Inclusion & Engagement 

Safety and Wellbeing these holidays

Soon students and some families will be enjoying a well-deserved break away from the daily routine of being organised for school each day. This is an important time for families, and we would like students to reflect on their personal safety and wellbeing while enjoying the time away from school.

Things to consider:

· Wearing well-fitting safety gear, such as bike helmets when riding bikes, scooters and skateboards as well as any other safety gear for recreational toys/vehicles

· Obeying road rules when crossing the road and using any of the above-mentioned items

· Ensuring students are still getting enough sleep each night, to assist with moods, overall functioning and physical growth

· Eating a wide variety of nutritious foods to maintain health

· Dressing appropriately for the weather conditions and activities planned

· Spending time with family members to build connections

· Maintaining physical activity that utilise gross and fine motor skills

Some important reminders…

All children should get the right mix of physical activity, inactivity and sleep in each 24-hour period. Children should aim for 60 minutes (at least) of daily activity. Physical activity can include moderate to physical activity, such as football, basketball, bike riding, at least three days per week. Muscle-strengthening activities are also important, such as running, swinging on monkey bars and yoga. Light physical activity can include walking the dog, going to the park with friends and helping around the house.

Limiting the time spent sitting or lying down (especially in front of screens) can help children develop good habits for life. Long periods of sitting can lessen the benefits of being physically active, so it’s important to break them up as much as possible.

Getting enough good-quality sleep is essential to healthy growth. Children aged 5 to 13 years should get 9 to 11 hours of uninterrupted sleep. To establish and maintain healthy sleep patterns aim for the following:

· having a consistent bedtime and wake-up time

· avoiding screen time 1 hour before sleep

· keeping screens out of the bedroom.

This information was gathered from the Australian Government, Department of Health and Aged Care website.