Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS)

Mental Health and Wellbeing

It has been lovely working with students across the school this Term as part of our ‘Friendology’ program. Feedback so far has been really positive, with students enjoying connecting with peers in a small group setting.

We have explored many themes so far, with the key ideas being around becoming an inner ninja – knowing ourselves better to then be able to be a better friend to others, talking about emotions in relation to colours, and using strategies and skills to better understand what makes a healthy relationship. The senior students have learnt about the four facts of friendship, and how to use a friend-o-meter to gauge the status of friendships’ as they evolve. 

Supporting Families

The feedback from our family surveys this year has shown a need for support around seeking help for children when a need has been identified. I attended a training recently delivered through Headspace - services that operate across Australia supporting young people and their families to be mentally healthy and engaged in their communities. I am providing a link below that contains free support in this area, along with parenting 

e-learning modules that are self-paced and build skills and confidence around parenting challenges such as communication, managing strong emotions, boundaries and conflict. 

https://headspace.org.au/online-and-phone-support/parents/

I hope you find it relevant and useful.

I hope everyone has a restful break over the holiday period and look forward to reconnecting in Term 3.

Mrs G

tennille.giannopoulos@education.vic.gov.au