Health & Wellbeing @ NLPS

Awesomeness Day!

Wow! This year’s health and wellbeing-based day, ‘Awesomeness Day’ was a huge hit!

Our theme this year was ‘Newport Lakes Learners Are Respectful.’ All classes participated in fun and engaging activities planned by the grade 6 Stand Up Leaders. We learnt about the importance of kindness and respect, and how our words and actions can make a positive difference to others and our school community.

As Stand Up Leaders, it was a privilege to lead the lessons and work with students across the school. We really enjoyed helping everyone learn and have fun along the way!

A huge thank you to Amy and Sam for helping us plan and prepare for the day and supporting us throughout the activities.

Foundation

• Learning Intention: We learnt how to show kindness and respect through our words and actions.
• Lesson Summary: Students explored kindness through games, the story Little Miss Sunshine, and creating their own Mr Men or Little Miss characters.

Year 1 & 2

• Learning Intention: We learnt how to show respect to everyone and everything, everywhere, every day.
• Lesson Summary: Students explored kindness, friendship and respect through games, The Rainbow Fish, colourful fish artwork and practising the Assertive Sandwich.

Year 3 & 4

• Learning Intention: We learnt how to make respectful choices, even when we disagree with others.
• Lesson Summary: Students explored respect through the story I Choose to Be Respectful, back-to-back drawing, role-playing everyday situations, and creating a Respect Ripple display to show how small actions can make a big difference.

Year 5 & 6

• Learning Intention: We learnt that people experience the world differently and that respect means understanding and accepting those differences without judgement.
• Lesson Summary: Students explored autism and OCD through videos, discussions, challenging puzzles, and real-life scenarios, learning how empathy, patience, and understanding can help everyone feel respected and included!

We had so much fun celebrating Awesomeness Day! We learnt that even the smallest acts of kindness and respect can make a big difference. We hope everyone remembers to be kind, include others, and show respect every day. Together, we can make our school an even better place for everyone!

By Addi & Merehana

Important Information for Families

 Online Gaming Safety - Roblox, Fortnite, Minecraft, Steam and Steam Chat

A recent Australian investigation by the eSafety Commissioner has highlighted concerning gaps in how some of the world's most popular gaming platforms protect children, including Roblox, Fortnite, Minecraft, Steam and Steam Chat.

The findings raise serious concerns about how effectively these platforms detect and prevent online grooming, sexual exploitation, harmful content, and unwanted contact from adults.

If your child uses any of these platforms, we encourage you to take a few minutes to read this summary of the eSafety Commissioner's findings. It's also a timely reminder to review privacy and parental control settings and have open conversations with your child about staying safe online.

Read more on the investigation here.

Supporting Children Through Grief and Loss 

Grief is something we may find difficult to talk about, yet unfortunately, it is a natural part of life. Grief can come in many forms. While we often associate it with the death of a loved one, children may also experience grief following family separation, the loss of a pet, serious illness, or significant changes in their lives.

There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Children may experience sadness, anger, worry, confusion, or even moments of happiness and laughter. Sometimes, they may not want to talk about their feelings at all, and that's okay too. Grief looks different for everyone.

As adults, one of the most helpful things we can do is provide a safe, supportive space, listen when children are ready to talk, and reassure them that whatever they are feeling is okay. Keeping familiar routines can also provide children with a sense of comfort and security during uncertain times.

Some beautiful picture books that can help open gentle conversations about grief include:

• The Invisible String by Patrice Karst – a reassuring reminder that love continues to connect us, even when someone is no longer physically with us. 
• Everywhere, Still by M.H. Clark – a gentle story about how love and memories remain with us.

Grief and Loss – Helpful Resources for Families

• Child Mind Institute – A helpful guide for parents and carers on talking to children about death, understanding their emotions, and supporting them through grief.
• Wombat's Wish – A Victorian charity offering free grief support, counselling, and programs for children aged 5–17 following the death of a parent or carer.
• Raising Children Network – Practical, age-appropriate advice for parents and carers on talking to children about death, grief, and loss.
• Feel the Magic – Offers free grief education, camps, and support programs for children and young people aged 7–17 who have experienced the death of a loved one, with some activities available for younger families.
• Kids Helpline – A free, confidential, 24/7 telephone and online counselling service for children and young people aged 5–25. Phone: 1800 55 1800.
• Griefline – Provides information, resources, and support options for adults experiencing grief and loss. Phone: 1300 845 745 (Monday–Friday, 10 am–8 pm).

To any families in our community who are experiencing grief or loss, please know that we are thinking of you. If your child needs some extra support, please don't hesitate to reach out to their classroom teacher. We are here to help.

Samantha Meddis

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader