so that your family’s introduction to school life is as seamless as possible:

## 1. Education is Key for Managing Food Allergies and Anaphylaxis at School

![2020-12-CA-OSHC-Parkdale-021.jpg](https://caprdstdlrs.blob.core.windows.net/public-cms/assets/2020_12_CA_OSHC_Parkdale_021_5f722120b2.jpg)

It is important to continue to talk to your child about their medical needs. The more your child understands the symptoms of an allergic or anaphylactic reaction, the better prepared they will be to alert teachers, should the need arise. Ask your school to set up a meeting with your child’s teacher/s to discuss specific requirements and provide medication.

The Camp Australia team of educators at your school are also trained in managing food allergies and anaphylaxis. We are there to reassure you and your child that before and after school care and Rocketeers are **safe places** too. [Contact us](https://campaustralia.com.au/contact-us) to find out more or come and see us at your school.

## 2. Complete all of the Necessary Forms Relating to Food Allergies or Anaphylaxis

Similar to kinder and childcare, your new school will require certain forms to be completed, for example, an Action Plan and Individual Management Plan. There are some handy resources available that will answer some of your questions with regards to [policies](https://caprdstdlrs.blob.core.windows.net/public-cms/assets/OP_017_V1_08_M_Medical_Conditions_and_Practices_for_Children_Camp_Australia_d535fa677e.pdf) and other [useful information](https://allergyfacts.org.au/), in preparation for starting primary school. Be sure to check with your school too, as they may have specific school-related forms to complete or policies to read through.

As part of Camp Australia’s management of allergies and anaphylaxis in-service, specific forms will need to be completed. You will be guided during the registration process, and we recommend registering your child early so that the necessary documentation can be organised prior to attending.

## 3. Encourage your Child to Talk to their Friends about their Food Allergies

![2021-03-Handball-Mulgrave-033.jpg](https://caprdstdlrs.blob.core.windows.net/public-cms/assets/2021_03_Handball_Mulgrave_033_3d044b7537.jpg)

It can be difficult to understand if you don’t have allergies or anaphylaxis in your family or know children who live with this medical condition.

Nowadays, there are a growing number of people living with allergies or anaphylaxis. You’ll be pleased to know that children are accepting of others with allergies and anaphylaxis and are in fact eager to learn about it.

Encourage your child to talk to their class and friends about what they are allergic or anaphylactic to, in order to create awareness and promote a safe place for them. The more your child talks about their food allergies, the more others will understand and the more comfortable your child (and you!) will be.

## 4. Get to Know other Children with Allergies and Anaphylaxis

Take the opportunity to get to know other children with food allergies and anaphylaxis and organise social gatherings where you can all bring food that EVERYONE can safely eat. Your child will love it!

Don’t forget that other parents are apprehensive too, so invite those who don’t have allergies and anaphylaxis as well so their questions can be answered. 

Knowing who has allergies and anaphylaxis will benefit everyone when it comes to birthday parties so that alternative foods can be arranged.

## 5. Provide Special Treats or Other Non-edible Alternatives

Celebrating birthdays and other special occasions may be fun for most children but it can bring a tremendous amount of fear to children with food allergies and anaphylaxis. 

Your school will have guidelines as to what each classroom can bring for such occasions – there may be other children with varying allergies, so it’s best to check before sending along a treat box for your child to select from when they can’t eat what others are having. Be sure to label your child’s treat box with their name and specific allergies. If your school policy states that food is not permitted to be brought from home, it’s a good idea to discuss non-edible alternatives with your teacher.

Any child with food allergies or anaphylaxis will tell you that they don’t like missing out; nor do they like being “different” to their peers. A treat box (edible or non-edible) is a good way to make your child feel included…it’s also good for parents to know that their child isn’t left out of special events.



Managing food allergies and anaphylaxis can be challenging but following the tips above will help with easing your mind and giving your child confidence as they head into their primary school years. Primary school is an inclusive environment and is a place where all children can feel safe and actively participate in their learning journey. 

