The Thistle - An E-Newsletter of Scotch College, Perth, Western Australia

Homework over the break? That is the question.

The time to recharge after a long semester is important. Children get tired both physically and mentally. Rest can help refocus mind and body and return a child back to school ready for learning. The time to be with family, with their parents and spend quality time having fun, relaxing and enjoying shared experiences together cannot be measured, but in most cases will never be forgotten.

With the three-week break beginning on Friday, many of our boys and their families are off to far flung locations to experience what those places have to offer. The opportunities to learn through doing and seeing are immense. Even with all of those planned visits, tours and engagements, children will still have times when they will want someone to give them something to do.

As teachers we will always ask that our students continue to read, practice their number skills and do some writing. But we realise that the opportunities presented by being away from school are significant and of great value to both students and their families.

My advice to families about 'homework' over the break is simple. Spend time together and enjoy being a family without the pressure of school, work and regular life. Make use of the break to do things together such as:

  • Walk on sand, through fields and over hills
  • Splash
  • Dance like no one is watching
  • Go fly a kite
  • Make a new friend and make them smile
  • Take a photo of a sunset
  • Try five foods you supposedly didn't like
  • Skim a stone
  • Build an epic den
  • Go wild in the rain
  • Read a book together
  • Cuddle up and enjoy a movie

In short, let the children be children, enjoy each other's company, have fun, laugh, smile and do things together as a family.

I look forward to the boys' return to school, seeing their refreshed faces and hearing of their adventures. I want to wish our families a safe, relaxing and enjoyable break.