Wellbeing/Be You

Whole School Wellbeing Day - 'Being You'

Today, we had our Whole School Wellbeing Day, focusing on “Being you”. The aim of the day was for students to have the opportunity to share their strengths and things that make them unique.

Please refer to the attached - parent fact sheet on ‘Self-acceptance’.

Student Reflective

Tenzin in Year 6 has written a reflective letter outlining his special skills, talents and what makes him the special person he is.

“I like myself because I am me. There is no-one else I would rather be”

Dear friends and family,

I want to share my story in hope of raising awareness and to further develop an understanding for others like me. 

Hi, I am Tenzin, I started my journey in Prep needing lots of extra supports, sitting still was a real struggle and assembly was almost torture.

You see I have Asperger’s or High functioning Autism which I explain as my brain being wired differently, I realized this when I was four years old. 

Having a label such as ‘Asperger’s’, High functioning Autism, Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD) or being on the spectrum hasn’t changed who I am. What it has done is help those around me understand how I learn. Asperger’s is one of those invisible disabilities as you can’t physically see it in someone’s appearance but rather through their behaviours.

Something you often hear is, ‘If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism’. Whilst we share some similarities we are all different as a whole. We share the need for clear expectations, often have fixed interests (mine is Mine Craft) and visual supports also help us.  In the beginning I went to Social Group. This improved my understanding about how to read facial expressions, developed an ability to discern appropriate and inappropriate behaviours, and understand the ‘green zone’ so I don’t keep moving the conversations back to talking about Mine  Craft.               

We talk about me having Super Powers that come with a nemesis. One of these super strengths are packing a lot of information and facts into my brain the flip side being these facts are often not useful or interesting for others. Some of my other skills are super-sonic hearing which at times looks like I’m not listening.  As taking on new information is often easier if I can focus on what I’m hearing rather than interpreting facial expressions. 

A huge struggle for me is staying focussed and on task, although this has improved remarkably with support from my OT (Occupational therapist), maturity and the wonderful patience and support of the BNPS Staff.  Other strengths are noticing fine details that others wouldn’t, having a faultless memory, being a loyal friend and trying to always be kind and caring. 

I am so grateful for having such a supportive and nurturing environment as that of Beaumaris North PS. My wonderful friends and Basketball Team that have helped me become more team minded. 

Tenzin & Mum ( his biggest fan).

New date for Respectful Relationships Parent Information Session.

Parents may recall that this session was postponed last term due to the last lockdown.

We are delighted to advise our families that the session will now be available to families on August 26. Beaumaris PS will host the evening and extended the invitation to parents at Beaumaris North PS, Black Rock PS, Sandringham East PS, Sandringham PS, Brighton Beach PS and Hampton PS.

The Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships program is a Department of Education and Training initiative and is part of the wellbeing program in all schools.

Respectful Relationships - Parent Information Session 

Presented by Beaumaris Primary School and Kristy Lang 

·       When: Thursday 26 August 6.30-7.30pm (this session will also be recorded) 

·       Where: Virtual session via the Eventbrite link:  https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/parent-carer-and-community-information-session-on-respectful-relationships-tickets-163809102435

·       Cost: Free of charge 

·       This information will be presented by Kristy Lang the DET RR Project Lead for Bayside and Peninsula Area. 

Synopsis: The Department of Education and Training (DET) Respectful Relationships Initiative is a program that runs in  all Victorian government schools. The aim of the program is to promote equal and respectful relationships, and create a culture free from family violence and promote gender equality. This information session is being delivered in partnership with the DET Regional Respectful Relationships Team and Beaumaris Primary School, and will give you an insight into why we need Respectful Relationships Education and what you can expect for your children in this space.

More information about Kristy can be found here: https://respectfulrelationshipseducation.com.au/about-kristy-lang/ 

Many thanks,

The Leadership Team & Be You Wellbeing Team