Wellbeing
Welcome Back to Term 4! Sunshine, Spring and Wellbeing 🌞
We hope you had a restful break and are feeling refreshed and ready for the final stretch of the school year. With the warmer weather arriving, the flowers blooming and the sunshine finally making an appearance, spring is the perfect reminder to slow down, get outside and give ourselves a little extra care.
October is Mental Health Month, making it a wonderful opportunity to check in with ourselves and one another, reflect on our wellbeing, and consider the small things we can do to support our mental health.
As we settle back into the busyness of school life, the Wellbeing Team encourages everyone to make the most of the beautiful spring weather. Step outside during recess or lunch, enjoy a walk around the school grounds, soak up some sunshine, or simply find a quiet spot to take a few deep breaths. Sometimes, the smallest moments of pause can make the biggest difference to how we feel.
After all, wellbeing doesn't always have to involve grand gestures or big changes. Sometimes, it's as simple as getting some fresh air, moving our bodies, sharing a laugh with a colleague or giving ourselves permission to take a break.
Move More, Feel Better: Sunshine for the Soul
With October being Mental Health Month, it's the perfect time to prioritise our wellbeing!
Getting outdoors and moving our bodies can do wonders for our mental health. Physical activity and natural daylight can help to:
🌿 Boost mood and reduce stress.🌿 Improve sleep and support our body's natural rhythms.🌿 Increase focus and help us feel refreshed.🌿 Strengthen connections through walks and outdoor catch-ups.🌿 Encourage mindfulness by helping us slow down and enjoy the moment.
Our Spring Wellbeing Challenge: Get Moving This Walktober!
This October, we're embracing the Walktober Challenge and encouraging everyone to move more for their mental health! Staff are stepping up to the challenge, and we invite our whole school community to join in.
Aim to spend 10–15 minutes each day enjoying some fresh air, sunshine and movement. Whether it's a lunchtime stroll, a walk with a colleague or simply stepping outside for a breather, every little bit counts! Let's get moving, soak up the spring sunshine and make wellbeing a priority together.
A Season of Change for Our Wellbeing Team
As we welcome a new term, the Wellbeing Team is also navigating a period of change, reflection and new beginnings.
Change can bring a mix of emotions. It can be exciting, challenging, unsettling and hopeful, sometimes all at once. Within a school community, the people we work alongside become much more than colleagues. They become the familiar faces we turn to for advice, encouragement, a listening ear and, occasionally, a much-needed laugh on a challenging day.
As a team, we are taking this opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of those who are moving on, celebrate the impact they have made, and look ahead to the next chapter together.
Farewell to Our AP and Head of Wellbeing, Mr Jeremy Woods
It is with both gratitude and sadness that we farewell our Assistant Principal and Head of Wellbeing, Mr Jeremy Woods.
Jeremy has been the backbone of our Wellbeing Team, providing leadership, guidance and support while helping shape the wellbeing space into what it is today. His contribution extends far beyond his role; he has been an important part of the relationships, culture and collective efforts that support our students and staff.
Leadership in wellbeing is about so much more than policies, programs and processes. It is about creating a culture where people feel supported, where challenges can be approached with care, and where the wellbeing of our community remains a priority. Jeremy has played a significant role in this work, and his presence will be deeply missed.
While saying goodbye is never easy, we are incredibly grateful for the time, energy and heart he has invested in our school community. His impact will continue to be felt in the relationships he has built, the work he has championed and the team he has helped strengthen.
Jeremy, thank you for your leadership, your commitment and everything you have contributed to our wellbeing space. We wish you every success and happiness in your next chapter. You leave some very big shoes to fill, and you will be missed more than words can say!
Farewell to Our School Counsellor, Haiyi
In a couple of weeks, we will also be saying goodbye to our wonderful school counsellor, Haiyi Feng, who has been part of our school community for the past year and a half.
During her time with us, Haiyi has made a significant contribution to our wellbeing space, supporting students and staff with care, compassion and dedication. She brings a beautiful sense of calmness to the office, creating a welcoming presence that has been valued by those around her.
In a space where emotions can run high and no two days are ever quite the same, having someone who brings steadiness, warmth and a calm presence can make such a difference. Haiyi has been exactly that for our team and our community.
Her contribution has been felt not only through the important work she does with students, but also through the everyday moments that make a workplace special: the conversations, the quiet reassurance, the shared laughs and the support offered when it is needed most.
We know the office simply won't be the same without her! Haiyi will be greatly missed by both staff and students, and we are so grateful for everything she has brought to our school over the past 18 months.
Haiyi, thank you for the care, kindness and calmness you have shared with us. We wish you all the very best for the exciting opportunities and adventures ahead. You will always be a valued part of our wellbeing story.
Looking Ahead: Welcoming a New Counsellor
While farewells can be difficult, they also make room for new connections, fresh perspectives and opportunities to grow.
We are looking forward to welcoming a new counsellor to our team in the coming weeks! We recognise that every person brings their own strengths, experiences and approach to supporting wellbeing, and we are excited about the contribution our new colleague will make to our school community.
Keep an eye out for an introduction in an upcoming newsletter, where we will have the opportunity to help everyone get to know our newest team member.
We look forward to welcoming them warmly and helping them feel part of our community from day one.
Change, Connection and Moving Forward Together
As a Wellbeing Team, we know that change is about more than new faces and arrangements. It’s also about acknowledging the emotions that come with change, staying connected and creating a sense of stability as we find our feet.
As we navigate this next chapter, we will continue to prioritise the values at the heart of our work: connection, compassion, communication and care.
Above all, we want our school community to remember that wellbeing is something we build together. By showing kindness, remaining connected and supporting one another through uncertainty, we can navigate change while continuing to foster a safe, caring and connected environment for everyone.
Fosia Mohamud
Mental Health Practitioner.