As South Africa’s third school term winds down, families across the country are preparing for the upcoming school holiday. According to the Department of Basic Education (DBE), Term 3 officially ends on Friday, 3 October.
Learners then enjoy a 10-day break before returning on Monday, 13 October, when Term 4 begins – the last and most demanding stretch before final examinations.
Making the Holiday Count
While school holidays often echo with cries of “I’m bored,” they also offer opportunities for families to teach meaningful lessons. Deb Zelezniak, CEO of the Santa Shoebox Project, encourages parents to focus on generosity and kindness.
“The beautiful thing about teaching kids to give back is that they accidentally become better humans in the process,” she explains. “They’re learning that happiness isn’t just about getting stuff, it’s about the warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from knowing you made someone else’s day a little brighter.”
Five Purposeful Holiday Activities
The Santa Shoebox Project has suggested five creative ways for families to combine fun with empathy during the spring break:
- Screen time with soul: Explore toy drives and children’s charities online.
- Choose a child like them: Let kids select a recipient of the same age to spark empathy.
- Pay it forward: Turn shopping trips into budgeting lessons while buying for charity.
- Write from the heart: Encourage handwritten notes to accompany each gift.
- Creativity for a cause: Channel arts and crafts into handmade items for donation.
Rest Now, Prepare Later
This brief September–October break offers pupils a vital chance to rest, recharge, and reconnect with family. When schools reopen on 13 October, learners will immediately begin their final preparations for exams.
Families who use the holiday for both fun and purpose will set their children up not only for academic focus, but also for more profound life lessons that extend far beyond the classroom.
