A Message from the 

Assistant Principal

Parent Teacher Interviews

Thank you to all parents for your attendance at our Parent Teacher Interviews this week. Our parent/teacher interviews have allowed us to recognise and celebrate our students and their successes this term. They are a chance to pause, give thanks, and set shared goals for continued growth as we look ahead to the rest of the year. 

The teachers are most appreciative of your support and insight and acknowledge that both are essential in supporting your child's educational journey. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff for their professionalism and commitment to communicating with you and making themselves available well beyond school hours to host these very important meetings.

Surviving the School Holidays: A Guide for Families 

School holidays are a wonderful opportunity for children and parents to recharge, connect, and enjoy a break from the busy school routine. However, they can also come with challenges, such as boredom, sibling conflicts, and keeping kids entertained! 

The Importance of Recharging 

Just like adults, children need time to rest and recover from their daily demands. The school term is filled with learning, social interactions, and structured routines. A break allows children’s brains to process what they’ve learned, strengthen their memory, and return to school feeling refreshed and ready to absorb new information. Parents, too, need to prioritise self-care. Whether it's enjoying a quiet cup of coffee, catching up on a book, or taking a walk, make sure to set aside time for yourself. A well rested parent is better able to manage the ups and downs of family life! 

Fun & Engaging Activities 

Keeping kids entertained does not require expensive outings every day. Some fun, low-cost activities can involve: 

• Outdoor adventures: Nature walks, bike rides, picnics, or exploring a new park. 

• Creative fun: Arts and crafts, painting, or building something together. 

• Home challenges: Bake-off competitions, Lego challenges, or a family board game tournament. 

• Learning through play: Visit the library, try science experiments at home, or cook together. 

• Relaxation time: Movie nights, listening to audiobooks, or simple mindfulness activities

Maintaining Friendships Over the Holidays 

School holidays can sometimes feel long, and children may miss their friends. Maintaining friendships over the break can help make the transition back to school easier. 

Encourage your child to: 

• Arrange a playdate or catch-up with a school friend. 

• Write a letter or draw a picture for a friend they miss. 

• Stay in touch through phone or video calls (if appropriate). 

• Attend community activities, sports, or holiday programs where they might see familiar faces. 

Keeping connected helps children feel more comfortable returning to school and reduces anxiety about rejoining their peer group after a break. 

Handling Boredom 

It’s natural for children to say, "I'm bored!" but boredom isn’t always a bad thing. It encourages creativity, problem-solving, and independence. Instead of rushing to entertain them, encourage them to think of their own activities. Create a ‘boredom jar’ filled with ideas they can pick from when they’re stuck. 

Managing Conflict 

More time together can sometimes lead to sibling arguments. Teaching children how to resolve conflicts respectfully is an important life skill. 

Encourage your children to: 

• Take turns and share. 

• Use calm words to express feelings. 

• Walk away from a situation before reacting. 

• Problem-solve together to find a compromise. 

A Balance of Routine & Rest 

While holidays should be more relaxed, maintaining some structure helps ease the transition back to school. Keep bedtime routines consistent, encourage some physical activity each day, and balance screen time with other activities. 

Holidays don’t have to be perfect; it's about spending time together, creating memories, and allowing everyone to rest. Whether you're travelling, staying home, or mixing it up, embrace the slower moments and enjoy the time with your children.

Thank you

It is hard to believe that we are in Week 10 and that Term One is complete -10 weeks of learning, a quarter of the way through the year! It has been a wonderful term. 

I take this opportunity to wish all our families a happy, holy and peaceful Easter season and holiday break with your loved ones.

Steven Belcastro

Assistant Principal