Wellbeing
Routies, Routines, Routines
Our students have been showing Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience in their daily school routines. Whether it's lining up, transitioning smoothly between classes, or playing cooperatively in the yard, they are setting a fantastic example for their peers. We are especially proud of how they’ve settled into the school year with such a positive attitude, even with the ongoing works around the school. Their adaptability and enthusiasm have been wonderful to see!
Building Resilience & Positive Relationships
As part of our Building Respectful Relationships in Our School unit, students have been taking part in activities focused on building resilience. These lessons help children develop important life skills like problem-solving, managing emotions, and staying positive when faced with challenges.
In addition, our teachers have been explicitly teaching and modelling Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) throughout the year. Through our Learning to Learn unit, which focuses on these relationships, and thePEEC framework, students learn and practice positive behaviours that support both effective learning and healthy, respectful relationships.
Families can also explore ways to build resilience at home through resources like Beyond Blue - Building Resilience in Children.
Over the past fortnight, we have been focusing on students demonstrating RESPECT across all areas of the school. Congratulations to all our Respect Award recipients and those whose names have been added to the Honour Board for consistently showing this important value in their interactions and actions. These awards will be presented at Monday morning assemblies (please note, due to renovation works, the Hall will be unavailable for assemblies in Term 1).
As we continue setting expectations for the year, our staff have been busy settling into their own routines, getting to know their students, and planning engaging and meaningful learning experiences. Their dedication ensures that every child feels supported and encouraged in their learning journey.
Embracing Resilience: My Journey of Letting Go
This week, I had the privilege and the challenge of sending my eldest daughter off to Kuala Lumpur, where she will be completing her honours year in pharmacy. It was an emotional moment for our whole family, especially her twin sister, myself, and even her puppy. There were plenty of tears, but also immense pride and joy as we watched her take this exciting next step in her journey.
As a mother, letting go is never easy, but I’ve come to see that true resilience is built in these moments of challenge. It’s about allowing ourselves to feel - acknowledging the sadness of parting while embracing the pride that comes with watching our children grow into strong, capable individuals, ready to take on the world.
Seeing my daughter take this big step reminds me that resilience isn’t just about staying strong when things are easy, it’s about navigating the tough times, trusting the journey, and supporting our children as they embrace new experiences.
At St. Mary’s, we encourage our students to develop their own resilience, especially when facing new or challenging situations. Just like my daughter, they, too, are on a journey of learning, growth, and self-discovery.
Here’s to embracing change, challenges, and the beautiful moments of growth—because resilience is not just about enduring, but about welcoming life’s experiences with open hearts and open minds.
Wellbeing at St Mary’s
At St. Mary’s, student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. One way we support this is through daily wellbeing check-ins, giving students a chance to pause, reflect on their emotions, and feel heard. These check-ins help children build emotional awareness, manage their feelings, and navigate different situations with confidence.
We’d love for you to continue this at home! Using wellbeing apps can be a great way to help your child check in with their emotions at the start or end of the day. This simple routine can promote self-awareness, support emotional regulation, and create a positive mindset for their overall wellbeing.
Here are some apps you might find helpful:
1. Smiling Mind - Offers mindfulness and wellbeing programs for different age groups, helping kids manage emotions and focus on positive thinking.
2. Headspace for Kids - Provides guided meditations and mindfulness exercises to help children relax and improve their emotional wellbeing.
3. Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame - Perfect for younger children, this app teaches simple breathing techniques to manage frustration, stress, and other emotions.
4. Calm - Includes meditation, breathing exercises, and sleep stories to promote relaxation and emotional regulation.
5. My Mind Check - A free, evidence-based tool that helps students understand their needs and make informed wellbeing decisions.
Using these apps regularly can help your child better understand and express their emotions in a healthy way. Give them a try and see what works best for your family!
As we keep settling into the school year, it’s wonderful to see our students growing in confidence, resilience, and respect each day. Thank you for your ongoing support in reinforcing these values at home, it truly does make a difference!
Warm regards,
Daniela Day
Head of Wellbeing & Inclusion