At Camp Australia, we care for many children with food allergies and anaphylaxis. Child safety is our **number one priority**, and we take this very seriously. Call our friendly team on 1300 105 343 to discuss your child’s requirements at [before and after school care](https://campaustralia.com.au/your-oshc) or [Rocketeers](https://www.campaustralia.com.au/rocketeers).


Here are our top 5 tips to managing your child’s food allergies or anaphylaxis at primary school so that your family’s introduction to school life is as seamless as possible:

Top 5 Tips for Managing Food Allergies and Anaphylaxis When Starting Primary School

The Back to School NSW Vouchers program provides 3 x $50 vouchers, totalling $150 for each eligible child. There are limited eligible expenses which you can use the vouchers for, including school supplies purchased from registered businesses.

But it can get quite tricky trying to allocate $150 across everything – keeping in mind that each voucher (or multiple vouchers together) can only be redeemed once in the same transaction up to the total.

What does this mean?

Here are examples provided from Service NSW:
<li> One voucher can be used at a registered business for books, then two vouchers can be used together for one transaction at a registered business for uniforms, or 
<li>All three vouchers can be used together for one transaction at a registered business for school shoes.

If there is a remaining balance, it is forfeited and cannot be used in another transaction. So, if the transaction is $96.50 and two vouchers, totalling $100 are redeemed, the remaining $3.50 is forfeited. 

The vouchers can be used towards the cost of school supplies at registered businesses from 1 January 2023 to 30 June 2023.


If you’re not sure where the vouchers would be best spent on, read on.

Here are the top 3 purchases you’ll be glad you made.

1. School uniforms
 Let’s face it. One of the most expensive purchases for any school-aged child is their uniforms. And it’s not just one piece! From hats to shoes, you can easily spend hundreds to complete their head-to-toe school look.

2. Textbooks or other reading material
 Whether your child is learning to read or there are school-prescribed textbooks they need, spending on reading materials is not only helpful (and mandatory in some cases) but provides education that will never go to waste. Plus, it can be handed down to younger siblings!

3. Stationery
 You’ll be surprised how much stationery costs can add up. It’s a constant outgoing expense as they go through the school year. From exercise books and pens to calculators and craft equipment (i.e. glue, scissors), some of these items need replacing every other term. It’s a good idea to bulk buy the essentials so you save in the long run.

It can get quite tricky trying to allocate $150 across everything, so we've put together the top 3 purchases you’ll be glad you made 

Top 3 purchases for your Back to School NSW Vouchers

Tips

It’s almost here. Summer fun and holidays are starting to phase out and the reality of heading back to school is kicking in fast for families. For some, it might be just “another” new year, but for others it would be completely new and a lot of the times, clueless. 

Don’t panic. You’re not alone in this. 

Here are top 5 tips for starting (or going back to) school that will help keep you and your children confident, happy, and starting Term 1 on a positive note. 
## 1. Have the 'talk' with your child about starting school
It’s a great way to get into the mindset of starting the new school year. Think of it as an ‘open plan’ where the whole family can dive into a conversation about anything, from what they’re looking forward to, as well as some of the worries or questions that your child might have. This will help to provide some sort of structure and an overview of the issues that matter specifically to your child and your family. 

As a family, it’s important to talk about getting back into a routine. If you’re still on the ‘school holiday clock’ you may need to let your child know that they’ll need to rest up well the night before and allow themselves time to get ready in the morning. For working parents, this means possibly getting up earlier than usual to help your child prepare for school, as well as getting yourself ready to head out on time. 

Another important thing to note is encouraging independence ahead of the new school year. Your child may still seem like a ‘baby’ in your eyes, but as a school starter, they’re older enough to know that they are capable of doing certain things on their own and taking responsibility for themselves. 

This may require patience and a bit of resistance from you as a parent or guardian. We understand that sometimes you just want to ‘do it for them’ to make everything run smoother, such as carrying their school bag, picking them up (when they refuse to walk), or talking to them in a way that unnecessarily triggers feelings of anxiety or nervousness about starting school. 

