Wellbeing News
Mrs Emma Quinless
Student Wellbeing News
SMASH Weeks at St Michael's!
We are excited to kick off the new school year with SMASH Weeks, a whole-school initiative that runs for the first two weeks of Term 1. These two weeks are designed to help students settle into school routines, build strong connections, and reinforce our core school values through engaging activities.
What is SMASH Weeks?
SMASH Weeks focus on:
- establishing positive classroom and school-wide expectations
- encouraging teamwork and a sense of belonging
- developing important social and emotional skills
- introducing key learning routines
What’s Happening During SMASH Weeks?
Here’s a snapshot of some of the exciting activities planned:
- SMASH Expectation Lessons – Teaching students how to Stay Safe, Make a Difference, Act Responsibly, Show Respect, and Help Others.
- Paper Plate Frisbee Challenge – A fun competition where students design their own frisbees and strive to compete in a whole school flying event!
- Basketball Knockout Tournament – Students compete in an exciting shooting challenge, with winners facing off against the teachers!
- Building a Strong Classroom Culture – Students will collaborate to create class mottos, posters, and displays that represent their learning community.
- Zones of Regulation – Helping students understand and manage their emotions.
- Growth Mindset Challenges – Encouraging perseverance and a positive learning attitude.
- Digital Citizenship & Online Safety Lessons – Teaching students how to be responsible and safe online.
Why Are SMASH Weeks Important?
These first two weeks lay the foundation for a positive and productive school year. They allow students to feel connected, confident, and ready to learn in a safe and supportive environment.
We encourage families to chat with their children about what they’ve been learning each day and ask about their SMASH experiences!
Thank you for your support, and we look forward to a fantastic start to the year!
Child Safety
St Michael's is committed to promoting child safety and wellbeing in our school environment to safeguard our students against any type of abuse, neglect or harm. I would like to remind you that the following policy is available on our school website via this link. Child Safety Code of Conduct Policy
Child, Parent and Family Supports Available to You
National Family Violence and sexual assault telephone counselling service
Phone: 1800737732
Free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family families and families who need extra support with the care of children
Phone: 1800 354 322
Provides anonymous and free LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to speak about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings and relationships.
Phone: 1800 184 527
Phone service for parents and carers of children from birth to 18 providing counseling and support on parenting issues
Phone: 13 22 89
Free Private and Confidential 24/7 phone and online counseling service for young people aged 5-25
Phone: 1800 551 800
Provides information and support to help everyone achieve their best possible mental health
Phone: 1300 224 636
Family Violence response service for women and children that provides information on supports, legal rights and accommodation options
Phone: 1800 015 188
A service that provides many supports for mental health and wellbeing, and to help navigate life's challenges. Choose the support pathway that works best for you.
Phone: 1800 650 890
Mensline Australia us a telephone and online counselling service offering support for Australian men anywhere, anytime.
Phone: 1300789978
Lifeline provides all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to online, phone and face to face crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Phone: 1311114
Fvree (Free From Family Violence) - This service is the primary provider of specialist family violence services in the Eastern Melbourne Region. They invest in prevention, early intervention and education across Victoria and Beyond.
See their website for further information.
Please reach out if you have any further questions or if I can support you, your family or your child in any way.
Emma Quinless -Student Wellbeing Leader