Wellbeing & Culture

đ School Wellbeing Newsletter â November Edition
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Finding Calm and Joy as We Reach the End of the Year
As we reach the final stretch of the school year, itâs natural to feel the signs of end-of-year exhaustion. Children are tired, parents are juggling a million things, and teachers are running on determination (and coffee!). With concerts, assemblies, reports, and the whirlwind of the Christmas season just around the corner, it can all feel a bit too much.
But amidst the busyness, there are small ways we can pause, breathe, and care for ourselves and each other. Here are some gentle reminders and tips to help your family end the year with more calm, connection, and joy.
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đż 1. Acknowledge the Tiredness
Itâs okay to admit weâre running low on energy. Everyone feels it this time of year! Try to give yourselfâand your childrenâsome grace. Some evenings might call for an easy dinner, an early bedtime, or skipping an activity. Rest is not a reward; itâs a necessity.
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âïž 2. Keep It Simple
As calendars fill up, choose what truly matters. Ask: âWill this add joy or just more stress?âItâs okay to say no to some invitations, scale back the gift lists, or do a âquiet weekend at homeâ instead of rushing to every event.
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đ 3. Create Small Joys
Moments of joy donât have to be big or expensive.
- Play your favourite music while cooking dinner.
- Have a family picnic in the backyard.
- Take a slow evening walk to look at Christmas lights.
- Share one thing youâre grateful for each day. These small things help reframe our focus from whatâs next to whatâs now.
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đ€ 4. Prioritise Rest
The lead-up to the holidays can throw sleep routines out the window. Try to keep regular bedtime habits for children (and adults!). A good nightâs rest can make the next day feel more manageableâand happier too.
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đ 5. Plan Pockets of Peace over the Holidays
Before the holiday rush begins, think about where your family can find moments of calm. Maybe itâs a day at the beach, a slow morning with no plans, or an afternoon spent baking together. Protect those moments like theyâre appointments for your wellbeingâbecause they are.
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đ A Final Thought
This time of year isnât about doing everythingâitâs about feeling present, grateful, and connected. Letâs all finish the year gently, celebrating not just what weâve achieved, but also how weâve cared for one another along the way.
Take care, rest when you can, and remember: youâre doing enough, and you are enough.
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The Wellbeing Team đż
Kelly Goodgame and Hayley Nixon â On behalf of the Wellbeing and Culture Team