## 2. Don't feel pressured to buy everything
Especially for Term 1, we feel like we need fresh gear to help us get into the ‘new term mode’. Don’t get tricked into buying unnecessary things you’ll only regret once they actually start school. 

For example, there’s the school comms (flyers, newsletters, etc.) that list absolutely everything you think you need to buy; then you hear about all the things that “Sally” (another new school parent) has got for her little one; or you come across blogs and social pages that list everyone’s everything (we’re not one of them!).  

Create a list by separating the ‘needs’ from ‘wants’ to get a better idea of the essentials and expenses estimated for Term 1.  

Things like buying uniforms for new school parents can be overwhelming. A great tip is to start off by only getting current season pieces (summer shorts, polo tees), rather than trying to buy a whole year’s worth of wardrobe from the get-go. Some children will have an unexpected growth spurt and may not fit into their uniforms by winter. 

## 3. Create a lunch plan you can stick to
We get it. You can’t possibly plan out a whole term’s worth of lunches in advance, keeping in mind there will be plenty of ‘special lunches’ at school and other circumstances where it may be difficult to stick to your plan. But there’s a way you can set up a plan that you can adhere to, whilst being flexible with it. 

A handy tip is to select your ‘hero lunch’ of the week. This can be whatever your child likes, from lasagne to a ham & cheese sandwich. Once you have your hero lunch locked in for the week, you can alter or substitute others (i.e. fruit, morning tea snacks) as you shop for your weekly groceries or as they’re available.  

If you have a fussy eater who doesn’t like eating the same lunch two days in a row, you can prepare your mains by sorting them into ‘cold’ and ‘hot’, or ‘sweet’ and ‘savoury’ options to alternate every other day. For example, a ‘cold’ lunch can be a chicken wrap while a ‘hot’ one can be pasta (in an insulated food container), where a ‘sweet’ lunch can be a slice of banana bread while a ‘savoury’ one can be corn fritters... you get the idea. 

The point is to set your ‘main lunch(es)’ for every week or two in advance, so you don’t suddenly run out of ingredients and panic about what to pack for lunch the next day.  

## 4. Stay calm and on top of school communications
Even before your child starts Term 1, you may get an e-mail from the school in regard to preparing for day one. And that’s only the beginning. 

Soon, you’ll find that your inbox will be full of newsletters, reminders, events and more coming through every other day. It can start to get quite overwhelming, especially for a new school parent. 

The first thing you need to know is that you don’t have to stay on top of EVERYTHING. Even if you just know another school parent, or are invited to join the parents’ social page, that will be enough to be aware of any key news and events coming up for your child.  

Don’t feel pressured to be involved in everything either. You’ll come to know that there are different families with different ‘participation’ levels when it comes to school calendar events. Especially as a new school parent, we often feel as if we need to be 100% involved just to feel as if you’re doing your part while your child is adapting to school. 

A practical tip for any 'lost' parent, is to make a note (or add it in your calendar) to set up notifications to remind you of only the things that are important – and come near the date, you can either choose to participate if you can (i.e. volunteering to help at swimming) or pass it up (i.e. due to work commitments). Remember, no one is judging you based on how engaged you are at school. 

## 5. Sharing is caring
You know the phrase “knowledge is power” - but as a school parent, knowledge is peace. If you know what’s happening in your child’s school and what events are coming up, you’ll have assurance and the confidence to go about your day – in peace, not panic. 

Whether you choose to take part or not is completely up to you and your child but knowing that certain events are taking place regardless will ensure that you’re always ‘on track’ with school duties as a parent. 

One of the best places to share, engage and be informed is a social platform where parents of the same year level are communicating. Usually, there is a Facebook page or something similar where parents can ask away day-to-day or random questions (shamelessly) and you see others commenting or providing their answers.  

If you’re a first-time school parent, this is particularly helpful as it may act as a ‘guide’ to Term 1 and lead to building friendships, as well as provide opportunity to network with other parents. 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions or share what you know – a lot of parents are appreciative of any information regarding their child’s school life. From “Has anyone seen Sam’s hat?” to “What’s everyone doing for the school holidays?” (Ahem, Rocketeers!), and even recommending good reads other children may enjoy, no info is TMI.  

