Student Wellbeing
Mrs Helen Varthalis Wellbeing Leader
WEEKLY WELLBEING ACTION
Brain Breaks for Wellbeing and Learning
Brain breaks are short, structured activities that help students regulate their emotions, refocus their attention, and prepare their brains for learning. Research, including strategies from the Berry Street Education Model, highlights the importance of regular movement and self-regulation opportunities throughout the day to support student wellbeing, engagement, and learning outcomes.
At Trinity, brain breaks are embedded into daily classroom practice. Teachers use a variety of activities such as movement breaks, mindfulness exercises, stretching, breathing techniques, and energisers to help students transition between learning tasks and maintain concentration. These strategies support students to regulate their emotions, build stamina for learning, and create positive classroom environments.
During our recent Berry Street professional learning session, staff revisited the purpose and impact of brain breaks and reflected on ways to strengthen their use across the school. The session reinforced the importance of proactively supporting student regulation and ensuring that all learners have opportunities to reset, reconnect, and engage successfully in their learning.
Confident Parents, Confident Kids : Using Brain Breaks at Home
Using Brain Breaks in the Classroom
https://www.understood.org/en/articles/evidence-based-behavior-strategy-brain-breaks
Brain Breaks: The 2-Minute Reset That Brings Students Back To Focus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tf74yIIRALs
Berry Street - Brain Break Challenges
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DBxOrI0y5o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3glxkFbzsM
If at any time you would like to chat about Student Wellbeing at Trinity, or you have any questions or concerns about your child, please do not hesitate to contact your child's teacher or me.
hvarthalis@tcs.catholic.edu.au
Helen Varthalis
Wellbeing Leader