Student Wellbeing News MHiPs- Mental Health in Primary Schools

MHiPS Corner: Navigating the End of Term Transition

As we approach the final week of term, you might notice a shift in your child’s behaviour or energy levels. The end of a school term is a major transition. Children are often carrying a lot of cognitive and physical fatigue, which can sometimes look like extra emotional outbursts, tiredness, or hyper energy at home.

To help your family finish the term smoothly and transition into a restful break, our Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) team has put together a few simple, practical tips:

• Prioritise Sleep and Downtime:

   Fatigue lowers a child’s ability to regulate their emotions. Keeping consistent bedtime routines this week,  allowing for some extra "do nothing" time after school can prevent end of term meltdowns.

• Hold Space for Big Feelings: 

  If your child is more irritable or teary than usual, try to label the feeling rather than fix it immediately (e.g., "I can see you are super exhausted, it’s been a really long term"). Validating their fatigue helps them feel understood.

• Keep Routines Predictable: 

  Children thrive on knowing what comes next, especially when they are tired. Try to keep morning and evening routines as consistent as possible right up until the final day of school.

• Co Regulate Together:

  When energy levels are high or stressful, take a few minutes to do a quiet activity together. Reading a book, colouring, or going for a calm walk outside can help reset your child's nervous system (and yours!).

• Plan for a "Low-Key" Start to the Holidays:

  It can be tempting to fill the first few days of the holidays with busy activities. However, giving children the first 48 hours of the break to simply rest, sleep in, and decompress will set them up for a much happier holiday overall.

   

  Need Extra Support Over the Break?

   

  Sometimes families need a little extra guidance or a listening ear when normal routines change. The following free, confidential services are available to support children, young people, and families throughout the holiday period:

   

• Kids Helpline: A free, private, and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. Call 1800 55 1800 or visit Kids Helpline.
• Headspace: Provides free online and telephone support and mental health counselling for young people aged 12 to 25 and their families. Call 1800 650 890 or visit Headspace.
• Beyond Blue: Offers 24/7 support and information for anxiety, depression, and general mental health and wellbeing. Call 1300 22 4636 or visit Beyond Blue.
• Lifeline: Provides 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services for anyone experiencing emotional distress. Call 13 11 14 or visit Lifeline.

• Nurse-On-Call (Victoria): Immediate, expert health advice from a registered nurse, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1300 60 60 24.

   

  (Note: If life is in immediate danger, always call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.)

   

  Thank you for your incredible partnership with us this term. We hope you and your family have a wonderful, safe, and restful school holiday break!

   

  Wellbeing / MHiPs Leader

  Mrs Angelique Loadman 

  MHips Leader 

  Mrs Louise Skues