Wellbeing News

Special Report: Celebrating NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It is celebrated by all Australians and is a great opportunity to recognise and learn more about the history and culture of indigenous communities.

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced back to the Aboriginal rights movement, when on Australia Day 1938, protestors marched through the streets of Sydney to highlight the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Today, it is a week-long celebration held in July that consists of range of traditional and contemporary activities.

NAIDOC Week is an important event that helps build positive relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. It enables a deeper understanding of our differences and similarities. NAIDOC week is an opportunity for all Australians to eliminate bias and discrimination by reflecting and reconciling the wrongs of the past to facilitate hope and build a fairer future. Families are encouraged to join in and support young people in learning the significance of NAIDOC Week.

This Special Report offers suggestions on how families can celebrate NAIDOC Week together. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your Special Report https://stacbourne.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-celebrating-naidoc-week

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Surviving School Holidays

The school holidays are quickly approaching, which can be a challenging time for some parents, especially when it comes to keeping the kids entertained.. Often the first thing that comes to mind is increasing screen time, access to TV or video games. While this may be the most convenient method of entertaining them, studies show that excessive screen time is linked with poor physical and mental health. 

So, what options do we have? 

• Plan excursions: Plan some fun outdoor activities to keep children active and mentally stimulated. These may include going to the beach, exploring the city, going to a trampoline park etc… 

• Organise playdates: If you find yourself struggling for time, buddy up with a fellow parent and take turns hosting playdates. Socialization is tremendously beneficial for aiding children in developing their social skills. 

• Family screen-free times: Spend some time each day engaging in screen-free activities as a family. Whether it be playing board games, going out for a walk, or doing arts and crafts. 

• Physical activity: Consider adding a daily physical activity break to your routine. This could involve playing basketball outdoors, going for a bike ride or walking the dog. Spending time outside can have positive effects on various aspects of a child's growth and development. 

Remember that school holidays are the perfect time for children to explore and discover new and exciting things. And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun!