I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all our families returning to school this week and especially to new families joining us for the first time. We hope that you will feel most welcome and we are delighted to have you join our GCC community.

Getting off to a great start

During a three-week holiday, bedtimes become less stringent, morning routines change drastically and the need to get dressed, pack a school bag and be somewhere at a particular time becomes a thing of the past… until now that is. 

It has been a wonderful start to the term and the children have settled quickly but with the start of a new term, it is important that routines are re-established so that the children have the best opportunity to start each day well.  

As we return to ‘business as usual,’ here are a few simple tips to help you establish routines to ensure a stress-free and seamless transition back into school.

Re-establish sleep times

Does your child’s bedtime make a difference? According to experts at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute the answer is yes…because children need their sleep! Most children aged between 5 and 12 need about 9.5 hours of sleep nightly, but experts agree that the majority of children aged under 13 need more than that. Insufficient sleep can reduce our ability to function well and the same thing happens when children go to bed too late and develop unhelpful sleep habits that affect their behaviour and learning. 

Avoid using technology before bedtime

When on holiday, some of the routines we have in place during the school term are relaxed. Re-establishing that children stop using electronic devices 30 minutes before bed is important.  The National Sleep Foundation recommends that children should stop using electronic devices, at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Another option is that children grab a book and read before bedtime.

Create a morning routine

To create a routine, work out what time you need the children to wake up each morning to allow them enough time to leave for school, then work backwards with all the tasks they need to do.

Start regular reading routines

When children aren’t going to school every day, their reading habits can slip a little. It is important to set reading times that fit in with your family dynamic. Use a reading log, reading chart or some visual reminders to encourage your children to get back into reading which will help them once school is back in full swing. 

Punctuality

Children thrive on routine because it gives them a sense of predictability in their lives. Routines can help them feel like they have their needs met on a regular basis, and with back to school routine well established,  they feel a sense of security.  It is crucial to a student’s success that they attend school each day and that they arrive at school, on time, for the start of the day. 

School uniforms

Just a reminder that children are required to wear the correct school uniform each day. Please refer to the College website should you require clarification regarding uniforms. We will be doing a uniform check on Monday 25 July and we will make contact with you should your child have to make adjustments to their uniform. Please be reminded that children should have a school hat which is required to be worn at playtimes. Teachers will remind the children of uniform expectations this week.

Absence from school and holidays during term time 

Please also be aware that the handbook outlines the expectations regarding taking students on holiday during term time. This is strongly discouraged, especially during assessment and reporting periods. However, please be reminded that in terms of our Student Attendance Policy that if a student is going to be away on vacation during term time, at least two weeks’ written notification needs to be given to the Head of Primary and the class teacher.  

Thank you for partnering with us to ensure that punctual and regular attendance at school is a priority for all our Primary children. 

Date Savers for Term 3

Parent-teacher Interviews: Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 July
Prep to Year 2 Athletics Carnival: Wednesday 10 August
Melinda Tankard Reist Parent Session: Monday 8 August
Primary Book Parade: Monday 22 August
Father’s Day Stall: Thursday 1 September
Pupil Free Day: Friday 2 September
Dr Justin Coulson Parent Seminar: Tuesday 6 September
Grandparents Day: Wednesday 14 September
P and F Colour Run: Friday 16 September

Gail Mitchell – Head of Primary