Mental Health & Wellbeing Report 

Dear Parents/Carers,

Bullying is a word that we often hear so I thought it was important to share what bullying is and isn’t. Bullying isn't just a playground squabble or a one-off disagreement. It's a pattern of repeated, intentional aggression, where there's an imbalance of power. The following words were once shared with me during some training I participated in ‘All bullying behaviour is disrespectful; but not all disrespectful behaviour is bullying’ and ‘the antidote to bullying is respect’. Our students are also taught the ‘stop-walk-talk’ routine. A visual of this is attached so you can speak to your child about what they can do at school as part of our bullying prevention program. I have also attached an article from our Happy Families subscription ‘Navigating the Bullying Maze – A guide for parents’ that explains what bullying is and what form it can take. Parents or carers who develop concerns that their child is involved in, or has witnessed bullying behaviour at Melton West Primary School should contact the school on 97435818 and ask to speak to a member of the Principal Class Team or Wellbeing Team.

I would also like to bring to your attention the importance of labelling your child’s personal belongings such as uniform, hats and drink bottles. Quite often students misplace their belongings which can become costly. If it has a name it will be returned to its rightful owner. If it is unnamed it will end up in Lost Property. As part of our SunSmart Policy, it is also imperative that students are wearing a hat when outside during Term 1 and Term 4 and when the UV is 3 or higher. We have a no hat -no play rule to support students with being respectful, responsible and safe. We greatly appreciate your support in providing a hat and speaking to your children about following this expectation. 

Vanessa Moore  

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader (MHWC)