28/01/2026
🌟 Welcome Back to School from the QPAH Team 🌟
We’re so excited to welcome our QPAH families to a brand-new school year. Whether your child is starting Prep or moving up a grade, this transition can bring a mix of excitement, nerves and new routines. Our team have put together some simple, practical tips to help your family ease into 2026 with confidence.
🗣️ From our Speech Pathologists - support communication and language from day one:
• Build a morning chat routine about the day ahead.
• Revisit school vocabulary like timetable, recess, library bag and instructions.
• Encourage storytelling after school with open-ended prompts.
• Keep communication tools (AAC, visuals, communication books) consistent across home and school.
✋ From our Occupational Therapists - set up routines that support independence and regulation:
• Practice school-day tasks at home (opening lunchboxes, packing bags, tying shoes).
• Create a calm, predictable morning rhythm.
• Support sensory needs with movement breaks, fidgets or quiet spaces.
• Check the fit of uniforms, shoes and backpacks for comfort and posture.
🎵 From our Registered Music Therapists - use music to support regulation, transitions and confidence:
• Start the morning with a familiar song or playlist to create a predictable, positive routine.
• Use rhythm to support tricky tasks - clapping, tapping or singing can help with pacing and focus.
• Create a “transition tune” for moments like getting in the car, packing bags or winding down after school.
• Encourage your child to express their day through music - humming, drumming on the table or choosing a song that matches their mood.
• If your child uses music for regulation, share their preferred songs or strategies with their teacher to support consistency across environments.
💛 A gentle reminder: every child settles into the school year at their own pace. If your child needs a little extra support with communication, regulation or transitions, our QPAH team is here to help. We’re cheering them on - and you too!
Wishing all families a positive, connected and confidence-building start to 2026.
📸Little schoolgirl holding mum's hand.