From the Director of Junior School
Junior School Update
It’s hard to believe we are past halfway through Term One! Hopefully, everyone has settled into the school routine. The beginning of the school year is a great time to establish routines and expectations, not only at school, but also at home with homework and screen time. In the primary years, a large part of homework is about building capacity for time management. Creating a structure in your child’s day with an after school schedule will help them to stay focussed and avoid homework fatigue. Every child and family operates differently, so there is no right or wrong schedule, however, predictability and consistency are key.
Some tips for homework:
Young children should do homework nearby, like at the kitchen table while adults are around. They usually don’t like to be isolated and may need to ask questions. Distractions would need to be limited. Pre-teens may prefer a homework nook where parents have easy access to offer words of encouragement. If homework is a huge issue or fight please talk to the class teacher about having support to address this. If all else fails – Reading is the most important thing. Opportunities for parents to read-aloud to children, and vice versa as well as time for reading for enjoyment. Screen time should also be put in the schedule. The children live in a world where screens are a constant presence in their lives. While technology offers incredible learning opportunities and entertainment, too much screen time can impact their mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. By setting healthy limits, parents can help their children develop better habits, improve focus and enjoy more offline experiences. It is recommended that Primary aged students limit screen time to two hours per day.
Tips for Screen time:
No screens during mealtimes with families. Technology buffer at least 30 minutes before bed. Use parental controls to monitor contact and duration.
Please reach out if you need some support in this space. If you missed the Parent Teacher interviews in Week 5, contact the classroom teacher to make an appointment. These meetings are important for setting goals for the students and getting a good understanding of how they are settling into the school year.
Senior Leadership Reflections
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