Even over the holidays, sleep matters

Sleep, teens and mental health: what parents need to know

The link above gives parents some very helpful guidelines to just how much sleep adolescents need, and how to encourage that healthy sleep hygiene.

This document comes from BlackDog Institute which has a special focus on the mental health of Australian adolescents.

Looking for resources to navigate the upcoming social media ban?

It is fair to say that the government is flip-flopping and changing its intended rules. So far, the date of the legislative changes is still 10 December 2025.

Of course, the word "ban" is inaccurate and somewhat inflammatory. The actual intent is "delayed access". The intention is to delay adolescents’ and children’s access to potentially harmful sites until teens’ average mental maturation is better able to cope with the challenges these social media present. We suggest visiting the sites below for some helpful information:

Young people will be looking to their parents and carers for support during this time of change. The recent downloadable guide explains how teens may be affecteby the restrictions, and how parents and carers can help their teen adjust to the new normal. The link above includes access to a printable guide suitable for family display.

The hedonic treadmill

Have you noticed how getting what you want only gives you a temporary happiness boost? Soon you're back where you started emotionally, already chasing the next milestone.

The secret to lasting contentment isn't achieving or getting more – it's being grateful for what you already have. This doesn't mean abandoning your goals. It means pursuing meaningful activities that align with your values rather than external markers of success.

Three ways to practise gratitude and contentment this week:

In your work

To improve job satisfaction and work-life balance, reframe productivity from doing more to meaningful contribution and celebrate what you've already achieved.

In your relationships

Accept imperfections. Appreciate people for who they are rather than holding them (or yourself) to unrealistic standards.

For personal growth Carve out time for enjoyable, nourishing hobbies or self-care routines and let go of the pressure to accomplish more. Reflection question: Which areas of your life do you find it hardest to accept as “enough”? What makes it challenging?

Learning to embrace what you already have frees you from the exhausting cycle of endless striving and creates a foundation for sustained wellbeing.

Want to switch from fleeting joy to lasting happiness? This article will help you make the shift.

A message and a prayer from the Pope

Pope Leo XIV has a prayer for families that is so relevant: he asks us all to be mind-ful and care-ful of those in distress, suffering anxiety and depression. Pope Leo’s message is linked here.

He remarks how the holiday season can be additionally stressful for those who are already suffering distress, especially young people in busy families.

The staff of the HWBC wish you and your families the very best this Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of Jesus: peace, relaxation with family and friends, and joyful anticipation of future blessings.

Farewell from Br Roger

I arrived at Saints mid 2016 committed to serving the Saints community. I have tried to the best of my ability to do so for our students, families and staff. I cannot claim that I have agreed with everything nor that all have agreed with me. For my part, I want to assert that my issues have been raised in the best of faith rather than in self-interest. For those who feel that I have slighted or upset, I ask forgiveness. For my errors of commission or omission, I ask forgiveness. I have made a bunch of friends here at Saints: ex-students, parents and staff. I will miss you and think fondly of you regardless of the distances of time and geography between us.

Channelling some distant Irish ancestors, might I pray:

May the coming year bring you abundant blessings, and may your spirit be forever bright. May you look back with gratitude and forward with anticipation, as you embrace each new year with all your might and an open heart. Amen.

Our contacts

Br Roger Vallance FMS brroger@cns.catholic.edu.au 4052 9133

Mrs Sacha Donaldson RN sdonaldson@cns.catholic.edu.au 4052 9132

Ms Marijke Keller mkeller@cns.catholic.edu.au 4052 9134

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