Wellbeing & Culture

Last Week of Term – 

As we reach the final week of term, we would like to take a moment to celebrate the wonderful things our students have achieved and encourage everyone to slow down, reconnect and look after their wellbeing.

The end of a busy term can bring a mixture of excitement, tiredness and big feelings. Over the holidays, there is no need to fill every day with activities. Sometimes the best wellbeing moments are the simplest ones — getting outside, spending time together, having a chat, reading a book or simply having a rest.

💚 Our Wellbeing Tip: Keep It Simple

Over the break, try choosing one small wellbeing activity each day:

• 🌳 Spend 20 minutes outside.
• 🚶 Go for a family walk and notice five things you can see, hear or smell.
• 📚 Read together or visit your local library.
• 🎨 Draw, paint, build or create something without worrying about the result.
• 🧘 Try five slow breaths together.
• 💬 Ask everyone at home: “What was one good thing about today?”
• ❤️ Do one kind thing for someone else.
• 💤 Have a quiet day with no plans!

🌳 Explore Our Local Area

There are some wonderful free or low-cost ways for families to get outdoors and connect with the local community.

🌿 A nature walk at Candlebark Walk Reserve

Candlebark Walk Reserve is right in Croydon Hills and is a lovely place for a family walk and a chance to enjoy some time amongst nature.

Wellbeing challenge: Leave phones in your pockets and see how many different sounds you can hear during your walk.

🌱 Visit Yarrunga Reserve

Yarrunga Reserve provides another opportunity to get outside, move your body and enjoy some open space close to home.

Try making it a “family adventure walk” — let the children choose the direction and look for interesting trees, birds, leaves and signs of wildlife.

🌳 Explore Narr-Maen Reserve

Narr-Maen Reserve is another local option for outdoor play, walking and connecting with nature.

Try this: Ask your child to find something that is:

• green
• rough
• smooth
• moving
• making a sound

📚 Wellbeing at the Library

Croydon Library is a fantastic free community resource for families.

During the school term and holidays, the library provides opportunities for reading, creativity, learning and connecting with others. Current programs include children's activities, reading opportunities and community sessions. Families may also like the September school holiday programs available through local libraries. Many library activities are free, although some require bookings.

📖 Holiday idea: Let every family member choose a book, then spend 20 quiet minutes reading together.

💛 The Kindness Challenge

This holiday, challenge your family to complete five acts of kindness.

They could be as simple as:

🌟 Making someone a cup of tea🌟 Helping with a job at home without being asked🌟 Writing a kind note🌟 Picking up rubbish during a walk🌟 Sharing a toy or book🌟 Calling or visiting a family member🌟 Saying thank you to someone who helps you

Remember — kindness doesn't have to cost anything.

🧠 Looking After Big Feelings

Sometimes children experience big emotions when routines change during the holidays.

If your child is feeling overwhelmed, try:

STOP → BREATHE → NAME IT → CHOOSE

🛑 Stop: Pause and give yourself some space.🌬️ Breathe: Take three slow breaths.💬 Name it: “I feel frustrated/tired/worried.”💡 Choose: Decide what might help — a cuddle, a drink of water, some quiet time, movement or talking.

There is no need to fix every feeling immediately. Sometimes children simply need a calm adult nearby who is willing to listen.

🌈 A Holiday Reminder for Families

Children don't need a perfect holiday.

They need opportunities to play, rest, connect, explore and feel loved.

So, as we finish a busy term, give yourself permission to slow down.

Have a pyjama day.Eat a picnic outside.Go for a walk with nowhere to be.Play a silly game.Watch the sunset.Have a quiet afternoon.

Small moments of connection are powerful wellbeing moments.

Wishing all our Croydon Hills Primary School families a safe, happy and restful break. 💚

Take care, stay connected and remember — wellbeing starts with the little things.

Kelly Goodgame – On behalf of the Wellbeing and Culture Team