Term 1, it’s a Wrap!

I cannot believe how quickly this term has gone. I feel like I am just getting to reconnect with some children from last year and getting to know others and now we are on holidays! Thank you to all the children and parents/guardians for partnering with us to help students to learn more strategies so that they can maximise their engagement at school, both academically and socially. It takes a village!

The last two terms (and then before my time), that ‘village’ included Mia. I would like to reflect Christian’s sentiments from last week when I too take this opportunity to thank Mia for all that she has done for Wellbeing at CHPS over the years. It was a privilege to work with her.

In light of Mia’s recent departure, I am delighted to welcome back Cheyenne Mason to the Wellbeing team. Cheyenne worked at CHPS for three terms last year while Mia was away and will commence in the first week of Term 2. She will work one on one with children, be facilitating some proactive group programs and also write articles for this page! She will be at school on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Separation worries

This year we have had a few children who feel worried about leaving their parents/guardians in the mornings. We attribute a lot of this to last year where children spent a large portion of the year at home with their parents/guardians and understandably miss them. Thanks to all of the parents/guardians and teachers who have supported children to successfully transition into their classrooms.

A factor that can sometimes cause children to regress with regards to separation worries is holidays. Breaks are a great way for everyone to spend quality time together, but returning to school after a break can be challenging. If your child struggled to separate from you this term, it could be an idea to have a ‘practice run’ near the end of the holidays.

The weekend before, bring your child to the school to have a play on the playground, talk to them about the fun things they did last term, ask them to think about something funny/interesting that their teacher does, let them bring a favourite toy and take photos of them with it on the play equipment. Even practise saying goodbye. Depending on their age, disappear around a corner and come back again pretending that you are picking them up at the end of the day. Having a practice when you are not time-restricted will help build some positive emotion that you can remind them of when they do return ‘for real.’

I recently came across the following course. It is free and the good thing is, it involves you undertaking the course and then undertaking it again with your child.

My Anxiety Plan (Anxiety Canada)- https://maps.anxietycanada.com/en/courses/child-map/ To help with worry in general, please find attached a presentation that I put together in September last year.

Support over the break

Although breaks are great, they can sometimes exacerbate challenges that we face. If over the holidays you need support, please contact the following organisations and remember you are never alone! Last year I was told that research has shown that if one person stands at the base of the mountain by themselves, it looks higher than if two people stand at the base of a mountain. Please seek support if you need it for yourself or your children. The mountain will begin to look smaller when you do!

Kids Helpline - https://kidshelpline.com.au/kid
The Orange Door is a free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence and families who need extra support with the care of children - https://orangedoor.vic.gov.au/
Beyond Blue – Mental Health Support - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
EACH – A multifaceted service - https://www.each.com.au/
Eastern Regional Libraries – Just for fun and holiday ideas! - https://www.yourlibrary.com.au/

Enjoy the break.

Julie Reid, on behalf of the Wellbeing team

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