Wellbeing 

Wellbeing Over the School Holidays: Connecting, Growing and Recharging

The school holidays provide a wonderful opportunity for families to slow down, reconnect and focus on wellbeing. While holidays are exciting, changes to routines and busy schedules can sometimes bring big emotions and challenges. Finding a balance between rest, play, connection and independence can help children return to school feeling refreshed and ready to learn.

1. Connect and Spend Quality Time Together

Wellbeing starts with strong relationships. Spend time talking, playing games, cooking together or enjoying the outdoors. Simple moments of connection help children feel valued, supported and safe.

Ask your child, “What has been the best part of your day?” or “Is there anything you'd like to talk about?” to encourage open conversations.

2. Maintain Healthy Routines

Although holidays are a time to relax, familiar routines can help children feel secure. Encourage regular sleep, nourishing meals, physical activity, outdoor play and a healthy balance of screen time and other activities.

A flexible routine that includes both structure and choice can support children's emotional and physical wellbeing.

3. Support Big Feelings

Children experience a range of emotions, including excitement, frustration, disappointment and boredom. Help them recognise and express their feelings by listening, acknowledging their emotions and offering support.

You might say, “I can see you're feeling disappointed. It's okay to feel that way. Let's work out what might help.”

Remind children that they can take a break, practise calm breathing or talk to a trusted adult when things feel challenging.

4. Encourage Play, Independence and Resilience

Give children opportunities to play creatively, try new things, help around the home and make age-appropriate choices. Unstructured play and manageable challenges help children develop confidence, problem-solving skills and resilience.

Celebrate effort and persistence, rather than focusing only on the outcome.

A Final Reminder

Wellbeing is built through the small things we do every day. This holiday, focus on connection, kindness, laughter and rest rather than trying to create the perfect holiday.

Wishing all our families a safe, happy and wellbeing-filled school holiday. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for another wonderful term of learning!

Term 4 Family Programs 

Uniting Care have the following programs available for families to access next term. Click on the links to find out more information.

Circle of Security Parenting - free and suitable for parents / carers of children aged 0-5 years

Tuning in to Kids - free and suitable for parents / carers of children aged 3-10 years

Tuning in to Teens - free and suitable for parents / carers of children aged 10-18 years

Tuning in to Toddlers is running in Mitcham and is available to parents or carers who are engaged with Whitehorse Maternal and Child Health.

Dads Tuning in to Kids is being co facilitated by Uniting and Knox City Council for Dads or male carers living in the local area.

To register your interest to attend Tuning in to Toddlers or Dads Tuning in to Kids, please email familywellbeingreferrals@vt.uniting.org or call (03) 9724 222.

Free Australian resources that provide practical strategies and advice for supporting children's mental health and wellbeing:

• Be You – Evidence-based information for families on children's mental health, resilience and emotional wellbeing.
• Raising Children Network – Expert parenting advice on managing anxiety, stress, emotions, friendships and building resilience.
• Kids Helpline – Resources for children, young people and parents, plus free counselling for children aged 5–25.
• Beyond Blue – Practical information to help families understand anxiety, stress and mental health.
• Smiling Mind – Free mindfulness activities and guided meditations suitable for children and families.
• The Resilience Project – Simple wellbeing strategies focused on gratitude, empathy and mindfulness that families can practise together.

Schoolwide Positive Behaviour Supports

Reward System

SWPBS focuses on multi-tiered interventions to promote positive behaviours. As part of the approach to enabling a strong school culture which embodies our school values, we have put in place a whole school sticker rewards system.

Aim of the Reward System

At DPS we have implemented a reward system to reward positive behaviours that are necessary for promoting a positive and supportive school environment. These positive behaviours are based on our four values of Compassion, Resilience, Respect and Responsibility. Part of our reward system includes the handing out of stickers which are distributed by staff when the students are "caught" displaying one or more of the values.