Back to School for 2025

Back to school – ready or not?!
Heading back into new term can be exciting, challenging, it might raise anxiety, and it might also be a relief (for both students and parents!).

Most of us like and need structure, and it is important to have the school holidays to have what I call a ‘circuit break’ from the early mornings, lessons, after-school activities, homework and friendships. As members of the MSLSC there is also the continued connection, competitions and training which is also a healthy way to connect whilst on school holidays.

I know with my own two adult children when they were at a school it is a time of expectation from self and others, pressure, self- doubt and great achievement and fun.

Working in schools and with students, educators & parents for many years, I have found that if any issues arise that there is support in school, resources and external support networks available (I will list some of these at the end of this document).

After many weeks off school the first few weeks you might feel tired, overwhelmed, struggle with structure (both in and outside of school) and your eating, sleep and mood might be affected.

The following might be of help in the return to Term One and changes to be aware of if you are struggling with your health and wellbeing.

Preparation – If you were going on holiday would you just wake up, drive to the airport and get on a plane to your destination without any preparation? Nope! You would plan it out. It is so much less stressful to have things ready the night before (I speak as a parent who would repeat these many times to my two!). Preparation can reduce stress, anxiety and unforeseen circumstances.

Health & Wellbeing – if you are not your usual self it may show in irritability, procrastination, disconnection from self or others, low mood (feeling flat and no joy or happiness in anything), also remember that during adolescence hormones will be playing a huge internal battle with how they are feeling.

Self-doubt, low self-worth, overwhelm and sadness will absolutely adjust how you feel and is not healthy. I always say, ‘early intervention, better outcome’. Also, asking for help is THE strongest thing anyone can do- it is not weak to speak and getting a ‘check-up form the neck up’ can literally be lifesaving. Plus, remember crying is not weak, it is a healthy way of a person saying they need help or are in pain, and we should never dismiss or minimise anyone who cries.

Sleep– our sleep (or circadian rhythm) is our barometer on how we are feeling along with our health & wellbeing. Everyone has different sleep patterns, and this might be due to many aspects. However, good sleep patterns are so important to how we function and operate as human beings. Evidence suggests that 6-9 hours is a healthy range of good sleep hygiene (no technology 30-60 minutes prior to sleep, placing the
phone away from the bed, cool and dark room to help melatonin in the body induce sound sleep)

Social media and technology – I can’t emphasise how important it is to have a break from technology. This is for many reasons and because of the evidence based increased use of social media and the effects on us as human beings (it is no wonder mobile phones & social media have been labelled “digital cocaine and heroin’’ due to the addictive effect it can have on behaviours)

Mental Health Support & Resources
Beyond Blue www.beyondblue.org.au
Black Dog Institute www.blackdoginstitute.org.au
Fuel to Play & Go Welcome to Fuel to Go & Play®
Lifeline 13 11 14 or Text 0477 13 11 14
MensLine www.mensline.org.au 1300 789 978
Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 www.kidshelpline.com.au
Anglicare www.anglicarewa.org.au Family & Individual Support
Most schools have student support, psychologists and chaplains
Most workplaces have EAP Employee Assistance Programs for employees to engage with counsellors and paid for by their employer

Cath Ashton – Chaplain
Mullaloo Surf Life Saving Club
Contact: