Dear Parents,
Welcome to Lantau International School! We are thrilled to meet our new families and warmly welcome back our returning ones. This year promises to be filled with exciting discoveries, joyful adventures, and wonderful growth for your child.
We know that first days can feel both thrilling and a little overwhelming for our youngest learners. To help you feel prepared and confident, we suggest:
- Looking through our teacher profiles together (you will find introductions to both of us!)
- Exploring “The A–Z of Reception” (sent via email) – our updated guide covering key information for the year ahead.
These resources will help you and your child feel familiar with our classroom environment and daily rhythm before their first day.
To ease the transition, here are some practical ways to prepare your child for their first day:
- Adjust Sleep Routines Early
Start waking up at “school time” now and shift morning routines gradually. This helps their bodies and brains adjust before the big day.
- Practise Packing and Eating Lunch
Pack a pretend lunch and have a picnic rehearsal at home. Let your child practise opening containers, unwrapping snacks, and eating independently.
- Visit the School and Narrate the Day
Drive or walk by the school and talk through what will happen: “We will park here, walk up the stairs, and go inside. You will take off your shoes, put your water bottle in the box, and say goodbye. We will meet you right here at the gate/bus stop after school!”
- Normalise Missing and Reconnecting
Reassure them: “It is okay to miss me—I will miss you too! But we will see each other again very soon.”
- Practise Asking for Help
Role-play raising a hand and asking politely for assistance (e.g., “Excuse me, I need help, please”). These small skills make real school situations easier.
- Read Stories About School Feelings
Books like The Invisible String or Butterflies on My First Day of School can help normalise big emotions.
- Let Them Pack Their Own Bag
Involve them in choosing and packing their school bag. Ownership builds confidence!
- Create a Countdown Calendar
Marking off days makes the unknown feel less scary. A visual countdown (e.g., stickers or a paper chain) builds excitement.
- Choose a Goodbye Ritual Together
A special hug, silly dance, high five, or phrase (e.g., “See you later, alligator!”) makes farewells feel secure and predictable.
- Talk Positively About School
Share your own happy school memories and highlight fun things they will do (e.g., “You will paint, play outside, and make new friends!”).
On the first day, we know goodbyes can be emotional but keeping them brief and positive helps children settle quicker. If tears happen (for you or your child!), don’t worry—this is normal and usually short-lived. Peeking back or lingering often prolongs the transition. We will immediately engage your child in fun activities, and we will contact you if they need extra support. Thank you for trusting us with this big milestone!
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Kind regards,
The Reception Team (Ms. Nadia and Sun Laoshi)
