Student Wellbeing 

It has been so wonderful to see so many smiling facing coming back to SJV after a big summer break. The transition into a new school year can often bring some big feelings and emotions. It is important to acknowledge the various experiences our students encounter during the first few weeks back. 

 

Sometimes it can be rather stressful for students to start a new grade or even a new school, and it's quite acceptable for them to experience a range of emotions. After a lengthy holiday, children may find it challenging to adapt to the increased cognitive load that comes with school. Some students may also find it difficult to adapt into a school schedule. At first, structured routines and early mornings can be daunting. Sometimes readjusting to eating at school times can be a change. 

 

The staff at SJV understand that the transition period may be a time of both excitement and nerves and will be working hard over the next few weeks to assist students become comfortable with their new routines. Teachers will support students in forming new connections and get to know their new students on a personal and educational level.

 

At home: Encourage your children to talk freely about their school experiences. Avoid asking them to give you a detailed account of their day; instead, ask them about their favorite parts of the day, any worries they may have, and their day in general. Assure them that they are not alone in their feelings and reiterate that it's acceptable to feel a bit anxious at first. During the first few weeks, it could also be a good idea to try to avoid packing too much into weekends and after school because students will be exhausted and in need of relaxation as they regain their energy for the school week.

 

As educators, our goal is to create a warm and inclusive atmosphere where every child feels comfortable expressing their feelings and seeking assistance when needed. 

 

Our students have been very busy:

 - Learning classroom organisational processes.

 - Developing classroom rules and expectations through a process of collaboration 

 - Revising and ‘unpacking’ of our Vianney's Values of Kindness, Gratitude, Integrity,   Respect and Excellence.

 - Discussing and identifying the Zones of Regulation.

 - Creating a classroom agreement of acceptable social behaviours and manners.

 - As the new classes are brought together as a team and get to know one another, they are engaging in teamwork exercises and social games.