Principal's Message

From the Principal – Finishing the Term well

As we move into the final few weeks of Term 3 I want to prompt parent thinking about the last three weeks of term and how we can work together to navigate this successfully. 

Our school works best when students know what to expect. Consistent routines, clear expectations and predictable structures.  Over the next few weeks, however, some of our usual routines will look a little different.

Next week, we will have a modified specialist timetable to accommodate the Year 1/2 swimming program. This means students normal specialist day will happen somewhere else in the week. In the final week of term, we will again have a change to our specialist timetable where classes will  have all their specialist learning on one specific day across the week. This allows our teaching teams to have a dedicated day to work together for planning and preparation for the term ahead. While these changes are purposeful and carefully planned, we also recognise that change can be challenging for some children.

At school, we are supporting students by making these changes known, clear and visible. We are talking with students about what will be different, helping them understand what they can expect and acknowledging that it’s okay if they  find change challenging. We also know the students who typically find adapting hard and ensure we provide them with individual coping strategies to support them. 

These are important skills for life. We cannot always control when things change, but we can help our children develop the confidence and strategies to respond positively when they do.

Helping Your Child Finish Well

At this point in the term, it can be very easy for everyone to slip into a “we just need to get through” mode. There are still three weeks of learning and friendships to navigate successfully and maintaining healthy routines for ourselves and our children is important.

One of the most helpful things families can do to support their child in finishing well is  to prioritise:

• Good bedtime routines and sufficient sleep.
• Limited screen time, particularly before bed.
• Healthy food and drink choices that support energy, concentration and regulation.
• Regular opportunities for movement, fresh air and time away from devices.

• Predictable routines that help children know what is happening each day.

   

These things can sometimes feel less important or harder to do when everyone is tired, but they make a significant difference to how children feel and function at school, as well as home. 

We want our students to finish the term feeling calm, successful and proud of what they have achieved. There is so much this term  to celebrate including the range of special events and the growth in learning. We know the way we finish a term can influence how we feel about coming back to school, and we are grateful for our partnership with our families in working together to achieve this.