NEW SCHOOL - NEW ME

Hi, my name is Livia and I’m in Year 5. I moved to Bright Horizons last year after living abroad, and I had a little trouble adapting. I decided to join the school newsletter and write an article because I wanted to share my experience and hear from other students, both new and old, about how they felt when starting a new school. I hope this can help make the transition easier for anyone in the same situation and give ideas on making new friends and getting to know teachers.

When I first started, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. My first day was not the best. Everything was different, and it took time to find my place. Over time, I began to feel more comfortable, made friends, and started to really enjoy being at school. Writing this article and asking others about their experiences has been a great way to learn what helps students adjust and feel at home. Please find the time to have a read and see what other students think and what they have experienced.

This is my interview with several pupils who have joined the Bright Horizons community this year, but also some who joined us a few years ago. This is what they say about moving to another country and starting new school.

LIVIA: Hello, and welcome, S. Thank you for joining us. Please, tell us what country did you move from?

S:  I'm from Serbia.

LIVIA: What was the biggest difference you notice compared to your old school?

S: Well, the work is a lot easier here than in my old school. I was very nervous before starting here, but I got a lot of help. I was very nervous but my mum told me to come down and it’s fine now.

LIVIA: What advice would you give to new students who come to school?

S: Just do not worry. Be very confident about your 1st day and making it!

LIVIA: What's something you've learned from the experience of moving?

S: I’m still working on it.

LIVIA:  Thank you very much. What’s your name and what grade are you in?

A: My name is A. and I’m from Year 3.

LIVIA: Where did you move from?

A: I moved from Romania.

LIVIA: What is the biggest difference you notice compared to your old school?

A: I think that it’s a little bit smaller than my old school.

LIVIA: Were you nervous before starting here? Who helped you?

A:: Yes. The teacher helped me. Ms Šarina. 

LIVIA: OK. What advice would you give to other new students?

A.: That you have to be brave.

LIVIA: What’s something you’ve learned from the experience of moving here?

A.: That even if you are far away from home, you have to deal with it with your family.

LIVIA: And now for the ‘old people’, some of our pupils who were once new and have settled in well by now. What’s your name and where grade are you in?

A: My name is A. and I’m in Year 6.

LIVIA: Do you remember how you felt when you were a new student?

A.: Well, when I was here my first day, I wondered if I would make friends or not.

LIVIA: Were you excited, nervous, curious or something else when you met someone new?

A.: Excited probably.

LIVIA: Have you ever helped a new student? What did you do?

A.: I do have a new friend in my class. I showed her around school, took her to the school library…

LIVIA: What advice would you give to your classmates about welcoming new students?

A.: Just be kind and show them around school.

LIVIA: What’s your name and what grade are you in?

F.: My name is Fares and I’m in Year 4.

LIVIA: Do you remember how you felt when you were new?

F.: I felt very shy, but as soon as I started making new friends, I was not shy any more.

LIVIA: How did you feel about meeting someone new?

F.: I was excited because I got more friends, so… more company.

LIVIA: Have you ever helped a new student and how?

F.: Yes, I helped a new boy in my class. I went and showed him around the school.

LIVIA: What’s your advice for new students?

F.: Be brave. You just have to be brave.

LIVIA: What’s your name and what grade are you in?

R.: Hi! My name is R. and I’m in Year 8.

LIVIA: How did you feel when you were new?

R.: I felt curious and nervous inside.

LIVIA: Were you excited or curious about meeting new people?

R.: No, I was more curious. I am always interested in what they like and what they do.

LIVIA: Have you ever helped a new student and how?

R.: Yes, I helped them by introducing them to my other friends.

LIVIA: What advice would you give to your classmates about welcoming new students?

R.: Be nice and be polite.

So you see? Everything is possible with a little bit of help from our community.