Wellbeing News

Health and Wellbeing at SMDP

The next few weeks are going to be filled with mixed emotions for all of us. Each family's circumstances will be different and each child’s feelings and emotions about returning to onsite learning may be different. We know for some children, the thought of returning to onsite learning will bring joy and excitement and for others maybe caution and nervousness. I would also like to share with you the ways in which your child’s health and wellbeing will be prioritised and cared for when they return back to onsite learning at SMDP.

Over the last few weeks, the staff at SMDP  have carefully and strategically thought about how we will aim to nurture and prioritize students' health and wellbeing as they return back to onsite learning at school. For students to be able to participate fully in their learning and to be able to pay attention and process new information, we need to ensure that they are feeling safe, connected and supported in a calm environment.

Each year level team has spent time planning for opportunities for students to rebuild routines and consistency back into their day as they return to onsite learning. We know and understand that predictability brings about a sense of calm and reassurance to students.

Feeling socially connected is so important for students' health and wellbeing. We have intentionally made time for students to reconnect with their peers and to help them develop a sense of belonging back with their class. We will use circle time regularly when students return. This structure provides a great opportunity for students to listen, share and reflect with each other on how they are feeling, and as a way to continue to build positive and respectful relationships with each other. 

We understand that it may be challenging for some children to sustain their attention and focus for the whole day, and therefore we are ensuring that we provide many different opportunities for students to have brain breaks and movement breaks to help them refocus throughout the day. We know that mindfulness has many benefits for kids in the classroom, including calming the mind and body, increasing focus and attention and helping students develop self awareness. We will continue to provide opportunities to help students develop their mindfulness practices.

We would like our families to know that their children’s wellbeing is being carefully supported through this transitional time. We will continue to work in partnership with you and encourage you to reach out and let us know if we can support you further. 

Stay safe and well.

Kathy Blythe 

Student Wellbeing Leader