Dear Parents/Caregivers and Children,

WELCOME BACK!

Speaking to many of you at the front gate throughout the week and our children it has been wonderful to hear that the summer break has been filled with spending time as families, often extended family whom with the busyness of life we don't always get the time to connect with. In addition we have been spoilt with the amount of sunshine hours we have had and I know the water, whether it be lakes or beaches have been enjoyed by many. 

In addition, it has been wonderful to be a part of the vibe that is seeing the children enter into their (new for some and existing for other) learning spaces with energy and excitement. Our team have continued to set these spaces up with a lens of putting our children at the centre and ensuring that our children see these spaces as their place for learning. 

Over the summer break my family and I were spoilt with some much needed time together. It is not until you finally stop and pause that you take a breath and realise how hectic things can become at times (I know this is no doubt a feeling shared by many). Much of our break was spent around water, fishing with friends, jumping off rocks into water holes, surfing, swimming and the odd walk. 

Over the break I also completed an off road run for the first time. At the start line I found myself more nervous than I had been in years. Once I started all became fine, but the thinking about it and the newness of it all created a genuine worry. It reminded me of how many of our children no doubt feel on their first day back. While confident that many of them were very excited to be back, there would naturally be some nerves. The learning from this was acknowledge the nerves (you simply can't ignore them) and then take comfort that 9/10 once you start, for most those worries will disappear, and from what we have noticed this week, that has very much been the case with our children. 

On a similar note it is also important to acknowledge that once our children settle back into the routine of school and after school activities, natural tiredness will set back in as we rebuild our fitness towards the day to day activity and stimulation of school. Often 'detoxing' from digital tools is a part of this process as many children would have spent more time on their devices than usual. Your support with this and being aware of the time each child is spending on their device, whether it be gaming, watching YouTube, movies etc (it is all device time) would be much appreciated. 

Finally, tonight we have our Meet the Teacher Family Picnic starting at 5.30pm, we look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.

Warm regards

Geoff