Wellbeing Report

The term is zooming along and overall, it’s been very satisfying to see how engaged and committed the students are to their learning.  In the mornings, we are happy to speak to parents to ease those moments when a child is a little teary or pass on communication to staff.  If you are looking for any tips to help strengthen routines and those challenging mornings we are available to help. 

We were thrilled that the Wandin Rotary Club donated a bag of apples to every student and it was lovely to see the surprised reactions from our parents and carers.  

Used and quality school uniform remains hot property and if you are in a position to donate we will continue to do our best to help support families.  If any families are experiencing financial difficulties please contact Veronica or myself and we can make a referral to State School Relief.   

Preparation and careful planning on future grade placement is now underway.  I am aware that some parents may feel nervous about their child going up a grade and may be worried about their child’s ability to cope with their learning. This is a cycle or a transition in school that happens every year and it’s a normal reaction for some parents to feel nervous. Some children may experience anxiety and so will parents.  Speak to them about their worries and listen with empathy. Always acknowledge their feelings as this will give them a sense of control. Children pick up on what is being modelled so showing them that you are calm, supportive and positive will help your child feel confident and competent about their future grade. 

Monday November 23th, 9.30am Transition Q & A Parents to UYSC

Over the years we have ran a transition morning tea for our Grade 6 parents. For interested parents, Veronica and I have organised a virtual Zoom session to support transition to secondary school. Scott Tully and Tracey Smedley from Upper Yarra Secondary School will be facilitating this event.  We have planned to cover a generic Question and Answer forum and we encourage all parents and carers who have a child in Grade 6 to be a part of it.   Please contact the school office to register your interest and we will send you a link to join the meeting.

This week our Grade 3/4 social skills groups focused on assertive communication, staying calm and thinking clearly to make good choices.  The students worked in pairs using “I” statements for taking turns, compromising, letting go and asking the person to stop. The groups talked about identifying big and small problems and when to speak to an adult for help. 

This week, we will start working with some of our Grade 6 students transitioning to secondary school on the following -

• What to expect at secondary school.
• Navigating the first few days at secondary school.
• What happens if…….
• Fitting in-How to keep in touch with old friends and make new friends at high school.
• Coping with new routines, getting up early and catching a bus.
• Wellbeing-eating well, physical activity and sleep.
• Organisation-getting to class on time, having the right books and how to manage the workload.

The BEST playground bouncing back advice from physical and emotional bumps is teaching your child resilience. Rate the bump on a scale of 1 to 10 and then ask your child what would help to make it better (even one number less is a good start)!

Woori Gift Giving Tree Community Appeal 

The Christmas spirit is alive and well in Woori Yallock. This year we will be running our Christmas Gift Drive for our local community. We all know families who have done it tough during the pandemic and we would love to help Santa and his elves, spread the community cheer and make a magic moment in the lives of our families. If parents or friends would like to donate a gift please drop by or let me know.

Free Happy Families Membership

Veronica and I are thrilled that a number of families have joined the Happy Families membership. We have had lots of positive comments that parents and carers are enjoying the website. If you haven’t got around to joining, it’s not too late. The Happy Families membership gives you access to a number of resources which will help families, staff and students to thrive.  Every member will receive a weekly "Lighten the Load" email, which includes a quick, easy to apply tip from Dr Justin, as well as some updates about other features in the membership. There is a library of parenting resources which offers calm assurance, direction and solutions you can try out on your families. 

Click on the link to join- https://members.happyfamilies.com.au/woori-yallock-primary-school

The Do’s & Don’ts of Discipline Webinar-

Monday 23rd November, 2020 8pm

This webinar is for every parent who has struggled to get their child to “behave”, they have tried everything and still have found themselves stuck. Dr Coulson will unpack-

• Why the centuries-old strategies we still cling to should be left in the past
• How we get discipline wrong and why
• Real world examples of discipline that are as imperfect as you and your kids, but that still work, and
• Ideas for discipline that turn everything you thought you knew about the topic on its head.

If you are needing help with school uniform, a food hamper or enquires for other services please call Veronica or myself.

Primary Wellbeing Officer

Andre Campbell