Mindfulness Centre Newsletter

Next week is Bullying No Way National Action Week.  Throughout the week our students will be having conversations in their classrooms around Bullying and this year’s theme ‘

Be bold. Be kind. Speak up.  

It is up to us all to be bold, be kind and speak up when we see someone being treated unkindly. 

Understanding the difference between "bullying" and being "mean on purpose" helps us respond to friendship challenges in helpful and appropriate ways. According to the Victorian Department of Education, bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical, or social behaviour that intends to cause harm. It is repeated over time, involves a power imbalance, and causes physical, social, or psychological harm. One-off incidents, disagreements, or conflict between equals are not defined as bullying. 

Our Friendology program uses the term "mean on purpose" to describe unkind behaviours that, while hurtful, do not involve a pattern of repeated harm or a power imbalance. Both bullying behaviours and Mean on Purpose are taken seriously by our school, but understanding these differences helps us support our students and families with the right strategies and response

Our school’s Wellbeing Programs—including the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships Program, Berry Street Education Model, URStrong Friendology, and The Zones of Regulation—provide students with many opportunities to develop positive relationship skills and understand what is and isn’t acceptable behaviour.

As a parent what can you do to support your child

The best way to support your child with a difficult friendship is to listen calmly and without judgment, validating their feelings and letting them know it's normal to experience ups and downs in relationships. Encourage open communication by asking about their day and their emotions and reassure your child that you’re always available to talk. Help your child problem-solve by discussing possible ways to handle the situation, such as using kind but assertive language, setting boundaries, and seeking support from a teacher if needed. Role-play tricky conversations or social scenarios to help them build confidence and learn practical skills for managing conflicts. Emphasize self-worth, letting your child know that true friends accept them as they are, and that it's okay not to be friends with everyone. Model healthy friendships in your own life, teaching empathy, respect , and resilience.  

If you are worried at any time about your child and their relationships contact your child’s classroom teacher.

A BIG Congratulations to all the entrants in our Lego and Art Competition last term and to our Winners who were presented with their awards at last weeks assembly. It was delightful to hear the comments from pupils and parents as they viewed all the works.  Everyone should feel very proud of themselves for participating in this event.

The Mindfulness Centre continues to be a hive of industry with stitching, paper craft, drawings and bead work.  It is delightful to constantly see students of all ages making connections and helping each other.  The Mindfulness Centre is open most lunchtimes however at times numbers need to be restricted.  If numbers are restricted we aim to set up activities outside for students to u