###### **_Your OSHC_ Before and After School bookings are now open for 2024 - [BOOK HERE](https://campaustralia.com.au/your-oshc)!**

Here are top 5 tips for starting (or going back to) school that will help keep you and your children confident, happy, and starting Term 1 on a positive note. 

Top 5 Tips for Starting Term 1

Bring back their appetite with new school lunch ideas for Term 1! We thought you may need a bit of inspiration as you head into the new school year.
 
Here at Camp Australia, we’re all for healthy eating and making lunches fun and enjoyable for children. Cooking is one of the favourite activities children enjoy at Your OSHC. They love to get hands-on and whip up a range of foods that are yummy, healthy and easy to make!
 
Let us share some of the most popular recipes from Your OSHC that you can try at home. They’re perfect for school lunches or morning tea!
 
 
**Penne Pasta with Broccoli**
 
 
Ingredients:

1 bag of pasta
1 bunch of broccoli
2 tablespoons of Nuttlelex butter
½ teaspoon of thyme
¼ of chopped onion
¼ teaspoon of crushed garlic
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Salt and pepper
 
Instructions:

1.	Cook pasta and microwave broccoli to quicken the cooking process
2.	Once broccoli has finished in the microwave, leave aside to cool
3.	Once cooled, cut broccoli into small pieces
4.	Cut onion into small pieces
5.	Place chopped onion, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper in a fry pan 
6.	Stir fry until onion is cooked through
7.	Place broccoli into the pan and cook for 5 minutes with the lid on
8.	TIP: Add a little water to the pan so it doesn’t dry up contents
9.	Drain past once cooked and stir in the butter
10.	Stir in the butter
 

**Cinnamon Scrolls**
 
 
Ingredients:

3 cups of self-rising flour
1 tablespoon of egg replacer
1 cup of cooking oil
1 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 ½ teaspoon of baking powder
Milk
Cinnamon powder
Icing sugar
 
Instructions:

1.	In a large bowl, place oil, sugar, vanilla extract, and baking powder and mix 
2.	Then add the flour and mix well
3.	Gradually add milk until mixture forms a dough
4.	Place the dough on a well-floured surface and knead until smooth
5.	Roll the dough out flat to a thickness of 1cm then sprinkle cinnamon all over the dough
6.	Roll the dough with the cinnamon side inside, so it looks like a long sausage
7.	Cut the dough into 3 inches wide and place on lined baking trays and press down a little
8.	Pre-heat the oven to 180°C
9.	Place into a pre-heated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the middle is firm
10.	For the last 8 minutes, turn the oven heat to 200°C
11.	Leave cinnamon scrolls to cool
12.	Once you have your icing, place on top of the cinnamon scrolls
13.	TIP: Add coloured food dye to the icing mix to make it unique (perfect for themed parties)

 
**Spaghetti & Baked Bean Bites (serves 12)**
 
Ingredients:

Pita bread (or sandwich bread with no crust)
Tin of reduced salt spaghetti and/or baked beans
 
Instructions:

1.	Pre-heat the oven to 180°C
2.	Put the bread squares into a muffin tray
3.	Bake for 10 minutes or when they are golden brown
4.	Remove from tray 
5.	Put a spoonful of spaghetti or baked bean into each bread mold

 
**Singapore Style Noodles (serves 15)**
 
Ingredients:

6 cakes of rice vermicelli noodles
2 cups of diced vegetables
1 tin of beans (chick peas or kidney beans)
1 tin of corn
75g of honey
½ teaspoon of ground coriander
½ teaspoon of ground cumin
½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1 tin of tomatoes (optional)
 
Instructions:

1.	Cook vermicelli noodles following the packet directions
2.	Cook diced vegetables in a small amount of vegetable oil until soft
3.	Drain water from noodles and add vegetables, spices and honey to taste
4.	Mix well and enjoy!

We hope you and your children enjoy making these tummy recipes. For some more ideas, [try these healthy snack ideas too](https://campaustralia.com.au/blog/healthy-snack-ideas-for-hungry-children)!

