Dear Parents

As we come to the end of Term a phrase no doubt you have heard before, “I am bored!”  will again be voiced. Many children will hear “get off that device and get outside to get some fresh air and exercise.”

Some experts believe children need at least three hours of outdoor play on a daily basis in order to foster healthy sensory and motor development. They need opportunities to climb trees, run as fast as they can, use their imagination, test their strength, roll, climb, balance and even spin in circles. All of these activities use their brain, activate their muscles both big and small and engage the senses. This lays the foundation for being able to pay attention, listen and learn in a classroom setting.

Studies indicate that when children switch from spending hours primarily indoors and sitting to one where the child is free to move and play throughout the day, the results can be far-reaching. Problems of poor attention all but disappear and children become attentive and active learners. Time spent playing outdoors fosters a joy of learning and confidence in one’s abilities — two critical elements in the classroom and in life. All it takes is some time and a place to play outside.

 As a society we’re making great strides toward obesity prevention. While we are working to keep our children at healthy weights, we must also strive to ensure healthy behaviours, attitudes, sensory function, strength and coordination. This is true health, and to get it, our children should be introduced to more outdoor playtime with their peers or even parents.

Community Council: A big thankyou to the members of the Community Council and  all those parents, teachers and friends of McAuley who assisted in the Canteen at the Tumut Rodeo last Saturday evening as a fundraiser for the school.

Rodney Little

Email: rodney.little@cg.catholic.edu.au