From the Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing

Are you looking forward to the School Holidays?

“I’m bored! Can we do something?”

Sound familiar? The school holidays are upon us again. As parents, you probably either love them or don’t look forward to them. But the holidays are vitally important!

At MLC School the learning day is long. Add onto that any co-curricular activities your daughter does and the day can be extra-long. On top of this, our lives are often tightly scheduled. So the holidays are an opportunity for the kids to have a break.

The school holidays are a time to relax and switch off. This is good for their brains. It is also good for their physical and mental health.

Time for the family. Going away or having nice experiences together builds connections and memories. Children won’t remember the day you got a raise or how clean the house is, but they will remember the day you helped them catch a fish or when they saw a movie together.

Catching up with friends can be a fun time for children and the holidays are a good time to make those playdates. Spending times with friends can be beneficial as they form connections, build their network and practise social skills.

Holidays can provide an opportunity for children to try or learn things not taught at school. Learning beyond an academic education is something we do well at MLC School, but so much can be experienced during the holiday break. Engaging your mind in a new way is fantastic for your brain.

Boredom can be a good thing. It is often a precursor to creativity. It teaches children to occupy themselves and not rely on others (or electronic devices) for entertainment.

Translated from a Chinese saying: “To rest is to prepare for a longer journey.” Your daughters need to recharge their mental batteries so they can start the term stronger and with more drive. So enjoy the opportunities the holidays provide.

– Joanne Sharpe
Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing