Schoolwide News

It's that time of the school year again, when the end is in sight, but we're not quite there yet.  Students, parents, and teachers alike are feeling the weight of the school year’s final stretch.  Focus fades, and motivation drifts.  In international schools, the end of the year also brings emotional goodbyes, adding another layer of stress and anticipation.  Everyone wants a strong finish to the school year, but we're all feeling the classic end-of-year mix of distraction, big feelings, and fluctuating focus and effort.  Here are a few ways we can support students through this challenging and exciting season. 

Stick to routines.  Routines offer structure when everything else feels uncertain. The momentum of habits built over the year—consistent bedtimes, limited screen time, regular homework routines—can help students stay grounded through the final weeks.  This kind of predictability becomes especially valuable when emotional energy is stretched thin.

Stay calm and steady in the chaos.  Kids are feeling a lot right now: pressure to do well in their classes, anticipation of leaving or having their friends leave, excitement over summer plans, and even some sadness with the school year coming to an end.  In this shifting landscape, families offer consistency.  A calm, steady presence can help children regulate those swirling emotions.

Consistency and kindness are the key.  When kids feel overwhelmed, adults often respond by becoming either stricter or more lenient. Both approaches have value: clear rules offer security, while empathy helps children feel understood. A simple comment like, “I know it’s hard right now, but I also know you can do this,” can go a long way.

In math, routines matter especially during the last weeks of school. Concepts are still building, and even short bursts of focused practice can help students retain what they’ve learned and finish with confidence. Keeping up those daily homework and study habits can make a big difference in reducing stress and avoiding gaps.

Focus on effort, not perfection.  Some kids may feel paralyzed by pressure to “end strong.” It’s okay if they don't have it all together.  Progress matters more than perfection. When we encourage them to stay engaged and acknowledge small wins and steady effort, we can help them continue to move forward, especially when motivation is low.  

Celebrate the wins. Did your child finish a math assignment? Did their middle school portfolio reflect genuine growth this year?  Was their performance at Festa Junina impressive?  These moments deserve acknowledgment. Little celebrations keep morale up and help students see their effort is noticed

This time of year doesn’t require perfection. What matters to kids is presence, support, and a steady reminder that it’s okay to feel a little off-balance.  Persistence is a skill worth practicing, especially when it’s hard.