Wellbeing

Take a few moments for Relaxation to start off your day

Sit upright in your chair.

Place your feet flat on the floor and hands resting comfortably your lap.

Gently close your eyes,

Feel the weight of your body, being supported by the chair and simply allow yourself to relax.

Feel the weight of your legs supported by the chair.

And allow the muscles in and around your stomach to soften.

Your arms and hands are relaxed and at ease

It is all easy, your heartbeat slows and your breath is slow and easy.

Relax all the muscles in your face and behind the eyes.

Relax your jaw and the mouth will slightly open

It is all so easy

You don't have to do anything - simply be at ease and as the body relaxes the mind will follow -

your thoughts may come and go.

Let the thoughts go - you do not need them for this moment.

Completely feel at ease.

You may be aware of sounds in the background and simply let them drift.

You may sense the wonderful peace and calm within the centre core of you being.

Simply allow yourself to experience this peaceful state .

Sit in this calm, safe, completely secure place for the next few minutes.

Gently open your eyes as you are ready and take this peace within you into the rest of your day.

National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence

On the 15th March, Copperfield College acknowledged the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence. This year’s theme was ‘Bullying – No way! Take action every day’. This is a day to take action and empower young people to be part of the solution when addressing bullying in their school community. Unfortunately LGBTQI+ young people are far more likely to experience bullying, so Year 8’s participated in a workshop run by Minus18 about gender and sexuality diversity to encourage being respectful, inclusive, and supportive of diverse peers. Our SRC also handed out icey-poles and wrist bands during recess, which proved popular as always!

Skittles Stand Out Group

Our Skittles Stand Out group are busy preparing to celebrate IDAHOBIT day – the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism, and Transphobia on May 17th. Skittles lollies and temporary rainbow tattoos will be given out at lunchtime for teachers and students to show their support.

Games Club

At Sydenham, Friday lunchtimes are for relaxing and having fun with board games at Games Club. This year we have been lucky enough to have the wonderful James and Charity as volunteers to help out. Whether “Connect 4”, “UNO”, or “Cluedo” is your specialty or something else from the cupboard, there is always a fun game to play and friendly peers to play with. Any student wanting to get involved please see Esmerelda or just turn up. Listen out for our famous end of term Bingo party!

Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) Curious Project

Since Term 3 last year, our Kings Park and Sydenham campuses have been partaking in the CMY Curious project which aims to strengthen school belonging and improve intercultural capability across our school, as a way to prevent racism and bullying. The students involved have been committed to the project for many months and during this time have contributed a huge amount work, energy, and ideas. It was so exciting to see the hard work pay off with a student-led project of a mural that promotes belonging, inclusion, and anti-racism messages, finally come to life! The talented artist Simon ‘Chippa’ Chiovitti helped students create the eye-catching mural which will be mounted for display soon. Well done to the Curious team!

Ms Esmeralda Lambe

Psychologist

How to use Music for Mental Health

It doesn’t matter if you love metal, pop or EDM, music can help your mood and help you cope with (or even take control of) tricky emotions. Check out some of the ways that you can use music as a tool for good in your life.

This can help if:

you want to incorporate music as a wellbeing strategy in your life
you want to learn about the connection between music and mental health
you want to understand the benefits of music.

How does music improve your mental health?

It has been generally accepted that both listening to and creating music can have various positive effects on mood and mental health. Incorporating music into your everyday life can help to:

elevate your mood and motivation
aid relaxation
increase the efficiency of your brain processing.

Ways to use music for mental health

So, we have learnt that music is more than just a form of entertainment and that there are lots of links between music and mental health. But how exactly can you use it in your day-to-day life? Check out some of the ways here:

Focus. Classical music is a winner at helping you focus. Music that has a tempo of 60 bpm (beats per minute) increases the efficiency of the brain in processing information. The best way to use it is to have it playing softly in the background as you get on with your tasks.
Expression. The next time you’re finding it hard to talk about or express your emotions, try turning to music for help. Creating your own music – whether simply strumming a guitar or composing lyrics to a song – can help you express and process your emotions. It’s more about how it makes you feel, than how it sounds. Remember that no one ever has to hear your music if you don’t want them to.
Social connection. Music can stop you from feeling lonely or isolated. Whether it’s sharing playlists with your friends, or meeting new, like-minded people at your favourite band’s next gig, music connects people.
Creativity. Did you know that listening to or making music allows your brain to think creatively? So, whether it’s a creative project you need to complete, or some new ways to improve your mood, try some different types of music and see what works best for you.
Relaxation. Okay, so this isn’t a huge scientific breakthrough, but it’s worth repeating: music helps you to relax. If you choose the right kind of music, change into some comfy clothes and put your feet up, it’s a safe bet that you’ll feel relaxed in no time.
Motivation. You need to vacuum the house/study/get some exercise, but you just can’t get off the couch? Use your favourite music as a motivational force. Crank up the volume on a killer tune and chances are you’ll find it that much easier to get started.

A personal perspective

A young person shares why she finds music so powerful:

‘It's indescribable how listening to a song can change everything. It's said that a powerful enough song can even change your life. Music can even teach what humanity cannot always – how to be human, live, feel and love. I'd recommend to anyone that if things aren't going right, and you don't know what to do, just turn up some good music, and tune out for a few minutes before you attempt to figure everything out again.’

What can I do now?

Try music as an aid the next time you feel emotional or lonely, or when you need some focus and motivation.
Make a playlist of your favourite music, either for yourself or to share with friends.
If music really isn’t working for you, it’s no big deal.

Mr Michael Malady

Secondary School Nurse/ Health & Specialist