Wellbeing Report
Welcome back for term 3! As you know, this term will be jam-packed with events for everyone to enjoy. As we begin term 3, it’s the perfect time to refocus on our wellbeing and remind ourselves of the importance of looking after our minds and bodies. Whether it’s through mindful moments in class, active play outside, or simply sharing a smile, small actions make a big difference. Modelling taking time to look after yourself or do the things that you enjoy to do sets a great example for your child for future positive coping habits.
Now is also a great time to begin to chat with your child about any upcoming school events such as camp or swimming. Familiarising the process and speaking positively about these things can have a huge impact on the anxiety that children can feel when they approach unfamiliar activities.
Utilising our school wellbeing tools such as the Zones of Regulation (pictured below) can help to build wellbeing language into your everyday life at home and give children the language to discuss their emotions in a productive way.
We’ll see you around the school!
Amy, Libby and Sally.
When Helping Hurts – Dr Justin Coulson
When I was in primary school PE class, all students had to walk across the balance beam as part of our gymnastics lessons. There were mats underneath, but it was still pretty high off the ground, and if you fell off, it could potentially hurt.
In the interests of health and safety, we had two partners who walked next to us with their arms outstretched towards us. These ‘partners’ were just two students from class. They were never going to be able to catch someone if they fell! But that was never the goal.
Instead, if they saw us start to overbalance, they would just gently put their hand on our leg. They didn’t have to take much weight, just a little bit, but it was enough to steady us so that we could keep going.
But that’s not how some parents raise their kids. In some situations when the going gets tough up on that balance beam, some parents believe it is their job to climb up and carry their child across. These parents will finish their child’s homework, or do a project for them. They ring the teacher to smooth out social difficulties and demand additional resources that other kids might not be getting. But is this good for our kids?
While the intention is often rooted in love and a desire to protect, consistently carrying a child through difficulties can inadvertently hinder their long-term growth and ability to navigate the world independently.
Breakfast Club
Winter is here and warm breakfast options are available. We have small bowls of canned spaghetti and cereal alongside our regular toast and fruit options. So many children have been attending breakfast club lately that we have been running out of toast. Please remind your child that if they want to have something to eat before school that they need to head straight down to the German Room. While the music for the bell is playing there are only fruit cups and milk drinks available.
Craft Club
This term we have started making Puffy Charms. They are super easy to make and the kids have been enjoying the cool sticker designs. We have made braclets, necklaces, keyrings, earings and pencil toppers. We will continue to make these until we run out of stickers.
Kids Of Gold Camp
The new Kids Of Gold Camp is going to run between the 24th and 26th of October. Sign up for students in grade 4 – 6 or those in grade 3 are welcome if they turn 9 years old before the camp dates. This is a Level 1 camp so it is great to start the series of 3 at this camp to build confidence and self esteem in you child. Please find the flyer attached.
Chaplaincy
Sally Marshall – Chaplain: is happy to catch up with your child if you feel they need that extra emotional support during school hours. Sally is available on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and can be contacted via email:
sally.marshall@education.vic.gov.au
or by phone call 5964 7258.