With the end of term well within sight, it’s time for students and staff alike to plan how they will spend the two-week break. I find that if I am to make the most of my time away from school, I have to think ahead and make conscious decisions about what I’m going to do. As the weather warms up, there should be plenty of chances to spend time outdoors – something which I increasingly read about as being of great benefit for our mental health. You may be travelling or perhaps staying in Perth and taking advantage of the spring weather which can be just as much of a brilliant break. There are also all the opportunities available to you with the activities associated with the upcoming chaggim. There is much to look forward to!

As parents, sometimes we have to remind our children to make the most of their time away from school. We regularly talk about strategies for wellbeing and having these supported through conversations at home will really help to embed them in the students’ minds. Spending time outdoors, reading, exercising in some way, enjoying time with friends and family – all of these activities will help people switch off from their every day stresses. I often say to students that the point of a holiday from school is to take a break. Those who are focused on study need to plan their time carefully so that they, too, have times when they are relaxing and enjoying themselves – it is possible and indeed desirable to do both.

As we end Term 3, inducting new staff into the School has involved many discussions about Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and Sukkot. It’s lovely for those of us who are now fully settled at Carmel to be reminded of just how much we have learnt about the chaggim and the rhythms of the Jewish calendar.

I hope you and your family enjoy a lovely break from school routines and take the opportunity to have fun together.

We will return on the 7^th of October, when we will appropriately remember the tragedies of last year.

שנה טובה - Shana tova.

Julie Harris

Principal

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