Townsville parents are getting in back-to-school mode for the new year

5-year-old Darcy and mum Ivy are preparing for his first day at school, but admit it won’t be as easy as it seems. Read their story.

Darcy Trueman, 5, is starting Prep at Marian Catholic School. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Townsville mum Ivy Trueman is getting ready to send her 5-year-old son Darcy to Prep, but predicts the transition won’t be easy.

“There will be some tears, but I’m quite excited as well,” she said.

“I know he’s ready for new challenges and hands-on learning that comes with Prep.”

Darcy will make the big move to Marian Catholic School in 2025 and is eager for the big day.

Mrs Trueman said she knows Darcy was “excited to make new friends,” but admits her son may experience first-day jitters.

Ivy Trueman with her son Darcy, 5, who is ready to start Prep at Marian Catholic School. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“The school hosted an orientation morning in Prep last year, to help prepare the kids. I hope his first day will go as well as that day did,” she said.

“Like many children [Darcy] finds saying goodbye difficult.”

Townsville University Hospital paediatrician Dr Jason Yates said there’s always “a bit of sadness” when farewelling children on the first day of school, but there were simple ways to remain calm and collected.

“The key is to keep your emotions below the surface; kids are heat-seeking missiles for any parental worry,” he said.

“Be careful not to hover and come back for more hugs and kisses; [children] will settle down much faster if you don’t prolong the inevitable.”

Dr Yates said the weeks before school starts were important in helping them become school ready.

“It’s time to get the kids back to a regular bedtime routine and structured mealtimes,” he said.

“The school environment is very routine and that’s a good thing; kids feel safe with routine.”

Mrs Trueman said Darcy has picked out his own backpack, lunch box and bag tag, helping the family get in back-to-school mode.

“We’ve come home from our holiday and now we’re getting back to earlier bedtimes and including more routine in our day, trying to make the transition to school a little easier,” she said.

“Ultimately, I want him to have fun, be a kind friend and feel valued at school. At the end of the day, that’s what we all want for our kids.”

Originally published as Townsville parents are getting in back-to-school mode for the new year