Student Wellbeing 

Dear Families,

Next week is National Family Week and the theme is "Every Family, Everywhere!'' 

The theme is about celebrating the diversity, strength and impact of families and embracing activities that bring us together.

 So we are  inviting families to join us at Sacred Heart to celebrate. 

It will be a little quieter this year as our Year 5/6's will be on camp for much of the week - but we will have 2 events for families on Monday and Friday afternoons. Come to one or both events if at all possible. Parents or grandparents or siblings and aunts/uncles or chosen family are all welcome!

Mental Health in Primary Schools

This year my role at Sacred Heart has changed a little in the wellbeing space. 

I am now also the Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader through a government funded program called Mental Health in Primary Schools - MHiPS for short.

What is the Mental Health in Primary Schools program?

The Victorian education department has developed the Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) initiative in recognition of the important role schools play in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.

The MHiPS initiative provides funding to employ a mental health and wellbeing leader (MHWL) in every government and low-fee non-government primary school in Victoria. 

The initiative has been implemented across Victoria over a staged rollout between 2023 to 2026. The program is based on a successful pilot created in partnership between the Department of Education, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and University of Melbourne.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader and school team undertakes significant ongoing training and professional learning in the area of mental health and wellbeing - which is delivered by Melbourne University. Madeleine, our Foundation teacher and I will participate in 2 days of training next week. 

The professional learning involved is ongoing and provides resourcing and support to leaders, schools and Mental Health and Wellbeing teams within schools. 

What does the  Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader do?

Later in the term I will be reaching out requesting feedback and input from families  regarding mental health and wellbeing at Sacred Heart.  

Over the coming months I will provide more information about  MHiPS and the ways we have been supporting all students at Sacred Heart through a range of programs, approaches and some new initiatives.

Please let me know if you'd like to know more information about the MHiPS initiative.

kharris@shpreston.catholic.edu.au

Take Care, 

Kate