For many young children, the transition to full-time schooling can be difficult, but patience, attention and a hug at the end of the day can all help to make it easier for everyone involved.

For teenagers, high school can be a daunting place, and they too can benefit from some attention at the end of a long day. Give them space, but be ready to talk when they need to.

Kyle Bruce is happy that one of his mates from Ainslie Primary School, Robert, is starting high school with him. It will make those first few days a lot easier.

He is excited about the idea of change, feeling confident and carefree about the next step in his academic life.

He recognises transitional times can be difficult for many, going from what is known and comfortable to something different – for example, having to find the way around a new school that might be far larger than where they came from.

But he has adopted a great attitude, relaxed and excited, not worrying about what might happen, but happy to wait and see, and prepared to make the best out of any situation.

A big part of the high school experience will be the change in teaching methods and the bigger range of subjects and different teachers. He is looking forward to meeting new people and making new friends.

His favourite subject is physical education. He likes being able to get out of the classroom and running around outside. His enjoys playing Australian rules and is hoping to play plenty of football at school.

He says Campbell High encourages exercise and healthy living, and he hopes to make plenty of friendships playing sport for the school. By Luca Lombardo

Sarah Macri is looking forward to starting high school at Merici College. She realises a new school can be a daunting experience for many people, with so many new faces in the crowd that it can be a little overwhelming.

But she has a good way of looking at the experience and realises a new school means new friendships can be made.

"My primary school was pretty small, so it will be nice to go to a bigger school with lots of different people," Sarah says.

She is a bit nervous about finding her way around her new school and expects the first few days to be a bit confusing. For many students, it is the first time they will work off a timetable and having to make it to different classes in time might be a challenge, she says. But with so many new students all in the same boat, she says it is good to know she won't be alone feeling this way.

Sarah's older sister, Hannah, is going into year 9 and has offered her advice on morning routines, how much things cost at the canteen and the rundown of the pastoral care groups. These groups are a place where students meet up between classes in the morning and can get assistance in classes or talk about any other issues that might arise.

Sarah is most excited about all the new classes she will be able to attend, and having teachers that specialise in one subject. She is also excited to see the different kinds of teaching styles that come with having multiple teachers.

"My favourite subject is English, as there are multiple ways to interpret a piece of text, unlike in maths, where there is only one answer," she says. By Luca Lombardo

Seumas' mother, Moira Campbell, says he cannot get to primary school soon enough.

"He's always talking about big school," she says. "When will I start big school? What days will I be at big school?

"I don't think he has quite realised that he will be there for five days."

Seumas, who enjoys reading and building, will be starting kindergarten at St Judes Primary School.

"He'll be five in March, so he'll probably be at the younger end of his group ... He went to preschool at St Judes', so some of his cohort will be going across with him and he'll know some people in his class."

Mrs Campbell has loved watching her son progress over the past year and is looking forward to seeing more.

"They have these building blocks at preschool … and he builds these huge constructions, takes it all apart and then builds something else.

"The progression has been fascinating to watch, from us having to build it for him, to him doing it himself. It has just been really exciting."

Like many parents, Mrs Campbell seems slightly more apprehensive than her son as the first day approaches. Mrs Campbell says since Seumas has been at daycare since the age of one, the transition will not be as difficult – for her or him.

"He's not nervous at all about going [to kindy], but I still think I'll have the obligatory tears on the first day, because it's such a big step. It's really the start of their school career and sending them off into the big wide world."

When asked how he is feeling, Seumas says: "Good, very good … this good," and stretches his arms as far as he can reach. By Scherry Bloul

After watching her older brother at big school, five-year-old Helena Boyd is bursting with enthusiasm for her first day at Hawker Primary School.

Helena's mother, Penny Boyd, says Helena is over the moon about starting school.

"I'm feeling very excited. Helena's very ready to go off to preschool. She can't wait and I can't wait either."

Helena has had a few trips to the school to ease the nerves and get used to her new surroundings for the coming years.

"Preparations have been good. She's had a few trips over [with an older buddy] to the canteen and other big kid things," Mrs Boyd says.

Helena, who enjoys painting and reading, says she is "pretty much very happy" about her first day. By Scherry Bloul

Bruce McCourt, principal, Calwell High offers advice:

* For parents, get to know your school. Get to know the year co-ordinator.

* Check out the website. Read the uniform, code of conduct and technology policies. Know what the expectations are.

* Keep the communication channels open. Let the school know about illness, lack of sleep, or emotional problems.

* Get involved. Parent involvement is very high in primary school, but it falls off in high school.

* For students, be involved. Don't be afraid to explore something new.

* Celebrate your results. This time doesn't come again.

* Trust your school. They probably want you to feel included and supported.

* Make sure you go to camp. It really helps kids integrate.

* Try laminating the timetable. They often go through the wash.

* Get those basic things. Lay out the uniform the night before. Eat a good breakfast. And please, get 12 hours sleep.

* The discovery of deodorant is a good thing.

* Build a good space to study and do homework. Natural light, fresh air – and nowhere near a TV.

The following are tips From Planning with Kids, by Nicole Avery. (Wrightbooks, 2011.) planningwithkids.com

* If you have a child starting school for the first time, take a low-key but planned approach to their transition.

* Create individual school schedules for each child to help them organise themselves.

* Create a process for staying on top of the constant flow of paperwork from school.

* Gather the essential details needed to fill in the kids' school forms and compile them into a reference sheet.

* Decide how many after-school activities your children should do.

* Manage your daily routines around the after-school activities so the impact on younger children is minimised.

* Follow your child's lead and establish a homework routine that suits their personality.

Put in place infrastructure that will help the kids keep their school gear organised.

Continue working with your kids to build their independence skills.

Teach your children to take responsibility for being organised for school and to be prepared for the consequences as they learn to do this.

Use simple tools to keep track of school dates and the kids' belongings.