Student Wellbeing

Harmony Day - Tuesday 21st March

Tomorrow, to celebrate Harmony Day at St James, students are encouraged to wear 'a touch of orange.' As a family, you are also invited to walk down the driveway and stop at our 14 Harmony Day posters - created by every class at St James. The students have been very insightful in their understanding of what Harmony Day means to them, and the quotes they have written demonstrate their love, compassion, and generosity of spirit so well! W.O.W. groups will also be gathering for a special Harmony Day lunch together. 

Feel free to explore the meaning of Harmony Week further here. 

https://www.harmony.gov.au/stories/story?storyId=209

W.O.W. Groups

Here are some happy snaps from Mrs. O's group. Students were acting out specific moods and developing a deeper understanding of emotional literacy. 

Last week students learnt about how emotions fit into the colours - red, yellow, green, and blue. All students are learning to identify their emotions by these colours on the 'mood meter!' 

Perhaps you could ask your child to explain the mood meter and the different colours as a dinnertime conversation? 

Monica De Leo

Student Wellbeing Leader

monica.deleo@sjvermont.catholic.edu.au

Victorian Child Safety Standards

The new 11 Victorian Child Safe Standards came into effect on Friday 1 July 2022.

In July 2021, the Victorian Government announced new Child Safe Standards (CSS) to further strengthen child safe environments and protect children from abuse.

From 1 July 2022, 11 new child safety standards have replaced the seven previous Child Safe Standards (and principles) which had been in place since 2016. For more information on these Standards, please visit: https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/child-safe-standards/the-11-child-safe-standards/

Here is the Catholic Education Council of Victoria's revised statement of commitment to Child Safety which we abide by: 

Support Services Available:

Parent Zone (Eastern Region)

Parenting Programs

Parenting is the most important and challenging job in today’s rapidly changing world – but children and young people don’t come with a handbook. ParentZone supports parents, carers, and families to meet up, share and learn from each other. Anglicare Victoria understands the potential of families to shape lives. We help families to work together and create positive and long-lasting change for themselves and the community around them 

ParentZone Pods - Parenting Podcasts

In late 2021, ParentZone launched a series of parenting podcasts called ParentZone Pods on sibling rivalry, dealing with anxiety, family meetings, getting your children to listen, how to stop yelling at your kids, and how to respond to kids’ behaviour. Due to the success of these podcasts, Anglicare has decided to create another series in 2022. So, watch this space for more helpful topics to aid in your parenting! Check out all ParentZone Pods here.

Parent Resources

Click here for access to the Smiling Mind Website

Smiling Mind’s vision is to help every mind thrive. Their mission is to provide accessible life-long tools to support healthy minds.

Click here for access to the Student Wellbeing Hub Website

It includes sections for parents, teachers and students with practical strategies and resources to support your child's wellbeing.

Click here for Raising Children Network

Reliable, and up-to-date information to help your family grow and thrive together. 

Click here for access to Parenting Ideas Blog

It includes articles, testimonials and practical tips on a wide variety of topics.

Click here for Iparent - Office of eSafety Commissioner 

To learn about the digital environment and how to help your child have safe and enjoyable online experiences.

Click here for access to CatholicCare

It is a social service agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, they offer a range of programs and services that aim to build and strengthen relationships.

Click here for access to Beyond Blue

This website is regularly updated with information, advice and strategies to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health during this time. And you can stay up-to-date by joining our email community.

Positive Parenting Telephone Service 1800 880 660

Participants complete a workbook or online modules which are supported by weekly 30 minute phone calls with a trained parenting educator. All of this can be done from the comfort of your own home at a time that suits you.

Parentline 13 22 89

Parentline is available 8am to midnight, 7 days a week. It is a confidential and anonymous phone counselling service for parents and carers of children and teenagers in Victoria.

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

The Kids Helpline is Australia's only free, private, and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. Counselling is currently offered by phone, Webchat and email.