If your child is getting ready to start school check out our [top tips](https://campaustralia.com.au/blog/5-tips-on-getting-ready-to-start-school) to help with the transition.

Bring back their appetite with new school lunch ideas for Term 1! We thought you may need a bit of inspiration as you head into the new school year.


School Lunch Box Ideas

As the summer holidays fade, a new chapter begins for countless children -the start of a new school year. The anticipation, excitement, and inevitably a hint of anxiety fills the air. The journey ahead is a canvas waiting to be painted with experiences, challenges, and triumphs.  In this exploration of the start of a school year, we delve into the emotional landscape children often navigate and discover how the power of art can be a guiding light through these uncharted waters. 

For many, the fear of the unknown, the challenge of making new friends, and the pressure to meet academic expectations can be overwhelming. I remember only too well the mental impact this had on me as a child, in fact my journey as an artist started for this reason! As a shy child, I struggled with overwhelm and social anxiety, often struggling to feel a sense of belonging. Art helped me to overcome these challenges and helped me find my confidence as it can with all children. It really is crucial to address these emotions to ensure a healthy and positive transition.  

## Art as an Emotional Outlet:

Art in various forms has a profound ability to serve as an emotional outlet. Children may find solace in expressing their feelings through drawings, paintings, or simple doodles. These creative endeavors become a safe space where emotions can be externalized, helping them become easier to understand and to develop their own coping mechanisms. Art provides a non-verbal language for children to communicate their fears, hopes, and dreams. 

## Fostering Self-Expression:

One of the challenges children face at the onset of a new school year is finding their voice amid the crowd. Art and creativity allows them to explore and embrace their uniqueness, whether through music, dance, visual arts, or writing. Self-expression becomes a powerful tool for self-discovery. Encouraging children to engage in creative activities fosters a sense of identity and confidence that can positively impact their social interactions and overall well-being. 

## Building Resilience Through Creativity:

Resilience is a skill that proves invaluable in navigating the twists and turns of a school year. Art encourages children to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. When faced with setbacks, the creative process teaches them to adapt, learn from mistakes, and find innovative solutions. The canvas becomes a metaphor for life – where every stroke, whether bold or delicate, contributes to the masterpiece of their personal development. 

## Community and Collaboration:

Art is not only an individual endeavour but also a great communal experience. Collaborative art projects provide a platform for children to connect with their peers, fostering a sense of belonging. Working together towards a common creative goal strengthens social bonds and creates a supportive environment. This collaborative spirit extends beyond the art room, positively influencing the way children interact with each other in various aspects of school life. 


As the curtain rises on a new school year, the emotional challenges children face are inevitable. However, by embracing the power of art, we can equip them with the tools to overcome these challenges and transform them into opportunities for growth. So how do we encourage children to use art in this way?  

**Firstly, make it fun!** Children are naturally attracted to fun activities, so a little excitement and enthusiasm from parents and educators can go a long way.  

**Secondly, remove any limited expectations.** Even art can cause anxiety if there is a perceived expectation which can lead to self-criticism. Where possible, encourage children to choose what art they create and whether or not they would like help or direction.  A great way for parents to get involved is to help the children create an art journal, something just for them to draw, doodle and write their thoughts and feelings in whatever way suits them. This can be a simple art pad or book kept beside their bed to help them process their emotions each evening and is a relaxing mindful way to end each day. 

Good luck to all your little ones as they start the school year. 


Kerry Evitts 
Artist, mum & lover of fun! 

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Kerry Evitts is a British-born, Melbourne based painter, psychotherapist and mum of three. She has a studio in Melbourne where you can find her painting and running group art activities unless of course she's up a ladder painting murals!
Follow her on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/kerry_evitts_art/) and [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/kerry.evittsoriginalart)

As the summer holidays fade, a new chapter begins for countless children -the start of a new school year. The anticipation, excitement, and inevitably a hint of anxiety fills the air. The journey ahead is a canvas waiting to be painted with experiences.

Navigating the New School Year: A Canvas of Emotions and the Artistic Palette

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