As we approach the end of the school year and transition into the festive chaos of Christmas and school holidays, here are some tips to support the holiday break to ensure you and your family are thriving, not just surviving.

Tips for the holiday break

Put aside the first day or two as recovery time – everyone is exhausted and running around is only going to make it worse. A pyjama day can help reset energy levels. If you are a working parent, the first couple of days are the best times to take off work.

Have a routine even for days spent at home – keep your daily meals at regular times, enjoy time outside in the sunshine, create opportunities for everyone to use their bodies and if possible get their heart rate up. Physical exercise helps release energy and it increases the natural production of serotonin and dopamine, both important in mood and emotional regulation.

Prioritise outdoor activities away from screens – for less sporty kids consider a beach day, a walk through the botanic gardens or explore the local national park.

Schedule in free play – for most children it’s ok to let them get bored and give them the opportunity to problem solve, but for others boredom can actually cause a lot of challenging behaviour. To avoid this, create a Boredom Buster Box, which is simply a bunch of ideas written down on individual folded pieces of paper. When boredom strikes, your child picks a random activity from the box. Make some of the options chores, for example “make your parents a snack” or “dust your room” and add in some highly desirable activities like “20 minutes on the iPad”.

Talk to your kids the night before about expectations for the next day – if you are super organised, a visual weekly calendar can really help kids who are anxious about changes to routine, feel more in control. Otherwise, talking about it at the dinner table the night before can make for good conversation and good planning.

Pre-empt arguments by inviting the kids to help you create ‘holiday’ rules ahead of the break – the rules might include limits on screen time, later bedtime or additional privileges like pocket money.

Transitioning Back to School

The end of summer holidays brings a mix of emotions for Australian students. While some kids eagerly anticipate reuniting with friends, others experience anxiety about returning to school. If your child is feeling nervous about heading back to the classroom, you’re not alone. Back-to-school anxiety is incredibly common and completely normal.

See the link below for practical steps for a smooth transition.

https://www.livingnurturepsychology.com.au/back-to-school-anxiety-helping-your-child-transition-after-summer-break/

Local Ballarat School Holiday Activities

Junior Zoo Keeper Program

The Ballarat Wildlife Park’s ‘Junior Keeper Program’ is an incredible three-hour experience hosted by some of the Wildlife Park’s experienced keepers, for children 6-15 years old.

The Junior Keepers will be introduced to various animals and learn fascinating facts about a range of different species.

From preparing food, to raking up roo poo, Junior Keepers will learn to work as a team and get a great insight into what it takes to care for the animals.

https://www.visitballarat.com.au/whats-on/junior-keeper-program

Makers Series at Sovereign Hill

During the gold rush rare trades, skills and practices flourished to keep the booming township alive. Enhance your memorable Sovereign Hill experience and become a maker.

Drop into the Tinsmiths building throughout the day and design and craft your own leather key ring, turning raw materials into a cherished keepsake.

Developed by Sovereign Hill’s team of expert leather-makers, the Makers Series connects old-world craftsmanship with the next generation of creatives.

Available during school holidays, weekends, and public holidays only. Additional fee applies.

https://www.visitballarat.com.au/whats-on/makers-series-at-sovereign-hill

Casual Canvas Sessions

Visit The Art Club Hub for a casual painting session.

No pressure, just a few hours of painting with friends. Choose from one of the pre-drawn canvas designs and add your own flair, or if you are feeling brave you can start with a blank canvas.

The team supply everything you need to create an acrylic painting, down to the ideas, canvas and paints, a space to create and they clean up the mess.

Suitable for all ages, children to adult. A great family activity.

This activity is offered every Saturday, and everyday during School Holidays.

https://www.visitballarat.com.au/whats-on/casual-canvas-sessions

Melbourne Renegades School Holiday Camp-Goldfields

Kids aged 7 to 10 can take part in a one-day 'Gades camp. Through cricket basics, supervised games, and fun activities, children will build skills and confidence while enjoying the game of cricket.

https://www.visitballarat.com.au/whats-on/melbourne-renegades-school-holiday-camp-goldfields

The School Holiday Animal Farm Experience

Enjoy a guided farm experience at Creswick and discover fun facts about the animals and how their woolly coats are cared for. Visitors can meet Merino and Valais sheep, miniature goats, and a variety of friendly alpacas, including both Huacaya and the rare Suri breed. This hands-on session provides an authentic introduction to Australia's wool heritage and the animals that call the Mill home.

https://www.visitballarat.com.au/whats-on/the-school-holiday-animal-farm-experience

On behalf of the Inclusion and Engagement Team at Miners Rest Primary School, we wish you and your families a safe and happy holiday break. We look forward to seeing you all in 2026.

Merry Christmas!

Emily Pellegrino-Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader

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