Do these two things every day: Learning and Moving

As we move through the last two weeks of Term 1, 2025, I reflect on how quickly time moves across the months, yet how slowly it appears to move on a daily basis. Every year, we seem to have the same conversations, face the same combinations of positives and negatives, and broadly have the same number of triumphs, losses, and high points in schools. It is not the same groups nor individuals or even families, but there is a ‘correlation’ between the years.

I am often asked to assist students or staff in managing their time or even the level of their stress. Notwithstanding the assumption that every person is different, I can confirm that the similarities are also evident. The research tells us that to manage your time (and as a result your stress), have a very deliberate plan for each day. Do these two things: Learn something new and embrace the need to think and think deeply and move beyond a walk, or more specifically, physically exert yourself. For additional benefits, do this in a social or group setting.

These simple rules support the research that seventy percent of human brain development is postnatal. Hence, the importance of experience and the socio-cultural environment where learning and development are necessarily embedded. In the human brain, particularly during adolescence, marked changes occur in response to experience. These changes are both progressive and regressive and specific to certain regions of the brain. These changes bring about improved connectivity, a process strengthened by repetition or, conversely weakened by disuse.

I introduce this topic in Week 9 of a 10-week term to assure you that if your child is showing signs of fatigue (and their teachers or even their parents), it’s because they have achieved growth, development and experiences that result from prolonged effort over the term. Growth and effort are hard. We are encouraged to acknowledge and reward effort and not turn away from challenges. Schools are not County Clubs that are luxurious locations to indulge in leisure and recreation while networking with like-minded individuals in an exclusive setting. They are serious institutions, run by professionals, and assist young people in finding a pathway to their potential.

We are ready for a break, a well-earned rest and our students and teachers should be very proud of what they have achieved over Term 1, 2025.

Sunshine Coast Biosphere Community Awards

Nominations for the Sunshine Coast Biosphere Community Awards are now open! Celebrate a Sunshine Coast local or group that has made a significant contribution to our community.  

To read more and to nominate, visit their website. 

FROM THE PMSA

Committee Member EOI

The PMSA Board invites expressions of interest from experienced, values-driven professionals to join its Board Committees as volunteer members. These essential governance roles offer the opportunity to apply your strategic expertise in Human Resources, Finance, Risk, or Christian Education, while contributing to PMSA’s mission of providing outstanding education grounded in Christian values. View the expression of interest here.