UMatter

UMatter Over the Holidays

As we head into the holiday break, it’s a wonderful opportunity for students to rest, recharge and spend time with family and friends. It is also a great time to continue nurturing wellbeing through simple, positive habits.

At school, we talk about UMatter - the idea that every student is important, valued, and capable of making a difference. Over the holidays, we encourage students to keep this message alive in small, meaningful ways.

Connect with others

Spend time with family, check in on a friend, or simply have a conversation. Feeling connected helps us feel supported and valued.

Take care of yourself

Get enough sleep, enjoy some fresh air, and take breaks from screens. Even small moments outside or doing something creative can boost wellbeing.

Show kindness

A kind word, helping at home, or including others in play can make a big difference. Kindness not only helps others - it also helps us feel good too.

Notice your feelings

Holidays can bring lots of different emotions. Encourage children to talk about how they feel and use strategies they’ve learnt at school to manage big feelings.

Try something new

Whether it’s a new game, a creative activity, or learning a new skill, trying something different can build confidence and resilience.

Families may also wish to explore some of the wonderful events happening around Melbourne these holidays, offering great opportunities to connect, stay active and support wellbeing.

Students might enjoy creative and hands-on experiences at the National Gallery of Victoria - https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/kids/

They could also explore digital storytelling and media at ACMI - https://www.acmi.net.au/whats-on/

For those who love science and discovery, Scienceworks offers interactive shows and workshops - https://museumsvictoria.com.au/scienceworks/whats-on/school-holidays/

Or visit Melbourne Museum for hands-on exhibitions - https://museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/whats-on/school-holidays/

Outdoor experiences are another great way to support wellbeing. Families can visit the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/whats-on/

Or spend a day at Melbourne Zoo - https://www.zoo.org.au/melbourne/whats-on/

Free community events, including outdoor cinema and activities at Federation Square - https://fedsquare.com/events

For a broader list of ideas and events, families can explore:

These experiences link strongly to our UMatter message by encouraging connection, curiosity, kindness, and confidence in new situations.

As always, we remind our students: You matter, your feelings matter, and your actions matter.

We look forward to hearing about the ways students have shown care, kindness, and resilience when we return to school.

Wishing all families a safe, happy, and restful holiday break.

Carole Upton

Year Six Classroom Teacher and Learning Enrichment Leader

Gallery Image — Carole Upton, Year Six Classroom Teacher and Learning Enrichment Leader