Curriculum, Learning & Engagement

Branch Out

Over the last few weeks we have been lucky enough to take part in teacher, student and parent workshops. 

Dr Christiane Kehoe, the Tuning into Kids program specialist, returned to run an in-depth presentation aimed to cultivate positive mental health, she recapped what we took away last year and moved into new learning. Tuning in to Kids is an evidence-based, emotion-focused program that will help us:

• Learn about emotional intelligence/competence and why it matters
• Improve awareness of emotions and notice them before they become hard to manage
• Use children’s emotional expressions as an opportunity to connect and teach
• Broaden your language for describing emotions
• Incorporate simple calming strategies into daily life
• Practice problem-solving strategies with children.

The Years 2, 3 and 4 took part in a Brainstorm Production called ‘Sticks and Stones’, throughout the performance there were focuses on anti bullying, cyber safety, how to manage emotions and where to seek help. I have been into classrooms this week to follow up with some post workshop lessons for students to gain a stronger understanding of these concepts.

Tonight we welcome back Professor Sophie Havighurst, clinical psychologist and one of founding members of Tuning into Kids. Professor Havighurst will help improve communication with your children, develop stronger relationships and guide optimal responses to their emotions.

We are doing this, because we know that the initial steps we take in supporting the mental health of young people can branch out and make a huge difference in their futures. 

In the next week I will be sending out information for our second parent session which will be held on Wednesday the 29th of May.

Kylie Minchew

Leading teacher- inclusion, learning and engagement