Daily Timings - Changes
Changes to Our Daily Schedule: Prioritising Wellbeing and Learning
You may have noticed some changes to our daily schedule recently, and we wanted to take this opportunity to explain the thinking behind these adjustments and the positive impact they're already having on our students.
Starting Every Day Right: Morning Circle
Over the past two years, the Berry Street Education Model has become an integral part of how we operate at Valkstone Primary School. One of the most powerful practices within this model is the Morning Circle – a dedicated time at the start of each day where students gather to connect, ground themselves, and prepare for learning.
Research shows that the beginning of the day is critical for setting the tone for the rest of the learning day, allowing young people to ground themselves, co-regulate and establish a common rhythm. Morning Circle serves as an important threshold between home and school, helping students transition into their learning mindset.
During this time, teachers and students:
Welcome and greet each other, building positive relationships;
Check in on how ready students are to learn;
Set intentions and review our school values;
Celebrate successes and prepare for the day ahead.
We've now dedicated the first 10 minutes every morning (9:00 – 9:10 a.m.) specifically for Morning Circle in every classroom. This ensures that every child, every day, has this opportunity to start their day feeling connected, valued, and ready to learn. This positive morning routine energises students and leaves them ready to learn, setting them up for success throughout the day, without taking time away from learning.
Time to Eat: Supporting Healthy Habits
We've also introduced a 10-minute dedicated eating time before recess. This important change means that:
No learning time is reduced – students still receive the same amount of instructional time;
All students have adequate time to eat their morning tea without rushing;
Students can then fully enjoy their play and social time during recess;
We're promoting healthier eating habits and reducing the stress that can come from rushing through eating.
This change has been particularly beneficial for our younger students and those who need a bit more time to eat comfortably.
What This Means for Recess
To accommodate these two vital additions to our day, recess time has been shortened by 10 minutes, and lunch play time has also been shortened by 10 minutes. We understand that play and outdoor time are incredibly important for children's development and wellbeing. However, we've found that the combination of a strong start to the day through Morning Circle, plus dedicated eating time, actually supports students to make better use of their break times. Students start playtime already well-regulated, connected to their peers, and having eaten – meaning they can jump straight into quality play and social interaction.
The Results We're Seeing
These changes have already been implemented and are working beautifully across the school. Teachers are reporting that students are more settled, focused, and ready to engage in their learning at the start of the day. The dedicated eating time has reduced the rushed feeling of morning tea, and our Morning Circles are fostering stronger classroom communities and helping students develop important social and emotional skills.
Please see the graphic belfor the updated daily schedule. While start and finish times remain the same, you'll notice how we've reorganised our day to best support your children's wellbeing and learning.
If you have any questions about these changes or would like to know more about the Berry Street Education Model and how we use it at Valkstone Primary, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to create the best possible learning environment for all our students.
