Wellbeing

SUPPORTING WELLBEING THROUGH LUNCHTIME ACTIVITIES/CLUBS

Research is clear - a student’s sense of belonging and positive engagement with schooling enhances academic and wellbeing outcomes for children and young people. 

Students’ sense of belonging relates to their feelings of being accepted and valued within the context of their classrooms and more broadly within the school community. 

“Programs which seek to enhance the relationships between students and their peers and teachers, can be expected to improve student’s educational outcomes by reducing teenage risk behaviours. Wellbeing contributes to school connectedness, regarded as one of the most important variables related to positive student outcomes (Resnick, Bearman & Blum, 1997).” 

“The more that students can feel connected to their school, the stronger their emotional wellbeing and educational outcomes (Young, 2013)”.

“Students also need to feel safe and have a positive sense of belonging to sustain their attention in school, which helps them process and retain new knowledge more effectively (AERO 2023b).” Vision for Engagement MACS

We strongly promote school connectedness by creating extracurricular opportunities where students interact with those who have similar interests.

Once students can work together, they can become engaged and immersed in a learning environment that is future and task focused, that identifies positive possible roles and role models, that assists them to learn to plan and remain motivated, and that prompts positive social engagement in and beyond the school.

One such aspect is the offerings of lunchtime activities and clubs. Staff go beyond their allocated tasks to give up their lunchtimes to provide opportunities for students to engage in different activities.

Please see the list below to become aware of the many activities available to your children at lunchtime this term. We aim to cater for a variety of interests, including some extra curriculum support.

You might want to encourage your child to ‘give it a go!’.

SCHOOLTV SPECIAL REPORT: Discussing War & Conflict

With the recent escalation of conflict involving Iran, children may be hearing or seeing distressing updates through the 24-hour news cycle, social media and conversations at school. 

Even when events are geographically distant, repeated exposure to images, headlines and commentary can heighten anxiety, particularly for 

young people whose understanding of the world is still developing.

It is important for parents and caregivers to be mindful of overexposure, as constant coverage can amplify fear and uncertainty. Reassurance is key. Children need to feel safe and supported as they process complex global events.

Before beginning these conversations, take a moment to check in with your own emotions. Children often take their cues from the adults around them. Remaining calm, listening openly and offering reassurance can help your child regulate their feelings and maintain a sense of security.

This Special Report provides practical guidance to help families navigate conversations about war and conflict in a measured, age-appropriate way, while reinforcing hope, empathy and resilience. We encourage you to take a moment to review the information provided. If this topic raises concerns about your child’s wellbeing, please consider seeking appropriate medical or professional support.

Here is the link to this Special Report:  http://nazareth.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-discussing-war-conflict

Ms Jackie Kol

Director of Wellbeing