Suggestions for the start of the new school's year

From a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) point of view, the most important consideration at the start of the new school year is to create positive feelings and optimism about school. This has many practical implications for both educators and parents.
Here are six suggestions to keep in mind:
Number One
Make a special effort to greet children in a positive and uplifting way at the start of school. Create a festive atmosphere, not a "get down to business" factory atmosphere. For example I am preparing posters with positive affirmations to decorate my classroom and I am having a session on Goals Setting.
Number Two
Highlight all the good and exciting things that will be happening at the beginning of the school year, as well as throughout the year. For example in this school year we at Bishop Anstey High will be celebrating our 80th Anniversary so I will tell them how privileged they are to be a part of this historical occasion.
Number Three
Give students a chance to share good memories about their holidays, what they are looking forward to for the new school year, and something about themselves that they would like classmates to know (even for returning students there maybe something new or special that they would like the class to know). Time spent helping the students in a class bond in positive ways will bring large dividend later in the year as students work together in pairs, teams, and groups.
Number Four
Allow students to have input into setting the rules for the classroom, in terms of both "do's" and "don'ts." Use the first couple of days to formulate these rules and ensure that it is posted for all to see.
Number Five
Give students an opportunity each day to reflect on what they are learning (this is my favorite!). Ask them to keep a journal (an electronic journal via the computer is a great idea) and write down, at the end of the day, three things they are taking with them from the school day. Have them keep daily journals in one or some or all subject areas where, at the end of a class period or unit or project, they write down three things they are taking away from that unit of work.(Teachers can create a 5 minutes time slot at the end of their class for students to write in their journals)
Number Six
You can create a website where you and your Form Class (or any other class) can communicate in privacy. These are only two (there are others) of such sites that offer free websites for teachers and classes http://twiducate.com/ and http://classjump.com/index.php