Our Carey Donvale Parents Association (CDPA) have certainly been kicking goals this term. The ‘Cool Kids First Aid Course’ certainly exceeded everyone’s expectations with two cross-age workshops booked out in the blink of an eye with a waiting list long enough to warrant a third clinic.
The recent Welcome Event could be described in similar terms. Well over 400 people turned up to enjoy a host of friendly activities including mini golf, face painting, an inflatable ninja course, a massive climbing wall a range of refreshments. Every year I am amazed at how this Welcome Carnival cultivates such a wonderful sense of community. Coming off two years of limited opportunities to bring families together, this year it reached new heights.
I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely congratulate the CDPA committee and many parents and volunteers who have worked so hard to ensure the success of this event.
Tomorrow’s much anticipated sausage sizzle will conclude the CDPA’s efforts for Term 1; however, there is so much more to look forward to next term. June is shaping as an exciting month for both children and parents. Bookings are open for the inaugural Donvale Parents Dinner on Thursday 2 June at the Windsor Hotel and, at the end of the month, a Silent Disco for the children will round out the term.
Marg Adams on leave
Our sincere best wishes go to Marg Adams as she recovers from a knee replacement operation. This will sideline her for the next eight weeks. My thanks to Mark Fox who will step into the role of Acting Deputy Head in Marg’s absence. Mark has performed this role in the past and I know he will have everyone’s complete support again.
Consider limiting screen time over the holidays
Over the holidays, make the most of the crisp autumn weather and avoid the tendency to let children sit in front screens for hours on end. Try to achieve a healthy media diet which balances activities (age-appropriate games and TV) and time limits with offline activities (sports, face-to-face conversations, creative play). At some point, kids should be able to manage their own media diets. In the meantime, these tips could be helpful.
Find a balance
Get your kids to help plan a week that includes things they have to do and things they like to do, such as chores, reading, family time, playing outside, time with friends and TV or gaming. Decide on limits and behaviour and stick to these expectations.
Walk the walk
Put your devices away while driving, at mealtimes and during important conversations. As adults we should model this ourselves.
Talk about it
Ask questions about their favourite games, shows and apps. This is an opportunity for bonding, learning and sharing your values.
Create tech-free zones such as ‘no devices during dinner’, ‘no social media during homework’ or ‘all screens off before bedtime’.
As parents, we need to consider very carefully the ramifications of not setting these limits as well as the benefits of establishing these expectations. I trust that everyone enjoys a safe, happy and healthy Easter break. Hopefully some quality family time is part of the equation.
Steve Wilson
Head of Carey Donvale
