Curbing those back to school blues

The summer holidays were officially over. As school buses rev up their engines, uniforms are pressed and lunch boxes are packed, students across the UAE have no doubt got butterflies fluttering around inside their bellies. The thought of the end of a summer of freedom mixed with the excitement of starting a new year, maybe at a new school, is always bitter sweet. However, nobody knows how hard it is to survive (or not) the start of a new school year better than the students themselves. So Gulf News’ Education asked its young readers to email in their top 10 tips. Here is what they had to say: Tips from Snehal Koshy, Grade 10B, Emirates National School in Sharjah The first day at a new school is always a little tense in the life of a student, trying to adjust to a new routine, new style and new friends. The first days are also the most important as first impressions will stick with you, So just chill out and keep a cool head on the first day: 1.On your first day back at school get up early and get fresh. Brush your teeth up and down, brush your hair and make sure you look smart (DO NOT BE SHABBY LOOKING). Wear a neatly ironed uniform, also some perfume may help. 2.While at school always be bold and speak up. If somebody asks you something speak confidently it will give that person a good impression of you. 3.As the days go by get to know people’s reputations - like “the toughest guy around’, ‘the school bully’, and ‘the school’s top student’. Having connections with the right people will always be an asset to you. 4.The recess is the best time at school to make some friends from other classes. 5.Know the school style. This is most important. It is not the rules and regulations that matter but what is really being practiced that does. 6.Develop a good rapport with your teachers. This will benefit you a lot academically. Also know the character of each teacher who enters yours class. 7.Keep surprising others. Whenever you get a chance to do something just do it. This way slowly people will start to see your great personality, which will earn you respect. 8.Try to stay on the safe side: Do not let anything smear your good reputation. In the initial days people will be curious about you and will therefore be watching you. 9.Be good at something: If you are good at sports, try achieving excellence in that. If are techie, be excellent and know what you are doing. If you are a brainy, have a crack at quizzes! Why not try to bag them all. 10.Know who you are attracted to. As you come of age it will be normal to feel attracted to members of the opposite sex but if you are attracted to anybody in your initial days, be cool and find out more about the person i.e. make sure the girl you are after is not the bully’s! Otherwise you may find yourself knee deep in trouble. The main thing is not to let others know you are sweet on someone, they will always have a hold on you. I hope this has been quite informative for you and stay cool because after showers there will always be sunshine! Tips from Sruthi Bhattiprolu, Grade 8, Delhi Private School in Sharjah My top 10 tips on how to survive a new school: 1.Have the guts to say hi to anyone in your new class. 2.Try to be on your best behaviour and speak in your politest manner. That is how you make new friends. 3.Do not sit at your table quietly staring at people. Just try to walk around so people notice you and try to speak to you.4.Try to hang out with some people in your class to the cafeteria or just go for a walk with them during recess. 5.Always participate in group discussions or competitions. That is how you get better known. 6.Try doing little favours to people in your class so you will be a better friend. 7.Try to impress your teacher through home work or class responsibilities. 8.Do not miss the events organised by your school because it is a chance for you to make more friends. 9.Try to work with a few classmates on any projects by going to their home or bringing them to your home. It will help you get to know them better. 10.Try partying at the school dance with your friends. Tips from Aafiya Ameer, Grade 11, Our Own English High School in Dubai 1.Make new friends. The first and foremost thing is to find good company. 2.Try being the teachers pet. Volunteer in class as much as possible, even if you do not get a chance to be the class representative. 3.Explore your school, so you learn new and interesting things about it. 4.Do not cut class, especially on the first day. Get to class on time and do not be late. 5.Avoid trouble. If you want a good reputation do not bring in trouble 6.Join extra-curricular activities. This is a good way to increase your fame. Join any club and try winning competitions to become a famous school personality. 7.First impressions are the best because they reflect your character. 8.Do not become the laughing stock of the class, it might make your confidence level low. 9.Try being the star of the class, because this will give you special teacher attention. 10.Be COOL and have a positive attitude. Tips from Uzair Ahmad, Grade 10, Dubai Gems Private School 1.Just relax, be yourself and do not panic! 2.Get a haircut two weeks before school starts so it can grow in. 3.Be on your BEST behaviour, you do not want to get on the teachers bad side. 4.Set goals for yourself during the school year. 5.Try to study before class. 6.If you are new, do not sweat it, talk to some people. 7.Have fun and get to know your teachers. 8.Make sure you have all your school supplies. 9.Pick out clothes that show who you are to make a good first impression. 10.Make sure you always brush your hair and teeth before you go. Also make sure you have all your clothes on. Tips from Joravar Singh, Grade 6, Gems Millenium School in Sharjah 1.Try to blend in by being friendly to every one you meet. 2.Identify a friendly face and get information on who is who at school. 3.Be a good communicator....Ask. ask, ask ..the teacher, the classmates and bus buddies about school. 4.Tell the teacher what you are good at and how you can be helpful in class. 5.Avoid harressment by the class bully by befriending him. 6.Highlight your previous achievements and show your potential. 7.State your difficulties and seek the teacher’s advice on how to tackle them. 8.Volunteer for group activities. 9.Be well informed and revise the previous days work to stay ahead in class. 10.Keep smiling, it always works! From GN