Principals: Order now for the 2012 school year!
(Available in August 2011)

A successful first year of school provides a foundation for children's successful learning now and into the future, a strong school–parent relationship and a positive school experience.

Only $9.99 each* We are now taking orders of 20 copies or more.*

Your child's first year at school: A book for parents

• Teaching children about friendships, overcoming shyness and how to support them when they are lonely—so they can build lifelong social skills and create friends for life.



• Simple measures to help their child avoid obesity—without 'making a fuss' over what they eat.



• Adjusting to their child's own unique pattern of learning and development—and allowing for the highs as well as the lows.



• The three key skills and abilities which lead to 'literacy understandings'.



• How maths teaching has changed since we were at school—seeing numbers in everyday life.



• How to communicate positively to strengthen their relationship with their child—to let them feel safe, loved and comforted.



• Helping children understand the difference between real and make-believe, what's yours and what's not, and winning and losing.



• The steps to take to resolve problems and concerns between parents, children and the school.

Children only get one chance at a successful first year at school

Your child's first year at school: A book for parents was written by the Australian Primary Principals Association and Early Childhood Australia to make the first year of school a good experience for everyone.

In over 750 schools, 25,500 parents of children starting school in 2010 were given copies of this book. Principals, teachers and parents were overwhelmingly positive about the value of the book.

'When we featured the book in our orientation sessions, we were struck by the reduced anxiety and the looks of appreciation on our parents' faces.'
–Geoff Scott, Principal, Blacktown South Public School, NSW

'I was so worried about my child starting school. The book took most of my anxieties away. It explained everyday life in a primary school so clearly.'
–Kylie, parent, Currambine Primary School, WA

'This book was a tremendous help to me. I could not think of a better way for a parent to prepare for primary school.'
–Camille, Parent, St Mary's School, Vic.

'This book is a "one stop shop" for parents and caregivers regarding information about their child's first year of school and beyond ... an informative and extremely user-friendly text that I strongly recommend to any parent of school-aged children.'
–April, Prep Teacher, St Rita's Catholic Primary School, QLD

'Parents were very pleased to recieve this book. Many mentioned it gave them a sense of what to expect as well as strategies for dealing with issues during a time which can cause both parents and children anxiety, stress and emotional upheaval.'
–Melissa Mason, Learning Community Leader - Early Years, Methodist Ladies College, WA

'What an outstanding resource! It assisted us to demonstrate our professionalism by showing that we care for the students.'
–Wayne Walpole, Principal, Armidale Primary School, WA

It is clear from these testimonials that Your child's first year at school: A book for parents makes a significant contribution to a strong school–parent relationship.

About the authors

Jenni Connor has been a teacher, principal, curriculum manager and author. Jenni's knowledge of children's learning—particularly literacy and numeracy—has been sought by governments, schools and parent organisations alike.

Pam Linke is a parenting and child health expert, and is actively involved in child advocacy organisations. Pam has written many practical and knowledgeable books on how to support children's behaviour and wellbeing.

For more information, contact Early Childhood Australia:
1800 356 900 (freecall) or firstyear@earlychildhood.org.au

* This offer is available to primary school principals only.
The minimum order per school is 20 books deliverable to the one location.
Prices include GST. Price does not include postage.
Smaller schools (total student population less than 100) may apply for consideration of orders less than 20 books.