How to prepare for a strong start to the school year

WE know the beginning of a new school year can be nerve-racking, but remember, it is a chance to make a fresh start.
There will be new students, new material – perhaps a new school and friends.
All of these factors contribute to a clean slate.
Of course, feeling energised about a new semester or term has nothing to do with luck and everything to do with how well organised you were at the end of last school year and the pre-time you put in over the Christmas holidays.

End the year well
Before you walked out the door and run into the arms of your holidays, we hope you have closed the semester or term mentally, emotionally and literally.
Having closure lets you finish the previous chapter and prepare you to tackle the next one when it’s time.
Start with your desk – especially at home (if you have one), clear it off, recycle any unnecessary paperwork and throw away old whiteboard markers.
These tactics eliminate clutter from your mind and workspace and contribute to a fresh slate feeling when the next semester or term starts.

Evaluate and set goals
Entrepreneurs and leaders recommend self-evaluation as a tool for setting and achieving goals.
To evaluate the last semester
or term, ask yourself two questions:
“What went well this year?” and
“What didn’t go so well?”
Focus on aspects you have control over rather than what you can’t change.
There is a difference between saying “my lessons were ruined because the in-class internet kept shutting down”, and “I wasn’t confident in my ability to improvise when things didn’t go to plan”.
The second reflection is something you can work on.
Later, highlight some goals for the next academic year.

Recharge
Commit to using some of your holidays to disconnect from school.
A week away in the village or with friends or relatives is wonderful, but, if that isn’t possible, then never underestimate the value of small things.
A day chatting with a good friend, reading your way through a stack of novels, doing a short course for a hobby your love, or listening to music.
These moments will rejuvenate you during holidays and help you get mentally prepared for the start of the year.

Treat yourself to new school supplies
Treating yourself to an affordable splurge can boosts positive feelings.
So buy that amazing, though slightly too-expensive, notebook and pick up that handmade laptop case from the weekend market.
For smaller treats, choose a pen that writes beautifully, new whiteboard markers in funky colours, or a gorgeous wall calendar.

Tackle pre-term preparation in the second-to-last holiday week
This will give you the final week to truly relax.
Start preparing for the new school year.
Read through new books and organise your school bag.
Doing these small things will take the rush out of your final few days of vacation.