Wellbeing Report

Andre Campbell

This year students are learning about respectful relationships and journaling activities in their Resilience Project work books. There is so much research and evidence out there to support the benefits for our mental and physical wellbeing which can strengthen relationships and create more joy in our lives. I would like to encourage parents to remind children to practice these GEM strategies at home-

Gratitude-being thankful
Empathy-thinking about other people’s feelings, being kind.
Mindfulness-being present helps build awareness of thoughts, feelings, surroundings and calmness.

Respectful Relationships – Primary Schools

What is Respectful Relationships?

Respectful Relationships is about tackling family violence through education.

Rosie Batty, CEO of the Luke Batty Foundation “the school community is an essential part of social reform by modelling a culture of respect through the whole school, not just by teaching respect in the classroom”.

Just like other major social and health issues such as smoking and road toll, evidence shows that family violence can be prevented by working across the whole population (in this case, all schools) to address the attitudes, beliefs and knowledge that support violence.

The Victorian Government is heavily investing in resources to deliver the Respectful Relationships and as part of this initiative Victorian schools will be supported to review their practices and policies, and model respectful relationships and gender equality across the whole school community.

A good education is about more than simply getting good marks. It is about becoming a member of society and succeeding in life – knowing how to build respectful relationships is key to achieving this. When young people build positive relationships with their teachers and peers they feel safer and happier at school, are more resilience and have positive social attitudes. Positive relationships increase a young person’s sense of social connectedness and belonging to school and family, and result in better health and academic outcomes.

Further information about Respectful Relationships is available on the Department of Education and Training website:. https://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/pages/respectfulrelationships.aspx

As was the case in over the last few years at Woori, teachers will also be supported to deliver the initiative with age appropriate teaching and learning materials to be delivered through the school year. These evidence-based materials are designed to enable teachers to develop student’s social and emotional capabilities, build positive, healthy and respectful relationships, make responsible decisions and create positive gender relations. The teaching of Respectful Relationships perfectly complements our work with the Resilience Project, with our ultimate goal being to encourage kids to grow up as resilient and respectful members of society.

5/6 Wilson Prom Camp-Lost Property

I have a large amount of lost property waiting to be collected which includes runners, slides, shorts, towels and other items. If you find you are missing anything please let me know. We have had a number of absences and I am willing to hold onto the lost property for another week.

2022 Free Happy Families Membership

Thank you to all our parents and carers who have signed up to the new platform at Happy Families. At this stage we have13 families registered and I encourage past members to re-join. All you need to do is scan the QR code on the flyer and it will take you directly to the school membership.

These memberships contain a library of parenting resources to offer calm assurance, vision, direction and solutions you can trust. Some of the features included in your membership are:

Get help with common parenting quandaries such as:

Sibling Rivalry
Managing Screens
Building Resilience
Dealing with Anxiety in your Child

If you have any difficulties joining, please tell the Wellbeing Team.

Up Coming Free Webinar: Can We Please Talk About Boys?- Dr Justin Coulson

Thursday 24 March

1-Hour Online Webinar | 8.00pm AEDT

Health update

For some people getting over their mild COVID-19 symptoms, they may experience lingering fatigue, breathlessness and generally not feeling 100%. I encourage parents to check in with their children and talk through any health complaints or worries.

Child and Family Counselling – Healesville Hospital and Yarra Valley Health

Looking for health supports for your child and/or family? Yarra Valley Community Health offer a child and family counselling service for children aged 0-12 years and their families.

https://www.easternhealth.org.au/services/item/849-child-and-family-counselling-hhyvh

Oonah COVID-19 Children’s Vaccinations

Oonah have organised dates for the Vaccination bus to visit where they will offer free COVID-19 vaccinations to children. For Koori families looking to make a booking please call Oonah on 59622940.

Oonah Playgroup Starting

This week Oonah started playgroup over at the Healesville Community Link (library). Playgroup will run on Thursdays from 11am-12pm. If you are interested in meeting other families with young children please give Emily a call to register on 59 62 2940.

Eastern Health Children’s Covid-19 Vaccine Online Webinar

Shortly Eastern Health will be offering parents a Q & A for the children’s Covid-19 vaccine. A local GP from Healesville will be offering this webinar to share information about any questions parents may have about protecting children from this particular illness. In our area, children vaccination rates are low compared to other areas. For parents and carers who may be hesitate this webinar could offer clarity and confidence to may an informed decision. When the date is confirmed I will let you know.

DET School Nurse Program-School Entry Health Checks

Many Prep parents have filled out and returned their child’s Prep School Entry Health Questionnaire packs. We are still waiting on a number to be returned. For parents not wishing their child to be included, please put a note inside the pack and return it to the school. It is important that all Prep children are screened in this health program and the envelopes are due back on Wednesday the 16th of March.

The Primary School Nursing Program accepts referrals for children in grades 1through to 6. A health assessment under the Primary School Nursing Program is not intended to replace your normal source of health care. If you or your child’s teacher has concerns about your child’s health or development, your child can be referred to the school nurse at any time. Direct health assessment services provided under the Primary School Nursing Program may include:

Vision screening
Hearing screening
Speech and language screening
General developmental assessments

Don’t forget about second Hand Uniform!

Thank you to the many families who have dropped off bags of uniform at our kiss and drop in the mornings and also at the office. Veronica and I accept and appreciate all second hand uniform donations. At present we are need of summer uniform, dresses, shorts, polo shirts and jumpers. All funds raised support our school breakfast program. Your generosity allows all our children to have a healthy start to the day. Keep them coming!

Primary Wellbeing Officer-Andre Campbell