Behaviour, Wellbeing & Safeguarding

School Holidays 

The school holidays are a wonderful opportunity to focus on wellbeing. Whether it’s through rest, play, creativity or time spent with loved ones, the break offers a chance to recharge and prepare for the final term of the year. 

Springtime in Bendigo 

Spring has arrived in Bendigo, bringing longer days, bursts of colour and a refreshing change in the air, and a hint of hay fever.  

Encourage your children to notice the signs of spring, blossoms blooming, birds nesting and the warmth of the sun returning. Whether it’s a walk through Rosalind Park, a bike ride along the O’Keefe Rail Trail or a backyard picnic, nature offers a calming and energising space for families to reconnect. 

Creative and Calm at Home 

Not every day needs to be busy. Holidays are also a great time to slow down and enjoy creative activities at home. Drawing, building, reading, cooking or listening to music together can be deeply rewarding. These activities support emotional wellbeing and give children a chance to express themselves in different ways. 

You might like to set up a “holiday journal” where children can record their favourite moments, draw pictures or write stories. It’s a lovely way to reflect and build literacy skills without pressure. 

Footy Fever and Friendly Rivalries 

With the AFL finals in full swing, many families will be cheering on their teams. Whether you're a proud supporter of Geelong, Collingwood, Hawthorn or Brisbane, the finals bring excitement, community spirit and a chance to celebrate together. 

It’s also a great time to talk with children about sportsmanship, teamwork and handling wins and losses with grace. Whether you're watching the game at home or kicking the footy in the backyard, it’s all part of the fun. 

Looking After Ourselves 

While holidays can be fun, they can also be tiring, especially for families juggling work, travel or other responsibilities. It’s okay to take things slow and to prioritise rest. Children often benefit from a mix of activity and downtime, and so do adults. 

Try to keep some gentle routines in place, like regular meals, quiet time and bedtime rituals. These help children feel safe and settled, especially if the holidays include changes or new experiences.  

If your child is feeling anxious or unsettled, open conversations and reassurance go a long way. Listening, validating their feelings and helping them find calm strategies can make a big difference. 

Living Our School Values 

Even during the holidays, we encourage our students to show our school expectations in everything they do: Be your best, Be safe, Respect for all and Respect for the environment.  Whether it’s helping at home, playing kindly with friends, caring for nature or trying something new, these values help guide positive choices and build strong character. 

Regards, 

Luke Freeman 

Behaviour, Wellbeing and Safeguarding Leader