Celebrity Baby Shower Gift

Middle school graduation marks the transition into high school, a rite of passage that acknowledges the graduate is no longer a young child, but on the way to adulthood. Gifts to mark the occasion should honor the graduate as a budding teen about to embark on new responsibilities and adventures.

Tween and Teen Gifts

Gifts that acknowledge the graduate’s new status are always a hit. This could be the gift of electronics, such as a cell phone, iPod or gaming system they’ve wanted, or it could be in the form of new privileges such as a later curfew or a larger allowance. A certificate awarding these privileges, accompanied by a heart-felt card can be an inexpensive gift for parents to give, but one the child will value.

Money represents privilege and responsibility for many tweens and young teens. A gift of money for graduation is always appropriate, but it might be presented in the form of a savings account or a first bank account. The graduate could work with the parents to plan a budget and have some money for fun as well as saving for the future.

Personalized Gifts

These gifts acknowledge the graduate’s interests and hobbies. Kids with an interest in music might appreciate an instrument or a series of lessons, or tickets to a concert by a favorite band. A new skateboard, snowboarding equipment or other sports gear would be appropriate for graduates who are into sports. If the child collects anything, now would be a good time to add to the collection.

Gifts for High School

Middle school graduates will appreciate gifts that get them ready for high school. This could be a selection of items to decorate a locker, cool new clothes he or she has been coveting, or even a new backpack. Parents who aren’t up on the latest trends would do well to enlist the help of an older teen – a neighbor or an older sibling of the graduate – to help select an appropriate gift.

Finding the right school is a big decision,and there are so many options. I work for an independent school in Melbourne’s north east, and each year we hold community events around exactly this. At both a primary and a secondary level we give people information about the things they should look for, and the questions they should ask, not just us, but all schools they may be considering. These include:

♦ Does the school have a future vision/direction? Remember that you may be looking at six or
more years of association with this school.
♦ Particularly if secondary school, involve your child in the decision, as he/she is the one who has to attend the school each day.
♦ Do you have a personal view on whether single-sex or co-education is better for your child and/
or family? Think about what type of school you are seeking – co-ed or single sex, government vs
non-government, religious or non-denominational? What are your reasons for your choices,
and are they based on the needs of your child? Have you explored independent information/
research about these topics?
♦ What do you and your child want from this education? Consider the values of your family, and
how they might influence your preferences for education eg a focus on personal development,
religious affiliation, sporting/academic balance, or a school with strengths in a particular area
such as artistic or musical areas.
♦ Consider the school’s values, as well as its curriculum. Do they match your family’s values? Will
the school’s policies create conflict or harmony at home?
♦ Do you want your child to be able to engage in activities that enhance his/her own individual
talents in particular areas?
♦ Consider the abilities and interests of your child, as well as their particular needs (ie learning
needs etc) and how a school may cater for these.
♦ Does the school provide opportunities for all students to participate in co-curricular activities -
what times do these opportunities happen, and do they fit in with your family’s schedule?
eg Does the school have a Saturday sport program? How will this affect your family?
♦ What form of transport is available for your child to travel to and from school? – is there a bus/
train, do they need to change services?
♦ How many students are at the school and how will this potentially impact your child?
♦ What is the maximum class size throughout the school? Does this vary depending on the year
level or subject?
♦ What specialist staff (librarian, music, art, PE, IT teachers) does the school have?
♦ What school will other family members attend?
♦ Are you able to visit the school when it’s in action on a typical day? An ‘Open Day’ can be very
different, and you want to be able to observe transactions between students and staff in real
situations.

Might provide some food for thought as to different ways to approach the decision. The myschool website provides a snapshot of one tiny aspect of school,and it’s limitions are that there is so much more to your child’s education. Our children are all so totally individual, and what is right for one family and one child, can be totally the wrong place for another family or child. Results of the NAPLAN testing is not going to give you a true picture of what school is right for your child, or your family.

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