As the summer holidays draw to a close and the first week of February approaches, parents are preparing for the start of the school year. While families are busy organising uniforms, books, and lunchboxes, adults are looking forward to a quieter, more structured routine. 

For many, back to school means the return of a calm morning coffee at their favourite local cafe, without the crowds of tourists or accompanying children. Kiama streets that have been filled with sounds of laughter and traffic during the school holidays will return to their usual slower pace. Soon it will be time for parents and locals alike to claim back some personal space and time. 

When school resumes, adults can finally start ticking off those never-ending to-do lists, enjoy peaceful walks and swims, and reconnect with family and friends. 

Although the start of a new school year is not all about relaxing, as the school routine begins. Packing lunches, getting the kids ready in the morning, helping with homework, and handling all sorts of after-school activities. But, hopefully for many parents and guardians, there will be a few hours during the day where there is a moment to embrace the quiet and spend it on themselves. 

As February approaches, “back to school” marks a fresh start, not only for children going into a new stage of their education, but also for the parents and guardians reclaiming a bit of balance in their days.