Wellbeing Report
Welcome to Term 4!
Can you believe we’re already here? It’s amazing (and a little bit startling) how fast the year is flying by. As term 4 begins, we often find ourselves swept into a whirlwind of events, deadlines, farewells—and all the build-up to Christmas. This term is always a busy one, and we’d like to share a few thoughts, reminders, and supports to help families (and students) finish the year with as much calm and connection as possible.
What the Term Looks Like
Term 4 is traditionally packed
End-of-year concerts, graduations, class parties and award ceremonies.
Final assessments and reporting.
Excursions and transition days for next year.
Holidays looming and family plans to arrange.
For many students, finishing school for the year and then 6 weeks at home.
With so many things clustered in just a few weeks, it’s no wonder parents (and carers!) feel the pressure.
Be Kind to Yourself — Important Reminders for Parents & Carers
As the festive season nudges us forward, here are compassionate reminders just for you
You don’t need to “do it all.” The pressure to shop, host, craft, celebrate — it adds up fast. It’s okay to scale things back.
It’s okay to say “no” (or “not this year”) to optional events or extra social commitments.
Schedule “you time.” Even small breaks—a cup of tea on your own, a short walk, 10 minutes of reading—can help reset.
Seek support. If the load feels heavy, talk with a friend, a fellow parent, or a professional. You don’t have to carry everything.
Mindful gift-giving. Focus on meaning rather than quantity. Handwritten notes, experiences, or shared time can matter more than expensive presents.
Supporting Students Who Feel Anxious About Year’s End & Transition
Some students may feel anxious or unsettled about the transition between years — new teacher, new classroom, the end of routines. Here’s how families can help
Open conversations. Ask your child how they’re feeling about Year 7 / Grade 5 etc. in 2026. Use open questions (“What are you most excited/nervous about?”) and normalise that mixed feelings are okay.
Create a “transition plan.” Together, map out the first few weeks of next year: what will change, what will stay the same, and what support they might need.
Focus on strengths and coping strategies. Remind them of times they’ve handled change well before, and together list strategies (breathing, journalling, talking, gradual exposure) they can use if anxiety rises.
Maintain routines over holidays. As far as possible, keep some regular sleep, social, and activity patterns during the 6-week break so returning to school is smoother.
Watch for signs of overwhelm. Irritability, changes in appetite/sleep, withdrawal, or increased worry can be signs your child needs more support. Don’t hesitate to ask their school wellbeing team for help.
Ideas & Supports You Can Try
Here are some gentle practices and options you might try over Term 4 and into the holidays
Micro-breaks: 5–10 minutes of stretching, deep breathing, stepping outside, or walking.
Journalling or gratitude lists: reflect on small wins of each day.
Nature time: being outdoors has proven benefits for mood and stress.
Shared family downtime: low-key board games, puzzles, movie nights.
Mindfulness or breathing apps: short guided exercises (just 3–5 mins) can help both kids and adults.
Parent support networks: local groups, Facebook or community pages, or school parent networks to share tips and encouragement.
Local Activities Around Yarra Ranges for Families & Kids
If you’re looking to get out (even just for a breather), here are some local ideas in the Yarra Ranges area
Yarra Ranges Council Events: The council hosts a variety of community, family, and arts events.
“Friends with Honey” performance (pollinators show) at Creative Yarra Ranges – fun and educational for younger children.
Visit Healesville Sanctuary – always a favourite, close by and nature-based.
Lilydale Lake Recreation Area – playgrounds, water play, walking trails.
Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery – treats plus a fun outing in the valley.
Yarra Glen Adventure Playground – a large playground for a change of scenery. Tot Hot or NoSteavenson Falls, Marysville – a gentle nature walk to see the falls.
Yarra Ranges Regional Museum & arts centres – exhibitions, workshops and displays.
Yarra Ranges Community Markets – such as the Yarra Valley Farmers Market and Warburton Community Market. yarraranges.vic.guide
These are great for a relaxed outing, especially when the schedule feels full.
Final Thoughts
Term 4 is a busy time — there’s no denying it. But it can also be a time for celebration, connection, and growth. As a school wellbeing team, we encourage you to pace yourselves, set boundaries, and take mini-moments of rest. Remember: your wellbeing matters too.
We’re here to support you and your children. If you ever feel like you or your child need more support—whether for stress, anxiety, transitions, or just a chat—please reach out to our wellbeing team.
Here’s to a Term 4 that’s not just busy, but balanced, kind, and meaningful.
Calm Down Tip
Recently I have been making rock Mandala’s with some children. The child chooses a favourite out of the big rocks and then makes a ring around it with the smaller rocks, they can then make another two or three rings around that until they run out of rocks. If they are upset before we start the activity I ask them how they feel after finishing, they usually are able to communicate what they were upset about in the first place and feel better from having the break in their thoughts. This activity can be done with other items that you may have around the home. At the moment my daughters have pulled out a big bucket of coloured beads to sort, these would work to make a mandala. Often people have buttons or even pegs would work. Feel free to use this tip next time you are faced with a child who is struggling with big emotions.
Breakfast Club
At breakfast club we have small bowls of cereal and can spaghetti, toast with 4 spread options, fresh fruit, milk and fruit cups. Breakfast club will open again on the first Monday back to school for term 4. Students have requested that the can spaghetti continues even when the weather warms up. On Monday we will have fresh Corella Pears available.
Pantry
Please feel free to visit the Community Pantry on a Wednesday afternoon. Items available include canned food, cereals, honey, vegemite, UHT milk, food pouches of soup. Gluten Free and Lactose Free items are also available. If you would like a whole hamper of food please contact the wellbeing team and we can deliver a box to you at the kiss and drop.
Craft Club
For the start of term 4 we have been making fairy craft and have just started to include mermaid craft. We have made crowns, doors, fairies, beds, wands, magic jars and mermaid scale jars. Although these activities come from a kit the kids have often added their own creativity to what they are making.
Kids Of Gold Camp
The next Kids Of Gold Camp is going to run between the 24th and 26th of October. Sign up for students in grade 4 – 6 or those in grade 3 are welcome if they turn 9 years old before the camp dates. This is a Level 1 camp so it is great to start the series of 3 at this camp to build confidence and self esteem in you child. We have some scholarships available for two boys and one girl. If you are interested in sending your child to this camp but the cost is putting you off please contact me so you can access the scholarship.
