Student Wellbeing

GET ACTIVE GREENHILLS!

We love seeing our students active at recess and lunchtime. This time to run, play and be active helps to provide students with a brain break, which supports learning. Physical activity helps to improve memory and our learning capacity. Not only is being active fun, but it also supports the building of connections with their peers. 

Research is now also showing the impact that physical activity has towards supporting mental wellbeing.  It does this in the following ways:

• can increase levels of serotonin and endorphins; the neurotransmitters involved in regulating and improving mood.
• promotes sleep – which also helps regulate moods, increase energy levels and improve memory and learning.
• pumps blood to the brain to boost mood, concentration and alertness. 
• provides children and young people with an outlet for excess energy and frustration, which relieves tension.

These benefits also serve to improve classroom behaviour and promote a more positive learning environment. It is suggested that 5-12 year olds should complete at least 60 minutes a day of exercise. This can include structured sport, working in the garden, playing at the park, walking the dog and putting the iPad down and helping with the housework. 

How much does your child currently do?

If you are looking at increasing your child’s physical activity (which will even boost your own), any exercise is better than none. Not only will it have an impact on your child’s physical health, it will also have positive impacts on your child’s learning and also overall mental health.

janine.hough@education.vic.gov.au 

bradley.ryan@education.vic.gov.au

Thanks

Janine and Brad.