Assistant Principal's Report

It has been wonderful to see our Grade 1-6 students happily returning to school, catching up with friends and settling quickly into their new classes. 

Congratulations to all our new Foundation students who started their learning journey this term. They certainly look the part in their school uniforms and seem to be confidently settling in. It won’t be long before they start attending until 3.30pm!

Now that we have had a few weeks to adjust back to being at school, one of the most frequent questions I am asked by parents is how to ensure that things are less chaotic when getting to school.

Life with children is always changing, and if you’ve recently transitioned to having a school-aged child or having all your children at school or even multiple children at different schools, you might be feeling the shift in your family’s daily routine. Mornings can be busy, evenings can feel like a race against the clock, and keeping everything running smoothly can be a challenge.

But here’s the good news - routines don’t have to be rigid or stressful. The right rhythm for your family is one that creates a sense of stability while allowing room for flexibility. The Raising Children Network and Institute of Family Studies have the following suggestions to support setting useful routines: 

Why Routines Matter

For children, consistency is key. Having a predictable daily structure helps children feel secure, reduces stress (for everyone!), and encourages independence. Routines help with:

•  Easier transitions – Moving from one activity to the next becomes smooth

•  Fewer power struggles – Children know what to expect, which reduces resistance. 

•  Better time management – Helps everyone get out the door on time. 

•  Emotional security – Predictability can be comforting for little ones navigating a busy world.

But routines aren’t just for the children—they help parents too! A well-structured day can reduce mental load, create more opportunities for quality time, and help keep the household running without as much chaos. As a parent myself, I have tried many of these. Some work, some haven’t, some we try to reintroduce. Children change so quickly so it is important to adapt and pick and choose to suit your own family’s current situation.

Creating a Morning Routine That Works

It’s an age-old argument – is it harder getting them to bed or getting them ready for school?  Mornings set the tone for the whole day. A calm, predictable morning makes getting out the door much easier! Here are some simple ways to build a stress-free morning routine:

Prepare the Night Before – Lay out clothes, pack school bags, and prep lunches to cut down on morning stress.

Make a Visual Checklist – Children really benefit from having a “Morning Steps” chart: get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth, grab bag!

Keep Breakfast Simple – There is never a good reason to skip breakfast. A few go-to options that are easy and nutritious (like toast, fruit, or yoghurt) will save time.

Give Warnings for Time Transitions – A simple “Five more minutes until we leave!” can help prevent last-minute meltdowns.

After-School Reset: Winding Down & Staying Organised

School days can be big for little people, so an after-school routine can help them transition from the busy-ness of the day to a calmer evening at home.

Get children to unpack Bags Straight Away – Empty lunchboxes, check school bags, and repack anything needed for tomorrow.

Snack & Chill Time – Children often need a little downtime before jumping into anything structured. A snack and a quiet activity (or outdoor play) can work wonders.

Home Learning –Doing it at the same time each day helps make it a habit - before dinner works for most families.

Chat About the Day – Asking open-ended questions like “What was the funniest / most interesting / hardest thing that happened today?” can encourage conversation.

Bedtime: Creating a Calming Evening Routine

Sleep is possibly the most important thing to support learning, and evening routines help children wind down and prepare their bodies for sleep. 

In my home, we’ve continued the same bedtime routine for many years and well into the teenage years - there is a level of comfort and predictability that comes from the consistency. It’s not just about getting to bed; it’s about creating a sense of security and connection at the end of the day.

Set a Consistent Bedtime – The Royal Children’s Hospital notes that early school aged children (3-6) need 11-12 hours of sleep a night and children aged 7-12 need 10-11 hours of sleep each night. So, for example, if your child wakes for school at 7 am and needs 11 hours sleep per night, they should be in bed before 8 pm.

Keep a Predictable Wind-Down Process – Bath/shower, PJs, teeth brushing, story time, and cuddles help signal that sleep is coming. 

Limit Screen Time Before Bed – Blue light can interfere with melatonin, and the research tells us that screens before bad interferes with sleep, so ensure that all screens are off and switch to books or quiet play at least 30-60 minutes before sleep. 

Use a Comfort Item if Needed – Some children find comfort in a favourite toy, blanket, or nightlight.

Flexibility is Key—Adjusting as Needed

No routine will be perfect every day, and that’s okay! Life happens. Children get sick, school events pop up, and some days just don’t go to plan. The goal isn’t perfection but rather creating a rhythm that works for your family most of the time.

It’s also important to review routines occasionally. What works for a 5-year-old might not suit them at 7, or 9, or 11. As children grow, involving them in part of the routine (like picking or making their own breakfast or packing their bag) can help them take ownership of their routine and to develop independence. 

Finding What Works for Your Family

Every family is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The key is finding a balance between structure, sleep and flexibility - enough routine to create stability, but enough adaptability to handle life’s unpredictability.

A reminder that if you have any concerns regarding your child’s wellbeing or mental health to please speak with your child’s teacher.  If you still have concerns or wish to discuss anything specific, please contact me directly on the school phone line or through email at vicki.john2@education.vic.gov.au. There are many avenues for support if we know there is a concern. 

Warmest wishes, 

Vicki John