Back to school nerves? Redcliffe State High School shares practical tips to help kids start 2026 with confidence

As children across the City of Moreton Bay head back to school this week, many families are navigating a mix of excitement and nerves, especially those facing big transitions like starting Prep or high school for the first time.

To help ease those worries, Moreton Daily spoke with Ms Angela Auton, Deputy Principal (Years 7 and 8) at Redcliffe State High School, who shared practical advice for parents and carers supporting their children through the start of the 2026 school year.

You’re not alone, and neither are your kids

“Whenever we enter a new schooling year, there are always families and young people feeling a little bit nervous,” Ms Auton said.

“That might be a child starting school for the first time, or students coming to high school, the big, scary school, for the first time.”

She said it’s important for families to know these feelings are completely normal, and that schools actively plan to support students through these transitions.

“Even though it might feel scary, there are so many processes in place in schools to support families and young people for a really successful start.”

What parents can do at home to ease the transition

As both an educator and a parent, Ms Auton understands that the back-to-school period can be just as nerve-racking for families.

“I have three children myself,” she said. “I understand how nerve-racking it can be as a parent.”

One of the most important things families can focus on is sleep.

“Sleep health is really important, particularly for adolescents,” Ms Auton said. “Holiday routines aren’t always the best, and we’re all guilty of that.”

She recommends gradually reintroducing school-night routines, including switching off screens at least an hour before bedtime, to help students feel more settled and alert when school begins.

Another powerful tool is positive communication.

“Talking positively about the change makes a big difference,” she said.

“If we’re providing messaging that school will be fun, that they’ll meet new people, and that there are adults there to support them, it really helps make the transition smoother.”

How Redcliffe State High School supports new students

At Redcliffe State High School, transition support begins well before the first school bell rings.

One of the key strategies is a staggered start to the school year, giving Year 7 students space to settle in without the pressure of the entire school population returning at once.

“We don’t have every year level back on the same day,” Ms Auton explained.

“That gives our Year 7s a little bit of breathing space.”

On their first day, Year 7 students spend half the day with their care teacher and class group, focusing on building relationships, understanding school routines and learning expectations in a supportive environment.

The school’s transition program also plays a major role.

“We’ve met 99% of our Year 7 students, often for extended periods, before they even walk through our doors,” Ms Auton said.

“That makes a really smooth and easy transition.”

A reassuring message for families

Ms Auton’s message to families across Moreton Bay is a simple one. Schools are ready, prepared and focused on student wellbeing.

“There are lots of adults like myself in schools whose job is to support young people,” she said.

“And we’re here to make sure they feel safe, supported and confident as they start the year.”