Mrs Makeham
The Gift of Downtime: Why Boredom Is Good for Your Child
As parents, we are constantly striving to give our children every advantage. We sign them up for sports, music lessons, tutoring, and any activity we think will help or enrich their lives. We see it as our job to provide our kids with every opportunity for academic, social, and athletic success. But in our quest to give them the best, are we overlooking something crucial: the simple, powerful gift of doing nothing?
Despite being ridiculously busy, we often feel the need to keep our children constantly entertained and engaged. We fear that if they're bored, we're failing them. However, a growing body of evidence suggests the exact opposite. Boredom isn't a sign of failure; it's an opportunity for growth. When children have unstructured downtime, they're not just waiting for the next activity; they're developing essential skills.
The feeling of boredom can actually be a catalyst for creativity. Without the constant stimulation of screens or planned activities, children are forced to turn inward and rely on their own imagination. This is when a cardboard box becomes a boat, a pile of blankets becomes a fortress, a wood pile a set of cattle yards and a simple yard turns into a whole new world to explore. Dr. Teresa Belton, a researcher at the University of East Anglia,(UK) has studied this topic extensively and argues that boredom is a necessary part of the creative process. In her paper, "The developing mind: The role of boredom in fostering creativity," she highlights how unstructured time allows children to develop their own interests, solve problems, and invent new ways to play. This kind of self-directed play is vital for building independence and resilience.
Beyond creativity, downtime also offers a much-needed break for both parents and children. We are not depriving our kids by not having a fully packed schedule. We are, in fact, giving them a chance to rest, decompress, and simply be. This benefits their mental health and well-being. By embracing a less-is-more approach, we are also giving ourselves a break from the constant pressure to entertain and overschedule. It's a reminder that it's okay to slow down, and that a quiet afternoon at home can be just as valuable as a jam-packed weekend of activities.
So, the next time your child says, "I'm bored," resist the urge to fill the void. Instead, see it as an invitation for them to discover something new within themselves. Give them the gift of downtime, and watch their imagination flourish. It's good for them, and it's good for you. You're not letting them down; you're giving them the space they need to grow. We're not just raising smart kids; we are raising resilient, resourceful humans ready to thrive in the world.
Confirmation
Our Year 5-6 students are working hard to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday September 21st at 10:00 am Mass. Bishop Peter Murphy will be at school on the Friday before Confirmation to examine the canditates and visit all classes in the school.
Acting Religious Education Co-ordinator
Congratulations to Ms Megan Wilson who was last week apppointed to the position of Acting Religious Education Co-ordinator for our school. Megan will be in this role until Mr Hyatt's return in Term 4.
Pyjama Day
On Friday September 12th we will all come to school in our Pyjamas to raise money for Australian Catholic Missions. (Gold Coin Donation)
Students can wear their P.J's to school with their joggers and a hat. Students ARE NOT permitted to wear nighties or onesies.
Satisfaction Survey
An annual satisfaction survey of parents, students and staff will be conducted on behalf of all Catholic schools in the Diocese this term. The surveys are designed to gather feedback from parents, staff and students about our school and will be used to inform school improvement. Responses are confidential.
The surveys were launched on Monday by email. If you did not receive an email with a link to the survey, you can access and complete the survey via the following link.
https://www.research.net/r/StPatricksWalchaPARENT2025
The survey will close on Wednesday, 3 September 2025.
School Audit
On Tuesday and Wednesday a team from the Armidale Catholic Schools Office visited our school to conduct a comprehensive review.
This audit is a regular process, occurring every five years, and is crucial for ensuring we maintain best practice across all areas of the school. The team scrutinised our adherence to various school operations, including our academic programs and our compliance with all school policies and procedures.
I am very proud to report that we more than satisfied every area audited. The auditors commended the school on our work and were full of praise for our little school, our students and our wider community.
Thank you to the teachers who worked tirelessly to ensure all curriculum paperwork was in order and also Sally and Karen for their meticulous keeping of all things administrative.
What a team!
Well-being Initiative - Starts Monday
Statistics show that only a small number of students across Australia arrive at school ready to learn each day. We believe this is a challenge we can't ignore, and we want to do our part to change it.
Starting next Monday, we’re launching a new initiative to help our students feel happy, positive, and ready to engage with their learning. We'll be starting the day with 10-minute activities designed to welcome everyone with a smile:
- Mug Day Mondays - (Warm Milo - Gold Coin Donation)
- Tuesday Grooves (a 10-minute dance party!)
- Yoga Flow Wednesdays
- Walk and Talk Thursdays (a stroll and a chat with friends)
Fitness Friday (a whole-school aerobic session)
A huge thank you to Cian Cattelini for her wonderful leadership in making this happen.
Assembly - Change of Time - (9:10 am)
We will be having a whole school assembly on Friday Septhember 12th at 9:10 am. If you are able to make it; you're more than welcome!
Mrs Flanagan and Mrs Hoy
Our prayers and thoughts go out to Mrs. Flanagan and Mrs. Hoy as they care for their sick parents. We're sending them and their families our love and support.
Weekday and School Masses
As previously communicated, Father Anthony is taking time to care for his elderly mother, who continues to experience ill health.
During his absence, there will be no weekday or school masses. However, a visiting priest from Armidale will be celebrating weekend masses.
We extend our heartfelt well wishes to Father Anthony and his mum, and we'll keep them both in our prayers.
Contacting Your Child's Teacher
Teachers welcome contact from parents, if you need to talk with staff please either contact the class teacher by phoning the school – 67772328 or email the school at spwadmin@arm.catholic.edu.au.
SCHOOL HOURS
Supervision of students commences at 8:30am. Students should not be on-site until after 8:30 AM.