International Baccalaureate
Learning Doesn't Stop in the Holidays
As we approach the winter break, many families look forward to a slower pace, time together and a chance to recharge before the second half of the school year. While the holidays provide a welcome break from routines, they also offer valuable opportunities for learning, growth and connection.
Over the past six months, our students have explored the attributes of the IB PYP Learner Profile, engaged in inquiry learning and developed their curiosity through questions, investigations and new experiences. Through these conversations, we have explored an important idea: learning does not only happen at school.
Some of the most meaningful learning occurs in everyday moments—sharing meals with family, visiting relatives, exploring a local park, helping with household responsibilities, reading together, playing games or listening to stories from older generations. These experiences help children develop knowledge, understanding and a sense of who they are.
Children thrive when they feel connected to the people, places and communities around them. During the holidays, families have a unique opportunity to strengthen these connections.
For many of our students, the holiday period is a time to reconnect with culture, language and family traditions. Whether speaking a language other than English (mother tongue), participating in cultural celebrations, preparing traditional foods or spending time with extended family, these experiences help children build a strong sense of identity, knowing who they are. They remind us that every family brings valuable knowledge, perspectives and stories to our community.
As parents and carers, you are your child's first teachers. The conversations you have, the experiences you share and the values you model shape how your child understands the world. Sometimes the most powerful learning begins with a simple question:
What are you curious about?
What surprised you today?
What is something new you learned about yourself or someone else?
What story from our family should be remembered?
These questions encourage children to think deeply, reflect and make connections between their experiences and the wider world.
As a school community, we are committed to developing young people who are curious, caring and open-minded. The winter break provides an opportunity to nurture these qualities in authentic and meaningful ways. Read together, explore together, talk together and make time for the relationships that matter most.
When children return next term, they will bring back more than holiday memories. They will return with new experiences, new perspectives and a deeper understanding of themselves, their families and their communities.
Holiday Ideas
Families looking for inspiration might enjoy:
Visiting a zoo and learning about animals and conservation through Zoos Victoria School Holiday Activities.
Exploring nature and participating in family activities at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria School Holiday Program.
Discovering science, history, culture, and dinosaurs through Museums Victoria School Holiday Activities.
Finding family-friendly activities across Melbourne using Visit Melbourne Family Activities Guide.