School Success Starts with Attendance

We would like to thank parents and carers for their efforts in supporting their child's return to their routine here at Saltwater College in Term Three.

Returning to a new term can come with some difficulty for some children as they prepare for the return to regular routines. It is essential to understand that some children may find it challenging to transition back to school. This adjustment period is natural and can be attributed to various factors. In this communication, we would like to outline some of the difficulties that children can face with regard to their own well-being and also their regular routines after a school holiday.

What might disrupt these routines?

• Disruption of Established Routines: During school holidays, students often experience a break from their regular routines. They have more freedom to choose their activities, sleep schedules may change, and there is often less structure in their daily lives. Reestablishing the structured routines required for school can be a significant adjustment for some students.
• Shift in Sleep Patterns: During holidays, many students tend to stay up later and sleep in, often breaking away from their usual school sleep schedule. Returning to an earlier bedtime and waking up early can be challenging as their bodies may need time to readjust. Sleep deprivation can affect their energy levels, concentration, and overall mood.
• Emotional and Social Adjustments: The holidays often provide an opportunity for students to spend quality time with family and friends, engage in leisure activities, and enjoy a break from the demands of school. Transitioning back to the school environment, with its academic pressures and social dynamics, can be emotionally challenging for some students. They may miss the comfort they experienced during the break, leading to feelings of sadness or resistance.
• Anxiety and Separation Anxiety: Returning to school can induce anxiety in some students. They may worry about academic performance, social interactions, or changes in the classroom environment. Additionally, younger students or those transitioning to a new grade may experience separation anxiety, making it harder for them to leave the comfort of home and rejoin the school setting (for further information about anxiety please view the; Term 2, 2023 - Newsletter Publication 8).

Supporting Your Child's Transition

Understanding the difficulties students may face when returning to school after a holiday is crucial in providing the support they need. Here are some strategies to help ease their transition:

• Establish Consistent Sleep Patterns: A good night's sleep is essential for optimal performance and concentration. Encourage your child to follow a regular sleep schedule, ensuring they get the recommended amount of sleep for their age group. Promote a relaxing bedtime routine by limiting screen time before bed and creating a calm sleeping environment.
• Encourage a Nutritious Diet: A balanced diet plays a vital role in your child's overall health and cognitive function. Ensure they have a healthy breakfast to kick-start their day, as it enhances concentration and memory. Pack nutritious snacks and meals for school, emphasising the importance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Foster Effective Time Management Skills: Teaching your child to manage their time effectively helps them prioritise tasks, avoid procrastination, and reduce stress. Encourage them to use tools such as planners or digital calendars to schedule homework, study time, extracurricular activities, and leisure. Assist them in breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable chunks to promote productivity.
• Promote Regular Physical Activity: Physical activity is crucial for maintaining good physical and mental health. Physical activity not only improves their fitness but also helps them manage stress, enhance focus, and improve their overall well-being.
• Create a Productive Study Environment: A dedicated study space can significantly impact your child's focus and productivity. Help them establish a clutter-free and quiet area at home for studying. Encourage them to eliminate distractions by turning off electronic devices or using productivity apps that limit access to social media and gaming during study hours.
• Teach Stress Management Techniques: School life can sometimes be stressful for some children. Help your child develop effective stress management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, and taking regular breaks during study sessions. Encourage open communication, where they can express their concerns or seek assistance from teachers, counsellors, or mentors.
• Emphasise the Importance of Regular Attendance: Consistent school attendance is vital for academic success. Highlight the significance of attending classes regularly and being punctual. Help your child understand the long-term impact of missing classes and falling behind on coursework. Support them in establishing a routine that prioritises attending school and being engaged in the learning process.

By recognising the challenges that your child may face when returning to school after a holiday, we can better support their emotional well-being and academic success. Together, we can help them navigate this adjustment period and create a positive, conducive and connected learning environment.

If you would like some additional support from the school about your child's return to regular routines or attendance, please reach out to your child's teacher, the wellbeing team or our Student Attendance Leader, Hayley Mann.

Attendance Celebrations

We have had some outstanding attendance in our last term and to help celebrate this we were able to award some students from our raffle. These students were entered into our raffle as they were present for 95% - 100% of the last term.

Congratulations to;

Prep – Xenia West

Grade 1 – Harrison McBroom

Grade 2 – Samantha Abimbola

Grade 3 – Ethan Guo

Grade 4 – Riquelme Menezes

Grade 5 – Ryan McRae-Stantiall

Grade 6 – Hafsa Naseem

Now let's see which class has demonstrated the highest attendance this fortnight! Congratulations to the following classes -

Prep F, Prep G, Prep H and Prep J - 93%

1D and 1K - 94%

2B - 94%

3H - 94%

4C - 93%

5D - 96%

6B - 90%

7A - 95%

8D - 91%

Congratulations to 5D who won our whole school attendance trophy. 5D will keep hold of the attendance trophy until our next whole school assembly. We are excited to see who will win the attendance trophy next.