Wellbeing Officer

Hello,

October is National Mental Health month…and the timely start of my role as Weeden Heights Primary School Wellbeing Officer.  I thought I’d take this opportunity to say hello, introduce myself and take the time to thank those who I have already met and who have warmly welcomed me!

My name is Marika Smith and I have a small family consisting of my husband, daughter and myself with quite a large extended family. I’m a mother of a beautiful and talented 7-year-old girl, who I can’t believe is in Grade 1 this year.  As you can see, I’m a proud mum. I also have a puppy who keeps me busy.

I come to you with a background in psychology and 20 years experience working in various wellbeing related industries. Over this time, I have especially enjoyed working with children and their families and implementing strategies that have helped improve wellbeing and social connectedness.

I’m sure you agree, time flies! I look back over my educational life and fondly recall my primary school years, the important figures in my life and how they have shaped and guided me. I now look forward to being one of those figures in your child’s life. 

I have had the absolute pleasure to have met some of your children throughout my first few weeks with the school and must say that the warmth and kindness they have shown has been outstanding!

Your children will see me around the school on Monday and Tuesday from 9am - 4:30pm and Thursday 10am - 2pm. They will see me in some of their classes when I pop in to say hi or to run wellbeing sessions. I will be talking with your children about friendships and offer them the support and encouragement to feel confident and assertive and to learn new skills in managing academic tasks, learn new ways to solve problems, improving resilience and emotional regulation and to celebrate achievements with them, as has been the case already with so many awards going out to students! 

I’d love to keep in touch with you and will be adding some information and tips in the school newsletter for you to have a read. If you happen to be at school pick up on Monday and Tuesday, stop by the front gate as I’d love to meet you, otherwise I’d love to see you at the new morning tea group on Tuesdays. 

As I mentioned, it’s National Mental Health Month, so I’d like to end on a quote from Walt Disney that addresses our dreams and goals and which prompted me to join the community at Weeden Heights Primary School…

“Ask yourself if what you are doing today brings you closer to the place where you want to be tomorrow.”

Marika Smith

Student Wellbeing Officer