Dear Parents,
The Year 8s, Year 7s and Year 6s have returned from their travels to France, Dartmoor and London with some wonderful stories and definitely improved French! There were great adventures that were had and my enormous thanks to the staff for planning and taking the children on these trips – such a lot of work, but enormously rewarding.
As we move towards the end of June, I wanted to remind you about the Smartphone Free Childhood movement which has launched its new website this week with the motto “Childhood is too short to spend on a smartphone”. There is advice on alternative options to smartphones for children – the ‘Nokia brick phone’ being popular https://www.smartphonefreechildhood.org/alternatives as well as advice on navigating sleepovers and playdates. “Delaying is a Superpower” , this simple phrase from the campaign, reminds us that one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is time: time to be curious, to play freely, to grow friendships face-to-face, and to explore the world without a screen in hand. Delaying smartphone use until 14 is an increasingly supported choice, and one that aligns beautifully with our ethos here at St Peter’s — protecting the wonder of childhood for as long as we can.
There’s plenty to do locally this weekend if you’re looking for some fresh air and family time. Stuart Line Cruises began their scenic trips to Torquay and Brixham from Wednesday 26 June, and have other more local trips offering a brilliant way to explore the Exe Estuary together. On Sunday 29 June, head to Exeter Quayside for the Exeter Dragon Boat Festival — a day of racing, music and celebration. Also on Sunday, the Exeter Science Centre Pop-up at Emmanuel Hall will offer hands-on activities and climate workshops run by University of Exeter researchers. For something slower-paced, Orcombe Point and the Exeter Canal are always a peaceful place to walk and wonder.
Why not try going tech-free for just one hour of your weekend outing? No phones, no distractions — just a chance to see what your children notice when they’re fully in the moment. However you choose to spend your weekend, we hope it’s full of connection and fresh air and as I always say – as parents you are modelling behaviour around phones and your children are watching ! The rule in the Johnston house is ‘No screens at the table’ – for anyone!
Have a good weekend.
Charlotte Johnston, Head
