Learning Diversity

Dear Families,

If you feel that your child may need extra support or has a Disability that the school is not aware of, please contact the office and ask to speak to Sally Thomas or email me sthomas@saseaford.catholic.edu.au

How to Calm Yourself Down (Even When It Feels Weird to Relax) by Andrew fuller ( exerpt)

Sometimes, stress becomes so familiar that relaxing feels uncomfortable. If chilling out makes you feel jumpy or unsettled, that’s a sign your body’s gotten stuck in stress mode — and it’s time to practice unwinding.

🔄 Focus on the Present

Stress thrives on “what ifs.”Instead of worrying about outcomes (Will I pass? Do they like me?), shift your attention to what you can do today.Ask yourself:

• What small step can I take right now?
• What’s one thing I can control today?

🏃‍♂️ Move Your Body

Movement calms the mind by activating brain areas that help with problem-solving. Rhythmic exercises are especially helpful:

• Dancing
• Skating or surfing
• Swimming
• Drumming or juggling
• Volleyball or table tennis
• Boxing or gymnastics

Even a short walk can interrupt stressful thought loops.

✍️ Write It Out

Don’t bottle it up — get it out of your head:

• Journal your worries
• Create mind maps using tools like Inspiration or Kidspiration
• Make a voice memo on your phone

Remember: Everyone worries sometimes. You’re not alone.

🗣️ Talk to Someone You Trust

Sometimes the act of talking helps more than any advice.Sharing your worries with someone safe lightens the emotional load — even if they don’t “fix” anything.

🧘‍♀️ Breathe Deeply

Try this simple grounding technique:

1. Put your hand on your belly
2. Take a deep breath in
3. Slowly exhale, counting: “One thousand, two thousand, three thousand...”

This slows your heart rate and tells your body it’s safe.

💧 Drink Water

Being even a little dehydrated can increase cortisol (a stress hormone).A glass of water is an easy, instant stress-buster.

🎵 Use a Mood Shift Playlist

Music changes your brain chemistry.Create a playlist of feel-good songs you love. Play it when you feel worry creeping in.

🚀 Stop Mind Juggling — Start Doing

Stress often makes us freeze. We wait for the “perfect” way to begin.Forget perfection. Just start somewhere.Small actions lead to momentum — and momentum builds confidence.

🌱 Final Thought

Relaxing is a skill.It might feel uncomfortable at first, but with practice, you will get better at it.Be patient with yourself — and focus on the next small step, not the big picture.

📅 Program Support Group (PSG) Meetings –  June 2025

Thank You for Partnering with Us

A heartfelt thank you to all the families who have recently taken the time to meet with our school team to discuss your child’s learning journey. Your insights, support, and collaboration are invaluable as we work together to support each student’s growth and success.

As a follow-up to these important conversations, Personalised Learning Plans (PLPs) and meeting notes will be sent home within the next week. These documents reflect the shared goals and strategies we discussed and serve as a guide for ongoing support throughout the term.

We deeply appreciate your partnership and look forward to continuing to work together in the best interests of your child’s learning and wellbeing.

NCCD FACT SHEET FOR PARENTS 

Please read the following information about the NCCD 

MPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING SENDING MEDICAL INFORMATION AND REPORTS

As a result of the Quality Assurance process and discussion. It is recommended that all medical documentation and reports that families are sending to staff be sent via email or in a hard copy.  Please do not use the seesaw app to send medical information to school.

Sally Thomas

Diversity Leader