With the school holidays upon us and some free time on the table for our students, it can be a time when the anxiety levels of parents rise as they worry about how to entertain their children. In our uber-connected world where technology reigns supreme and children are constantly stimulated by screens and online content, it is important for them to also have time to do nothing. They might refer to this as being bored, but adults can reframe it to be a time of creativity and restoration. When we give ourselves time to stop and think, creativity begins. There is an Italian phrase for this: il dolce far niente, the sweetness of doing nothing. I hope that all students and their families can find some time to enjoy this sweetness this holiday break. This article may also be useful for parents helping their children through the holiday break.
As the term comes to a close, I would like to express my thanks to our staff for their continued work in ensuring that, despite COVID-19 and the flu circulating in Canberra, we have continued teaching with minimal disruptions to classroom learning. This is a team effort and a daily jigsaw for our relief coordinators to put together. While it is appropriate to recognise the efforts of our staff each term, it is particularly important this term and this year. Thank you to the team.
Ms Julie Jorritsma
Acting Principal