From the Head of Learning and Teaching – Setting up healthy routines for the holidays

With the term break fast approaching I know many of the girls are looking forward to some morning sleep ins and time to catch up on the movies and TV series they have had to put to one side over the course of the term. Many of their teachers will be looking forward to the same things. The school holidays are a much needed break and it is important that the girls take the time to relax, rest and refresh ready for the commencement of Term 2. However, it is also important that they do not set up habits that may be problematic upon their return to school.

Healthy sleeping habits should be maintained no matter whether it is term time or not. A late night on a weekend is completely normal and often a well-deserved treat. But starting a pattern of staying up late during the week and then sleeping late in the morning can be problematic upon the return to school. Staying in a routine of going to bed and getting up that is close to their normal school routine is best as it will assist the girls in the transition to and from holiday times. The girls should be aiming for 8-10 hours of sleep per night. Sleep is important for a healthy brain as it assists in maintaining the pathways in our brain that enable us to learn and create new memories.

Setting up healthy digital routines for the break is equally important. Giving your daughter unfettered access to technology during the holidays will make the transition back to school routines at the start of term more challenging. Increasing screen time and chatting online with friends over the break should be balanced with other activities that involve her being physically active, socialising with friends in person and doing other activities she enjoys. The value of boredom should also not be underestimated. The girls do not need to be scheduled with an activity every hour of the day. Boredom simulates creativity and problem-solving, while giving the brain time to recharge. Creating space for the mind to wander and daydream is important to our mental health also.

In preparation for the break there are some conversations that you might consider having with your daughter over the coming week.

• Encourage her to go the library and borrow some books for holiday reading.
• Set up some prearranged activities with friends.
• Negotiate some additional screen time, this might be a reward for taking on additional responsibilities at home that are age appropriate. This is a great way to teach valuable life skills.

It is also worthwhile to do a quick inventory of access to devices. Have you set the parental controls so that there are times when you daughter is offline and unplugged? Are all the passwords for the controls secure? A little forward planning can make the break more productive and ensure your daughter returns to school refreshed and ready for another term of learning.

– Linda Emms
Head of Learning and Teaching