The Dragon

Ask Ebony

Mrs Ebony Kriedemann

New year, new vibes: How to start the term right

It is a fresh term, which means new routines, new goals, and a bit of scrambling to find that missing water bottle. Whether you are feeling pumped for the term ahead or already counting down to the next break, here are some quick tips to start strong and stay on top of things.

  1. Set a Simple Routine (That you will actually stick to).

    Mornings do not have to feel like a mad dash out the door. A little prep the night before (packing your bag, laying out your uniform, charging your laptop) can make a world of difference. For parents, gentle prompts like “What’s one thing we can organise tonight to make the morning smoother?” can help build independence.

2. Balance Work- Fun.

School is not just about assignments and exams — there’s also sport, music, clubs, and time to just chill. Finding a good balance between schoolwork and downtime helps prevent burnout. This term that new activity you have been curious about!

 

3. Make a Fresh Start.

New term = reset button. If last term was not your best, leave it in the past. This is your chance to set small, achievable goals, like “I’ll ask one more question in class” or “I’ll keep my notes organised (or at least try).”

 

4. The Power Sleep.

A solid night’s sleep makes everything easier— concentration, mood, even your ability to deal with those little daily frustrations. (Yes, science backs this up.) Teens need around 8–10 hours of sleep, so if holiday habits messed with bedtime, now is the time to adjust.

 

5. Keep It in Perspective.

Not every day is going to be amazing, and that is okay. Some weeks will feel chaotic, and some assignments might be a struggle. If things get overwhelming, talk to someone — a friend, a parent, a teacher, or yep, even me (the school counsellor).

 

And if you are looking for me, I can be found in the newly designed Counselling Suite on the ground floor behind G2. If I am not in a counselling session, my door is always open to students, staff and parents to be an additional layer of support within school. I work at St George’s on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

 

Have a great weekend 🙂

 

Mrs Ebony Kriedemann

School Counsellor