Wellbeing & Engagement

Good afternoon 

I am pleased to have been asked to step into the Wellbeing and Engagement role at St Mary’s School for the next two terms. 

After a difficult start to January with the Harcourt bushfires impacting some of our families our Acting Principal, Shannon Betham asked me to complete Stormbirds training, through MacKillop Seasons.

MacKillop Seasons evidence-based programs build knowledge and capacity of professionals to provide a safe space for children, young people and adults to learn knowledge, skills and attitudes to understand and respond to experiences of change, loss and grief. We help build the wellbeing and resilience of schools and communities following adversity.

Stormbirds is a small group education program that supports the recovery of children and young people in response to change, loss and uncertainty that often results from natural disasters. These events include storms, floods, bushfires, earthquakes, droughts, cyclones, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis.

Stormbirds is generally offered to children and young people 3-12 months following a natural disaster. 

I completed this training on Friday February 13th and look forward to beginning implementing this program early in Term 2. More information will be provided in the coming weeks. 

Please reach out if I can help in any way. 

Julie Cotter

julieann.cotter@smcastlemaine.catholic.edu.au