Preparation towards resumption into 2026/2027 academic session

PREPARING OUR WARDS TOWARDS RESUMPTION

A CALL TO PARENTS AND GUARDIANS FOR THE 2026/2027 ACADEMIC SESSION

             By

  Ch Okedusi A.Ben

D(M&E) ODSUBEB

As schools prepare to reopen for the 2026/2027 academic session, parents, guardians, teachers and school management all have important roles to play in ensuring a smooth, orderly and successful commencement of the new academic year.

The beginning of a new academic session is more than simply sending children back to school. It requires adequate preparation to ensure that every learner returns physically, mentally, emotionally and academically ready to learn.

Parents and guardians are therefore encouraged to undertake the following preparatory activities:

1. Procure Essential School Materials

Parents should obtain all materials required by their children's schools well before resumption. These may include:

- Textbooks and recommended reading materials;

- Exercise books and writing materials;

- School uniforms and sportswear;

- School shoes, sandals and socks;

- School bags and other learning aids;

- Mathematical sets and other subject-specific materials;

- Personal hygiene items and other necessities.

Parents should avoid waiting until the last minute before purchasing these materials, as this may create unnecessary pressure on both the family and the child.

2. Ensure Prompt Resumption

Parents should make adequate arrangements for their children and wards to resume on the officially approved resumption date. Late resumption can affect learners' adjustment to school routines and cause them to miss important introductory lessons and instructions.

3. Prepare Children Mentally and Emotionally

Parents should begin talking to their children about returning to school. Children should be encouraged to look forward to the new session with confidence and enthusiasm.

Parents should also discuss:

- The importance of learning;

- Respect for teachers and fellow learners;

- Discipline and good conduct;

- The need to ask questions when they do not understand;

- The importance of completing assignments and schoolwork.

4. Re-establish a Proper Daily Routine

During holidays, children may have developed irregular sleeping and waking patterns. Parents should gradually restore a school-friendly routine before resumption.

Children should be encouraged to:

- Go to bed early;

- Wake up early;

- Maintain regular meal times;

- Reduce excessive television and recreational activities;

- Develop a habit of reading and studying daily.

5. Check and Improve Reading Habits

Parents should encourage their children to read during the remaining days of the holiday. A child who reads regularly is better prepared to return to academic activities.

Parents can encourage:

- Revision of previous lessons;

- Reading of age-appropriate books;

- Revision of difficult subjects;

- Simple educational activities at home.

6. Attend to Health and Medical Needs

Parents should ensure that children are in good health before resumption. Where necessary, they should arrange medical check-ups and attend to outstanding health concerns.

Particular attention should be given to:

- Personal hygiene;

- Dental care;

- Eye and hearing concerns;

- Adequate sleep;

- Proper nutrition;

- Any prescribed medical needs.

7. Ensure Proper Grooming and Personal Hygiene

Children should return to school clean, properly groomed and appropriately dressed.

Parents should ensure that:

- Uniforms are clean and properly fitted;

- Hair is appropriately groomed;

- Shoes and socks are in good condition;

- Nails are properly trimmed;

- Children understand the importance of regular bathing and handwashing.

8. Prepare Nutritious Meals and School Provisions

Parents should make arrangements for adequate feeding, particularly for children who require packed meals or snacks.

Children should be encouraged to develop healthy eating habits and avoid excessive consumption of unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks.

9. Make Necessary Financial Arrangements

Parents should plan ahead for legitimate school-related expenses rather than waiting until resumption creates financial pressure.

Where schools have communicated approved requirements, parents should make appropriate arrangements within their means.

10. Check School Uniforms and Other Personal Belongings

Uniforms, shoes, bags and other personal items should be checked before resumption. Damaged or undersized items should be repaired or replaced where necessary.

Parents should also ensure that children's belongings are properly labelled where appropriate to reduce loss or confusion.

11. Prepare Children for Safe Transportation

Parents should make proper arrangements for how their children will travel to and from school.

