Welcome to the 2025 school year! I hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable Christmas break, spending quality time with family and friends. As we begin another exciting year at Mackay West State School, I extend a warm welcome to our new students and families joining our wonderful school community.
At Mackay West, our purpose is clear: to ensure that everyone in our community reaches their greatest potential. This commitment extends to every student, staff member, and family. We believe that success is built on a foundation of high expectations, a strong sense of belonging, and a shared commitment to learning and personal growth.
In 2025, we will continue to focus on providing an engaging and supportive learning environment where students feel safe, valued, and inspired to achieve their best. Our dedicated teachers and staff are committed to delivering high-quality education, fostering resilience, and nurturing the strengths of every child.
Parents and caregivers play a vital role in this journey, and we encourage you to be actively involved in your child’s learning. Whether through classroom engagement, school events, or our P&C Association, your partnership is essential in helping our students thrive.
As we embark on this new year, let’s work together to create an environment where every student is empowered to succeed. I look forward to a fantastic 2025 and the many achievements we will celebrate as a school community.
Over the past week students have been settling into their new classes and getting to know their 2025 class teachers. I have been very impressed with how well students settled into both class and school routines. One very simple routine we are focussing on over the next few weeks is how we greet people. We call our focus – SAY G’DAY Say G’day involves the following…
- Say hello, “G’day” and add a small act of kindness or gesture ie “great to see you today.”
- Hand shake, fist bump, high five
Teaching kids to greet peers and adults is important because it helps develop essential social skills, fosters a sense of community, and builds confidence. Here’s why it matters:
- Encourages Positive Social Interaction – A simple greeting can make others feel welcome and included, helping children build friendships and positive relationships.
- Develops Confidence and Communication Skills – Greeting others teaches children how to engage in conversations, make eye contact, and practice good manners—key skills for lifelong success.
- Builds a Sense of Belonging – Saying hello creates connections, making school and other environments feel more inclusive and supportive.
- Teaches Respect and Kindness – Acknowledging others with a greeting shows respect and consideration, reinforcing values of empathy and politeness.
- Prepares Them for the Future – In school, the workplace, and social settings, being able to greet and acknowledge others appropriately is a valuable life skill.
By encouraging children to say hello, we help them grow into respectful, confident, and socially capable individuals. At Mackay West, we say G’day to each other, and to visitors and guests!
Routines are also important outside of the 9-3pm while students are at school. I urge parents to consider the routines they have established with students at home.
Establishing consistent routines at home helps children feel secure, stay organized, and develop good habits that support their learning. Here are some practical tips to create effective routines for primary school students:
1. Establish a Consistent Wake-Up and Bedtime Routine
- Set a regular wake-up time and bedtime to ensure your child gets enough rest (9–11 hours for primary students).
- Create a calm bedtime routine, such as reading a book or dimming the lights, to help them wind down.
2. Create a Structured Morning Routine
- Prepare school clothes, lunch, and backpacks the night before.
- Have a visual checklist for morning tasks like brushing teeth, eating breakfast, and getting dressed.
- Avoid rushing by allowing enough time for each task.
3. Set a Dedicated Homework & Study Time
- Choose a quiet, distraction-free space for homework.
- Set a consistent study time each day to build a habit.
- Use a timer (e.g., 20-30 minutes) with breaks to maintain focus.
4. Encourage Independent Responsibility
- Give children age-appropriate tasks like packing their school bag or setting the dinner table.
- Use a visual schedule or a chore chart to remind them of daily responsibilities.
5. Plan Screen Time & Leisure Activities
- Set clear limits on TV, video games, and devices to balance screen time with active play and reading.
- Encourage outdoor play, creative activities, and family time to support their well-being.
6. Have a Relaxing After-School Routine
- Allow some downtime after school before starting homework.
- Provide a healthy snack to keep energy levels up.
- Encourage conversations about their school day to foster communication.
7. Stick to a Consistent Dinner & Family Time
- Aim for family meals to build connection and reinforce positive habits.
- Use this time for open-ended discussions about their day, goals, or challenges.
8. Be Flexible and Adjust as Needed
- Life can be unpredictable, so adapt routines when necessary while maintaining structure.
- Involve your child in creating their routine to encourage ownership and responsibility.
Final Tip: Model Good Habits
Children learn by example, so demonstrating organization, punctuality, and a positive attitude toward routines will encourage them to follow suit.