Chris Phyland

Many thanks to Parent Advisor Chris Phyland for sharing some great strategies for preparing kids to have a positive schooling year. Some examples included; • Help your child ensure all school-based equipment & materials are ready and available every school day • Is your child’s schedule overloaded? Ensure their daily personal timetable is manageable • Home routines are set, reliable and in place before the start of school year • Shop thoughfully for a Healthy diet for body & mind. • Appropriate amount of sleep daily. (9-11 hours daily for 6-13 year-olds. 8-10 hours daily for 14-17 year-olds. • Recreation / quiet & creative time is locked in • Regular family / community time to keep your child connected • Physical fitness. Children need to ‘move’ every day. Learning • Demonstrate interest in and awareness of their school-based curriculum • Shared reading of year level literature for discussion at home • Home-based discussions about life, current affairs & curriculum-based topics • Encourage your child’s area of passion • Time with friends, family & community is planned and prioritised • Meal times are family gathering times. Screens off and conversation turned on • Limited online social activity appropriate for age. If screen time gets in the way of sleep, homework, socialising, play or other healthy pursuits – it’s too much. • Encourage ‘play dates’, shared experiences, team sports