Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS)

Mental Health and Wellbeing

This week in Friendology, students have enjoyed learning about the concept of friendship fires. Essentially, this analogy helps children understand that conflict can be managed just like a fire. Add to it, it becomes bigger – use some simple strategies and it can be put out. Students are developing emotional literacy and developing confidence and capacity around naming emotions, which is the first step in helping regulate them when needed. 

Family/Guardian Resources

The Imperfects Podcast - Interviews with people whose lives appear to be perfect, but of course, like everyone else’s, they aren’t. In these episodes, guests (and quite often Hugh, Ryan & Josh) vulnerably share their own struggles and imperfections. Confirming that whatever you’re going through, you’re not alone. At the end of the interview, Hugh, Ryan and Josh share some takeaways we can all apply to our own imperfect lives. 

Follow the link for more information: https://www.theimperfects.com.au/

There are some useful parenting episodes that may be helpful and insightful. Hugh is the founder of The Resilience Project that uses evidence-based principles proven to support the development of resilience and positive mental health. This program complements our Camelot Rise whole school approach to wellbeing. 

Play Outside

We encourage students to seek support from a yard duty teacher if they experience friendship difficulties, disagreements or conflict while playing outside.

Students are encouraged to first try to resolve minor conflicts by using respectful language, listening to one another and expressing how they are feeling. If they are unable to resolve the situation, they should seek help from a teacher.

It is important that students share any concerns with a teacher at the time they occur. This enables staff to provide appropriate support and address issues effectively. Students are reminded to speak with a yard duty teacher before coming to the office.

We also ask parents and carers not to approach or speak directly to other students or families about concerns. Please always raise concerns with a staff member so they can be followed up appropriately.

Thank you for your ongoing support in reinforcing these expectations. Consistent modelling of respectful and positive ways to manage conflict is an important part of helping our students develop these skills.

‘No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted’ - Aesop

My door is always open to discuss anything, otherwise please feel free to email or call. Have a wonderful week,

Mrs G

tennille.giannopoulos@education.vic.gov.au