Wellbeing

Respectful Relationships -Term 4 Focus- Positive Gender Relations

This term, all students at Rochester Primary School will be exploring the topics of ‘Gender & Identity’ &  ‘Positive Gender Relations’ using age-appropriate teaching and learning materials. Activities within this topic focus on building an understanding of the effects of violence and focus on the standards associated with respectful relationships. Students will be developing the skills needed to solve problems, set boundaries within their relationships, and play an active role in practicing safe and respectful behaviours in family, peer, community and online relationships.

For example-

Foundation – Sharing the play space and equipment.

Year 1/2 – Creating a gender friendly classroom.

Year 3/4 – Rights and Responsibilities.

Year 5/6 – Understanding power relations.

Throughout the initiative, students will build their emotional literacy and resilience, as well as learning resilience strategies and ways to cope with stress in a positive way. All the lessons are curated for each year level, meaning that students are introduced to appropriate themes and ideas in a sensitive and fun way. 

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or would like more information about the program

For information on more specific lesson content visit-

https://arc.educationapps.vic.gov.au/learning/sites/respectful-relationships/1785/Respectful-Relationships-resources

October – Mental Health and Wellbeing Month

October is a wonderful opportunity to remind ourselves of the importance of looking after our mental health and wellbeing. Just as we care for our physical health, it is important to look after our emotional wellbeing and support those around us.

At Rochester Primary School, we encourage our students to build positive relationships, talk about their feelings and develop strategies to help them manage life's ups and downs. Small, everyday actions can make a big difference to how we feel.

Here are a few simple ways families can support children's mental health at home:

•  Connect: Spend time together, talk about your day and listen to your child.
•  Get moving: Enjoy some outdoor play, a walk or time in nature.
•  Talk about feelings: Encourage children to name their emotions and let them know it is okay to ask for help.
•  Notice the positives: Share something you are grateful for or something that went well each day.
• Build healthy routines: Regular sleep, nutritious food and time to relax help children feel their best.
• Reach out: If your child is struggling, talking with their teacher, school wellbeing staff or a health professional can be a helpful first step.

Where can families find support?

If you or your child needs extra support, the following services and resources are available:

• Kids Helpline: Free, confidential support for children and young people aged 5–25. Phone 1800 55 1800 or visit kidshelpline.com.au.
• Headspace: Mental health support and information for young people aged 12–25. Visit headspace.org.au.
• Lifeline: 24-hour crisis support for anyone experiencing emotional distress. Phone 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au.

If you have concerns about your child's wellbeing, please reach out to the school. We are here to work in partnership with families to support every child's wellbeing.

Accessing the Hub

The Hub can be accessed via the secure link below, with no account setup or login required: https://theresilienceproject.com.au/2023-parent-carer-hub-inspire-martin/

Thriving Kids Autism Helpline, providing free information and support childhood development and autism.

Amaze is pleased to announce it will deliver the Thriving Kids Autism Helpline, a new free national service providing information, advice, and support for parents, supporters, carers, and kin of children aged 0 to 8.

Available from 1 October 2026, the Helpline will support families from the first time they notice a developmental difference or delay, have questions about autism, or need help understanding available services and supports.

Amaze CEO David Tonge said the Helpline will give families somewhere to turn for trusted, reliable information and support.

Contact the Thriving Kids Autism Helpline

Free information, advice and support for parents, supporters, carers and kin of children aged 0 to 8.

Available 8am to 7pm, Monday to Friday, Australia-wide.

To speak to an advisor call 1300 654 789 or submit an enquiry anytime. 

For more information visit- Thriving Kids Autism Helpline - Amaze

\