Hi St Mary’s,

As we reach the end of the school year, our school community is ready to take a break and enjoy the holiday season. While the holidays provide much-needed rest and relaxation, they also offer a chance to prioritise wellbeing—by connecting with family, embarking on exciting adventures and reflecting on what truly matters. This holiday period is an opportunity for students to recharge, reset, and look forward to the year ahead, where we will introduce new programs and a renewed focus on student wellbeing.

1. Connecting with Family: Building Strong Foundations

The holiday season is a great time to reconnect with family. The hectic nature of our day to day lives makes it easy to lose track of quality time with those who care about us most. During the holidays, try and take the opportunity to slow down and engage in meaningful activities with family. These moments of connection help to create a sense of belonging, boost emotional health, and provide essential support.

Spending time with family also encourages feelings of joy and security. When students feel emotionally supported, they are better equipped to manage stress and face challenges. These strong family bonds are essential not only for mental wellbeing but for nurturing a positive outlook on the future.

2. Adventures: Exploring the World Around Us

The holidays are also a great time to step outside your regular routine and explore new places or activities. Whether it's visiting a new town, hiking in nature, or trying out a new hobby, adventures offer a refreshing way to experience the world. These experiences foster curiosity, creativity, and a sense of wonder—important elements for mental health and personal growth.

Adventures also provide a chance to break free from school pressures and engage in fun, spontaneous moments that refresh the mind and body.

3. Balancing Rest and Play

While spending time with family and having adventures is key to student wellbeing, so is ensuring there is time for rest and relaxation. A balance of activity and rest ensures students return to school feeling rejuvenated and ready for the new challenges ahead.

4. Looking Ahead to 2025: Renewed Focus on Wellbeing

As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited to introduce new programs designed to support the holistic wellbeing of our students. Our renewed focus will emphasise not only academic achievement but also emotional, social, and physical health. In the new year, we will be rolling out initiatives that promote healthy social connections, emotional regulation and consistent and positive reinforcement of our school’s expected behaviours. This will go a long way to ensuring our students have the tools they need to thrive both in and outside the classroom.

We are committed to creating a supportive environment where students can develop resilience, confidence, and a positive sense of self. By prioritising wellbeing, we aim to foster a community where each student can flourish and feel supported throughout their academic journey.

Thankyou for your support working with us to improve these outcomes for our students. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and I can’t wait for a great year in

2025 at St Mary’s.

Mark O’Sullivan

F/1