HUMPTY DUMPTY
ADDIS ABABA

Even if your children may be excited for their first day of school, it is important to know that new experiences can bring some apprehension. Remember that children need to get enough sleep and healthy meals to face their day. Make sure your children get from 10 to 12 hours of good sleep. Avoid screen time at least two hours before going to bed. Provide a diet rich in water, carbs, proteins, vitamins. Cut on sugar and unhealthy fat. Stick to a morning routine and try not to rush your children (NOT ONLY ON THEIR FIRST DAY!). Try to keep your feelings on check: if your child/ren feel that you are sad or worried they may believe they should feel sad or worried as well and that going to school is a bad thing. So, send out good vibes. It is a big temptation to sneak out the moment your child is distracted but this will actually cause stress for your child later in the day. Better acknowledge your child’s feeling and normalize his/her worries. It is normal to feel scared and a bit of empathy will help your child feel safe and understood. When you say goodbye model a cheerful goodbye. Don’t linger too much. It sometimes help to create a goodbye ritual (e.g. a special handshake or special wave or hug, kiss, high five and goodbye). If needed you can tuck a transitional object in your child backpack.

Please send your child with:

• 1 healthy snack for the morning (do not pack chocolates, candies, crisps)

• 1 change of clothes (including underwear + socks) in case your child gets wet or dirty

• If your child is not toilet trained yet: diapers, baby wipes and a small towel

• If your child starts toilet training with us please pack extra change of clothes

• Inside shoes or warm socks

• Rain coat and boots for the rainy season

• Please label all items WITH YOUR CHILD’S NAME: Bag pack, jacket, water bottle, food containers, shoes.

General Rules:

• Welcome Time: Our welcome time is quite flexible (from 7:30 to 9:15 am) in order to meet the needs of your children and the complication of Addis Abeba’s chaotic traffic. However we kindly ask to bring your children by 9.15 am the latest.

• Picking Up on Time: Parents are requested to leave on time in order to guarantee a smooth process. A fine will be applied for repeated late pick up.

• Please inform us if another person will be picking up your child. If it is a new person s/he must come with a letter signed from one of the parents confirming her/his identity.

• Please inform us if your child/ren will be absent from school.

• When your child is sick: We kindly ask you to keep your child at home if she/he has a temperature, diarrhea or is throwing up. It is for your child’s and other children’s well-being. Children have to stay home until they are completely recovered.

• We usually advise parents to stay with their children for the first few days so that the child has time to adjust and get used to the new environment and people.

• We regularly update parents on their children progress and well-being.

• Parents are integral part of Humpty Dumpty community. We cannot exist without parent involvement and support. We all work together every day for the progress of the children and our broader community.

• There are two parents-teachers meetings when we give a thorough description of each child’s profile and one conference where we inform parents on topics of general interests (how to handle tantrums, developmental stages, learning patterns, etc.)

2025, Sept 1st – School Starts

2026, June 26th – End of School Year