Camps, Courage and Growing Together
What an exciting couple of weeks it has been at Regency Park Primary School! Our Year 5 students have just returned from camp, and our Year 4 students are busy preparing for their own adventure next week.
Camp is one of those truly special experiences in a child’s primary school journey. It’s a time when students step outside their comfort zone, try new things, and discover just how capable they really are – and the wellbeing benefits go far beyond the fun memories they bring home.
The Nerves Are Normal
It’s completely natural for children (and parents!) to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety in the lead-up to camp. Being away from home, sleeping in an unfamiliar place, and navigating new social situations can feel daunting. Here are a few things that can help:
- Acknowledge their feelings without dismissing them – letting your child know that nerves are normal and even a sign that something exciting is ahead can be really reassuring
- Focus on the fun – talk about the activities, the friendships, and the adventures that await
- Encourage them to voice any specific worries to their teacher, who can help address them before camp begins
- Remind them that their classmates and teachers will be right there with them the whole time
The Growth Is Real
There is something truly special about the look on a child’s face when they return from camp. For many students, camp involves doing things they weren’t sure they could do – whether that’s sleeping away from home for the first time, tackling a challenging activity, or simply navigating a few days without their usual routines and comforts. Working through that apprehension and coming out the other side builds a kind of confidence that is hard to manufacture in any other way. That quiet sense of I did it is one of the most powerful gifts camp can give a child, and it tends to stay with them long after the memories fade.
Year 4 Families – You’re Up Next!
The students and teachers are ramping up the final touches on what is sure to be a wonderful camp at Phillip Island next week. We want every student to feel as prepared and confident as possible before they head off, so please reach out to your child’s class teacher if there are any questions or things bubbling away at home that you think would be helpful for us to know.
We are so proud of the courage and enthusiasm our students bring to these experiences. Camps truly are some of the highlights of primary school life – for students and staff alike! I know I for one am very excited to be attending my first primary school camp in over 10 years next week – let’s see if I can still master heading to the top of the giant swing!
Screen Time at Home – Finding The Right Balance
As the days get colder and wetter, it’s natural for screen time to creep up at home. Devices can be a great source of entertainment, creativity and connection – but it’s also worth having a conversation as a family about what screen time looks like in your household as we head into winter.
Here are some things to consider:
Set some boundaries together
Rather than imposing strict rules, involving your child in the conversation tends to work better. Agreeing together on when screens are used, for how long, and what’s off-limits (such as screens during meals or the hour before bed) helps children feel ownership over the decision and makes boundaries easier to maintain.
Think about the type of screen time
Not all screen time is equal. Watching a favourite show together as a family, video calling grandparents, or working on a creative project are very different from endless scrolling or gaming alone late at night. It’s worth thinking about the quality and context of screen use, not just the quantity.
Keep an eye on the signs
If your child becomes irritable when devices are taken away, is struggling to sleep, or is consistently choosing screens over other activities they used to enjoy, it may be worth gently revisiting the balance.
Make space for offline alternatives
Having a few go-to alternatives ready can make it easier to switch off. Board games, books, baking, drawing, or even just some backyard time on a dry day can all fill the gap – and often lead to the kinds of conversations and connections that screens can’t replicate.
Model it yourself
We’re all guilty of this – but children notice what adults do! Being mindful of your own screen habits – especially around your child – sends a powerful message about balance and boundaries.
We know that every family is different – what children have access to, and how screen time is managed, will look different from household to household. This is a genuinely challenging space to navigate, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. What matters most is that families feel informed about the risks and rewards so that children can enjoy positive, safe online experiences. Being equipped with the right knowledge makes all the difference.
Want to learn more?
The eSafety Commissioner offers free webinars for parents and carers on a range of online safety topics.
One that might be particularly useful is Navigating Screen Time: Tools for Today’s Families – a 45-minute webinar exploring what quality screen time looks like, how to create balanced family routines, and strategies to support children’s wellbeing at different ages and stages. The next session is on 17 June 2026 at 12:30pm (AEST).
There’s also a webinar on How AI is Influencing New Online Risks for Children and Young People, covering the types of AI-related risks children may encounter and practical strategies to help guide and support them.
You can register for these free webinars and explore other upcoming topics at esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars.
Kylie Middlemiss
Assistant Principal – Wellbeing & Inclusion