As we approach the end of Term 2, it's important for all of us - students, staff, and families - to take a moment to reflect on the value of taking a break. The purpose of a break is not just to rest, but to reset and recharge, allowing us to return to school for Semester 2 with renewed energy and focus.

For our students, a break offers the opportunity to step away from the challenges of academic work and their busy co-curricular schedules to engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation. This downtime is crucial for mental and emotional wellbeing, enabling students to come back to school refreshed, and ready to learn with enthusiasm. Engaging in hobbies, spending time with friends and family, or simply enjoying some unstructured time are all valuable ways to recharge, even in this cold weather. There is something special about rugging up and getting outside into the winter sun! Our cross-country skiers are certainly hoping for some cold weather and winter sun as they head off to Falls Creek on their camp next week in preparation for the Victorian Interschools SnowSports Championships in early August.

For our dedicated staff, a break is a chance to unwind, reflect on the past term, and rejuvenate. Our staff give so much of themselves to ensure our students thrive. A well-deserved rest helps to maintain the passion and energy required to inspire and educate. Taking some time to engage in self-care, whether through hobbies, exercise, or simply resting, amongst the inevitable work to get ready for a new term, is essential for sustaining the motivation and dedication that our staff bring to their roles. I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge our staff members who routinely work through the term breaks, which continues to keep our school functioning so smoothly.

Families, too, benefit from this time. It is an opportunity to reconnect, share experiences, and support each other in a more relaxed environment.

To make our breaks even more impactful, we can be intentional about looking after our wellbeing. There are many ways to do this, but one that I find particularly helpful is doing a ‘positive emotion audit’. According to renowned psychologist Barbara Fredrickson, the Top 10 positive emotions that can improve our wellbeing are joy, gratitude, serenity, interest, hope, pride, amusement, inspiration, awe, and love. My ‘audit’ involves trying to find opportunities to experience all of these in my work every week (I usually succeed) and in my breaks. Earlier this term our Director of Student Wellbeing, Ms Karlie Payne, expanded on the research around the value of seeking out positive emotions to try to balance out the negativity that can creep into our lives.

By intentionally seeking out and nurturing the Top 10 positive emotions, we can enhance our overall happiness and resilience. Here are some suggested ways to incorporate these positive emotions into our upcoming break:

• Joy: Engage in activities that bring you joy, such as playing games, spending time in nature, or indulging in a favourite hobby
• Gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for. This could be done through journaling or sharing with loved ones
• Serenity: Find moments of peace and calm, whether through meditation, yoga, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of tea
• Interest: Explore new interests or delve deeper into existing ones. This could be learning a new skill, reading a book, or visiting a museum
• Hope: Focus on positive future outcomes. Set personal goals for the next term and visualise achieving them
• Pride: Reflect on your achievements from the past term, no matter how small, and take pride in your efforts and accomplishments
• Amusement: Share laughter with friends and family by watching a funny movie or playing a fun game together
• Inspiration: Seek out sources of inspiration, such as motivational talks, art, or music that uplifts your spirit
• Awe: Spend time in nature, marvelling at its beauty and grandeur, or visit places that fill you with a sense of wonder
• Love: Strengthen connections with loved ones. Express your love and appreciation for them through kind words and actions.

Wishing everyone a restful and refreshing break!

Ms Narelle Umbers
Principal