Wellbeing
Emma Stenhouse
Next week, the second part of our Together For Humanity whole school project will take place with Emma Stenhouse. Emma is a Ngarrindjeri woman and a highly acclaimed contemporary Indigenous artist, known for her vibrant storytelling through art.
Throughout the week, students and staff will work closely with Emma to design a whole school mural that reflects St Mary’s rich history and our unique community. This collaborative process will give students the opportunity to share their ideas, experiences and perspectives, helping to shape a meaningful and inclusive artwork. The final design will first be painted on canvas before being digitised and printed onto large panels for display within the school.
All classes will participate in workshops with Emma, where they will learn about the significance of storytelling in Indigenous culture and explore how symbols and drawings can be used to communicate meaning and connection. These sessions will provide valuable cultural learning experiences and encourage creativity across all year levels.
This is an exciting opportunity for our students to collaborate with an internationally renowned artist and to see their ideas transformed into a lasting and visible part of our school’s history.
Harmony week
Orange took over St Mary’s in Week Eight as we came together to celebrate Harmony Week. This special occasion provided a wonderful opportunity for our whole school community to focus on inclusion, respect, and the dignity of all of God’s creations.
The week began with a shared breakfast, where families joined us to celebrate our diverse and welcoming community. Students then participated in a range of engaging activities, including dancing, creative crafts, and a Respectful Relationships lesson. These experiences highlighted the importance of connection, understanding others’ perspectives, and developing strategies to resolve disagreements in a respectful and thoughtful way.
Respectful Relationships
In Term Two, Respectful Relationships will continue to be delivered as a specialist subject on a fortnightly basis. Students from Foundation to Year Six will focus on developing positive coping strategies and effective problem-solving skills.
Through a variety of lessons and interactive activities, students will learn how to resolve conflicts in a calm and respectful manner, build resilience, and develop the confidence to express their thoughts, feelings, and needs appropriately. These skills are essential in fostering positive relationships and supporting students’ overall wellbeing.
Supporting Healthy Bodies and Minds
At St Mary’s, we continue to prioritise the physical and mental wellbeing of our students, recognising that healthy bodies support healthy minds and strong learning.
As part of recent professional learning, we engaged with Dr Preeya Alexander, who shared valuable insights into how we can better support children’s health, particularly in relation to food and wellbeing. One of her key messages was the importance of changing the language we use around food. Rather than labelling foods as “good” or “bad,” Dr Alexander encourages us to focus on how different foods help our bodies especially those that provide sustained energy to support learning, concentration, and overall wellbeing throughout the day.
She highlighted the importance of when children eat these foods, ensuring that nourishing options are included at key times to help maintain energy and focus in the classroom.
Another powerful takeaway was the value of repeated exposure to foods. It is very common for children to initially refuse unfamiliar foods; however, this does not mean they will always dislike them. Continued, gentle exposure to a variety of foods helps children become more comfortable and willing to try them over time.
By supporting children to develop positive relationships with food, and by offering consistent opportunities to try nourishing options, we are helping them build habits that will support their health, wellbeing, and ability to thrive both at school and beyond.
