A warm welcome to the new school year from the Northbridge Head of Secondary Ms Frances

A warm welcome to the new school year from the Northbridge Head of Secondary Ms Frances It has been a wonderful and busy start to Secondary at Northbridge International School Cambodia, and I'd like to wish a warm welcome to new members to our community and welcome back to returning families.

It has been a wonderful and busy start to Secondary at Northbridge International School Cambodia, and I'd like to wish a warm welcome to new members to our community and welcome back to returning families. 

I wanted to share with new parents some more information on a topic discussed at Orientation Day on Friday 9 August regarding ways in which you can help your child get the best from their education. 

Get to know your community. Attend parent-teacher consultations days. This is a great way to get to know your child's teachers and discuss ways in which you can support them. All students can succeed further than we predict and we want them to reach for the stars.

Check out our website regularly. Many school sites are static. However, at Northbridge we keep you updated on recent events and successes. Our website gives you an overview on curriculum and support we can offer, as well as, sporting events and trips.

When your child returns from school, ask them about their day. It is important for them to know that you are interested. Children that have open dialogue about school with their parents help them overcome challenges and prepare them for life. 

I mentioned at the Orientation that parents need to ensure that they send their children to learn. Preparing them for that includes ensuring that they have had sufficient breakfast.

We all know how our concentration fades as we get low in energy throughout the day. Sleep is also an important factor, teens are notorious at having erratic sleeping patterns but establishing a routine will help them. 

Please take attendance seriously. We need you to support us in having your children at school to learn, and on time. Attendance is directly linked to success and this is greatly affected when a child even drops to 95% (that is just 4.5 days for us).

Create the right environment for them to continue to learn at home. They will all have homework and need a space for this. The space needs to be free from distraction, which leads me to my last point. 

Limit your child's screen time. At Northbridge this year we have decided to remove all students cell phones from the WiFi and created a device free environment between classes, recess and lunch. Get to know the devices that you have supplied your child with and set parent restriction for younger years. 

We truly want your child to enjoy their education and become lifelong learners. I look forward to working with you in the upcoming years.