Where school buses, public transport or private transportation is involved, parents should discuss safety rules with their children and ensure that transportation arrangements are reliable.

12. Reinforce Child Protection and Safety Education

Parents should educate their children on personal safety and encourage them to report any uncomfortable, threatening or inappropriate situation to a trusted adult.

Children should understand the importance of:

- Avoiding dangerous places;

- Not following strangers;

- Protecting personal information;

- Reporting bullying and harassment;

- Using the internet and social media responsibly.

13. Regulate the Use of Phones and Digital Devices

Parents should review their children's use of mobile phones, social media, games and other digital devices before resumption.

Screen time should be regulated to prevent excessive use from affecting sleep, concentration and academic performance.

14. Create a Conducive Home Learning Environment

Parents should provide, as much as practicable, a quiet and suitable place where children can read, do their assignments and revise their lessons.

Even where there is limited space, a regular time and place for learning can significantly improve a child's study habit.

15. Encourage Responsibility and Independence

Children should be taught to take responsibility for their school materials and personal belongings.

Parents can encourage them to:

- Pack their school bags;

- Arrange their uniforms;

- Keep their books properly;

- Complete simple household responsibilities;

- Prepare themselves for school with minimal supervision.

16. Review Previous Academic Performance

Parents should look at their children's performance in the previous session and identify areas requiring improvement.

Where a child experienced difficulty in a particular subject, parents should consider appropriate support, including extra practice, remedial lessons or consultation with teachers.

17. Maintain Effective Communication with the School

Parents should maintain a positive relationship with teachers and school management.

They should read school communications carefully, attend meetings when invited and seek clarification whenever necessary.

18. Discourage Absenteeism and Truancy

Parents should understand that regular attendance is fundamental to effective learning. Children should not be allowed to stay away from school unnecessarily.

Every effort should be made to ensure that learners attend school regularly and punctually.

19. Prepare the Home and Surroundings

Parents should ensure that the home environment is clean, safe and conducive to healthy living as children return from the holiday.

Children can also be involved in cleaning and arranging their immediate environment. This helps to instil discipline, responsibility and respect for a clean environment.

20. Encourage Good Behaviour and Respect for School Rules

Parents should remind their children that school rules and regulations are designed to promote order, discipline, safety and effective learning.

Children should be encouraged to demonstrate:

- Respect;

- Honesty;

- Punctuality;

- Responsibility;

- Self-discipline;

- Cooperation;

- Good manners.

21. Monitor Children's Peer Relationships

Parents should take an active interest in the friends and social circles of their children. Positive peer relationships can contribute significantly to good behaviour and academic success.

22. Prepare for Extracurricular and Co-curricular Activities

Parents should encourage children to participate appropriately in sports, clubs, cultural activities, debates, music and other approved school activities that contribute to their holistic development.

23. For Parents of New Entrants

Parents whose children are entering a new school should ensure that all admission requirements are completed before resumption.

They should familiarise themselves and their children with:

- The location of the school;

- School rules and expectations;

- Resumption and closing times;

- Transportation arrangements;

- Required materials;

- Appropriate channels for communicating with the school.

24. Support Teachers and School Management

Parents should see themselves as partners in education. The responsibility for educating a child does not rest solely with the school.

Parents are encouraged to support teachers, respect established school procedures and work collaboratively with school management whenever concerns arise.

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A COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY

The success of the 2026/2027 academic session begins with adequate preparation.

A well-prepared child is more likely to resume confidently, settle quickly and engage meaningfully in learning. Parents and guardians are therefore encouraged to use the remaining days of the holiday wisely by putting all necessary arrangements in place.

Let us prepare our children for school—not merely to resume, but to learn, grow, excel and become responsible citizens.

PROMPT RESUMPTION • PROPER PREPARATION • REGULAR ATTENDANCE • QUALITY LEARNING

Together, Parents, Teachers and Government can create the right environment for every child to succeed.