"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

Nelson Mandela

The alarm goes off. It is dark outside, in fact stubbornly dark. The cold has crept under the door overnight and settled into the floorboards, and for a long moment you lie there wondering how on earth you are going to do this again today. Then comes the second part and that is getting them up.

You know the scene. The reluctant shuffle, the extra five minutes that turn into fifteen, the small person who was perfectly fine at dinner last night but now, has a scratchy throat and a nose that has decided this morning to start running. The school bag is not packed. The lunchbox is on the bench. It is 8:00am and they have missed the bus. .

This is the hidden labour of winter parenting. The negotiations over packing the jumper not the vest or wearing the trackpants over the shorts. The quiet calculation of whether a slightly pink cheek counts as a symptom or just a cold room. It is exhausting in a way that is difficult to explain to anyone who is not living it, because each individual moment seems small but together, day after day across the grey weeks of term, they add up.

At times this can result in your child not wanting to attend school whether it is weather related, friendship related, separation from those at home or difficulty with the curriculum. We also understand that some absences are unavoidable and sometimes things are hard at home. If your family is going through a difficult time, if mornings feel overwhelming, or if your child is finding school challenging for any reason, please reach out to us.

It can be easy to think that one day here or there doesn't add up to much. But the reality is surprising:

Missing 1 day a fortnight over a half a term adds up to 20 days
Missing a day a week can result in nearly a terms absences at the end of the year
90% attendance which looks good can still equate to 4 weeks of school missed

Little Ways to Help

Sometimes, building a consistent school routine is the key. Here are a few small things that can make a big difference:

Set a consistent bedtime so mornings feel more manageable
Have them off devices at night time
Prepare bags and uniforms the night before
Talk about the fun things coming up at school
Reserve time at home for when your child is genuinely unwell
Plan family holidays during school breaks where possible

Helpful resources for Parents

A number of years ago I shared these resources with parents and I feel that they are still relevant today. These links will take you to some parenting sites that may assist in fighting the winter blues and keeping you moving for both you and your children.

My Mind Check - Supporting Our Students' Wellbeing with My Mind Check

At Mount Carmel College we care deeply about the wellbeing of every child and believe that through supporting a student's wellbeing there will be success in learning. That's why this week our students participated in My Mind Check, a tool that helps us better understand and support our students' mental health. Below are a few questions that have been asked of me over the last week and I hope you find the information helpful.

What is My Mind Check?

My Mind Check is a free, evidence-based tool funded by the Australian Government. It enables schools to conduct brief, supervised check-ins where students answer age-appropriate questions about their mental health and wellbeing. These check-ins take just 10–15 minutes, and are always done in a safe, supported environment at school.

Student Wellbeing Hub
More information about My Mind Check

What happens during a check-in?

Students answer a short survey with questions suited to their age and stage. The platform then provides our staff with specially curated resources to help understand and support each student's mental health and wellbeing. It also helps us connect families with information and services when extra support might be helpful.

Education Matters Mag

Why does this matter?

In Australia, half of all adult mental health challenges emerge before the age of 14, so being able to identify concerns early makes a real difference. Research shows that schools using My Mind Check see 20% fewer emotional difficulties and 30% better attendance among participating students.

My Mind Check
About My Mind Check

Is my child's privacy protected?

Yes. All data is stored in Australia and adheres to Commonwealth Government standards of cybersecurity and privacy.

A Golden Day for a Great Cause - Our Filled Tea Pot

What a wonderful Wednesday! Our school community came together in the most heartwarming way, digging into pockets and piggy banks to support the Australian Cancer Council through our very own coin drive.

From the moment students arrived, there was a buzz of excitement in the air. Coins clinked into collection tins across every classroom, and the spirit of generosity was impossible to miss. Whether it was a five-cent piece or a gold coin, every single contribution counted and together, they added up to something truly meaningful.

Wednesday was more than just a fundraiser. It was a day of awareness, a chance to talk with our children about why we give, and who we're giving for. Cancer touches so many Australian families, and it's never too early to teach our students the power of community and compassion. It was a day of celebration as we highlighted kindness and togetherness. It was a day of keeping people front of mind, the loved ones, friends, and community members who have faced or are facing cancer, reminding us all that they are seen, supported, and not forgotten.

A huge thank you to every family who sent their child in with coins, to the Primary staff for rallying the girls with such enthusiasm, and to our students for showing up with such generous hearts. We raised $460 dollars in just over 30 minutes which was amazing.

Cross Country Season

We wish all our Cross Country runners the very best for the Cross Country season as they take part in the upcoming STCPSSA and All Schools, with one already under their belt at Soldiers Memorial yesterday. Read all the details from the JSSATIS Cross Country on the College Sports page of this edition of The View.

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