WellBeing
STUDENT WELLBEING AT MURRUMBEENA PS
Whilst transitioning between in-person learning and remote learning, it has been of utmost importance to staff at Murrumbeena P.S. that we closely monitor student wellbeing and do what we can to support students' engagement in learning, as well as their mental health. As we state in our Murrumbeena P.S. 'Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy'...
"We are committed to providing a safe, secure and stimulating learning environment for all students. We understand that students reach their full potential only when they are happy, healthy and safe, and that a positive school culture helps to engage students and support them in their learning. Our school acknowledges that student wellbeing and student learning outcomes are closely linked."
With this in mind, a parent feedback survey was created in order to gauge the priorities that families feel are the most crucial to support their children's wellbeing at school.
We would like to extend a huge thank you to the many families who contributed their thoughts and opinions to the Parent Survey for Student Wellbeing: Coming Out of Lockdown Google Form. It is truly most appreciated and incredibly valuable for us to receive your insights!
In our most recent meeting, the school's Wellbeing Team (comprised of classroom teachers, specialist teachers and our assistant principal) analysed and discussed the results of the survey. We wanted to provide you with a summary of the responses we received, as well as an explanation regarding the actions we have taken in ensuring that the suggestions were taken on board.
Firstly, there were some commonalities in the responses to the question: "Recess and lunch breaks at school: what would you like to see?", with many answers along the lines of:
- Fun - children playing, enjoying themselves and connecting with friends.
- Physical activities and organised sports.
- Opportunities to reconnect with friends - in class time and in the yard.
- Lunch time clubs - e.g. Mindful Colouring, Dance Club, etc.
We also found several commonalities for the all-important question: 'Class time: what suggestions do you have for improving the mental health and wellbeing for students?'.
- Collaborative or 'teamwork' based activities - opportunities for children to share and discuss ideas.
- Relearning class routines - providing a sense of normality.
- Wellbeing lessons or activities - e.g. about resilience, empathy, mindfulness, gratitude, etc.
- Discussions about lockdowns - for instance, opportunities for children to share their feelings about lockdowns and
With this feedback in mind, we are implementing the following in classrooms:
- Clear and consistent school routines - e.g. regarding play 'zones' in the yard, consistent bell times and line up areas.
Many classes (especially in junior years) relearned these routines when they returned to school. - Increased focus on student wellbeing in classrooms - this includes age-specific activities to discuss student wellbeing, for instance 'Circle Time' in the junior year levels.
- More regular class discussions - as such, many classes are making a conscious effort to provide students with a forum to share how they're feeling specifically about COVID-19 related interruptions (e.g. lockdowns or the news).
We are also in the process of engaging 'On Psych' services - providing an onsite counsellor at the school (more information in the article below).
It has been really important for us to facilitate opportunities for children to play, exercise and reconnect.
We are running the following programs, events or initiatives to assist in these areas:
- PLAY Program - engaging and structured games, run by the trained Year 4s during lunch times.
- Zone 1 'supported play' - with equipment supplied by teachers.
Zone 1 is the 'quiet area' of the school, it's a relaxing area surrounded by serene gardens; it's a place where children can go to play quietly. To support the children who prefer this area, the teachers have provided some building blocks and other equipment to facilitate some group activities and connections being developed between children from the same or different classes. - Whole School Events - we have tried to ensure that there are fun and engaging events throughout the school, to provide that sense of 'fun' and excitement in the community.
We enjoyed 'Green and Gold Day' last Friday, the Preps enjoyed '100 Days of School Day' (and the Years 1-6s enjoyed the parade!). - Wednesday was 'Market Day' for the Year 6s, which engaged students of all ages. Friday marked another special celebration day as students had the opportunity to enjoy inquiring further into the Olympics.
- Wellness Wednesday - the success of 'Wellness Wednesday' in remote learning did not go unnoticed...
On 11 August we had planned for the students to have a full day of wellbeing based experiences, including participating in Kaboom Sports physical activities and watching a performance. Students will spend time reconnecting with friends during structured games and will have the opportunity to develop new friendly with 'team building' activities. **Due to the snap lockdown, this will now be deferred. - Year Level Specific Programs - e.g. Year 4/5 Taekwondo Program - with a teacher from the Melbourne Taekwondo Centre leading four sessions with the students over the next five weeks. Year 5/6 S.E.D.A. Soccer Workshops Program.
Whilst we feel we have made progress in our goal to take your feedback on board, we will continue, of course, to ensure that we are tailoring our school's wellbeing focus and programs to student need.
If you have any questions or concerns around your own child's wellbeing, please ensure that you contact your child's classroom teacher. Should you have any questions or further ideas regarding our school's wellbeing programs, you are most welcome to get in touch with me caitlin.callanan@education.vic.gov.au.
Miss Caitlin Callanan.
Year 5 Teacher/School Wellbeing Coordinator.
ONPSYCH PROGRAM INFORMATION
Murrumbeena Primary School is getting a psychologist who will be available to support your child.
The accredited psychologist will work with children to address mental health issues, develop resilience, enhance family relationships and adjust to new social circumstances in positive ways.
The following services will be available:
- Individual counselling for children
- Parent support and psychoeducation
- Family counselling
OnPsych’s services will be provided at the school at NO OUT OF POCKET COST through Medicare bulk billing. Appointments are run during school hours. The psychologist will work collaboratively with you, your child and where appropriate, the teachers, to resolve emotional and behavioural issues, build resilience and to assist children to reach their full potential.
It is estimated that 1 in 7 school-age children have a mental health problem, like anxiety, depression and behaviour problems, but only 1 in 4 gets the help they need.
A child's mental health can be easily influenced by many factors. Children experience a lot of “firsts” which may trigger distress. Children may also be confronted with unexpected traumatic experiences.
Most children with mental health concerns are first identified in their schools. One of the best approaches schools can use is to recognise those students who need help and refer them to the right professionals (with the support of the parents and their GP). Early intervention can be critical to making sure your child retains their confidence and combat their challenges.
Please contact Acting Assistant Principal, Fiona Sewell, for more information or to register.