Chaplain's Corner
Louise Lathbury
RAINBOWS PROGRAM
Dear Parent/Caregiver,
In terms 2-3, students in Years 4-6 will have the opportunity to participate in the RAINBOWS grief and loss program.
Situations that may cause feelings of grief in children include:
- The death or serious illness of a family member- either in Australia or overseas.
- Change in the parental relationship - separation (temporary or permanent) or divorce.
- Moving home/school within Australia.
- Having a parent work in a fly-in-fly-out situation.
- Loss of support services or routines, or a change in family lifestyle.
Children who are grieving may sometimes appear sad, talk about missing a person, or misbehave. Other times, they play, interact with friends, and do their usual activities. They may also develop ongoing sleep difficulties, low self-esteem, and become disinterested in school-related activities.
Some children may benefit from extra help with developing resilience and social/emotional skills. The RAINBOWS program provides this support and is a safe place for children to express their feelings in relation to grief and loss.
The RAINBOWS program is not counseling or therapy and it is not a religious program. It will be conducted in small groups of 4-8 children, with a trained adult facilitator (School Chaplain). Groups will meet weekly, for 10 weeks for 45 minutes during school time. Each week there will be an activity (writing, game, craft) and a discussion time (sharing is voluntary) covering the topics listed in the table below.
Week | Discussion points |
1 | Journals, confidentiality, group rules, and respect. |
2 | Different types of feelings. Sharing feelings with trusted adults can help us. |
3 | How things are different now. |
4 | Getting used to change. Being angry is OK, but we must show it in the right way. |
5 | Worries about the future are normal. Talking can help us sort things out. |
6 | There are many kinds of families. Everyone always belongs somewhere. |
7 | We will always have good memories and can look forward to new goals. |
8 | There are difficult times in life, but things will get better. |
9 | Getting used to changes can be hard. Thinking about other people can help us enjoy life. |
10 | Everyone is loved. The benefits of forgiveness. |
If you would like to discuss RAINBOWS further, please contact me on a Wednesday at school on 9266 6200 or email louise.lathbury@youthcare.org.au. If you feel your child/children would benefit from being a part of this program, please complete the form below and return it to the school, in an envelope marked Confidential - Mrs Lathbury (Reception) by WEDNESDAY, 12TH MAY.
STUDENTS IN YEARS 1-3 WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAMME IN TERMS 3-4.
Louise Lathbury
Rainbows Program Facilitator