Mental Health and Wellbeing Coordinator

Relationships and Belonging

“It is important to find a place where you feel trust, you feel belonging and stability.” Bojan Krkic

Dear Families,

This week I was fortunate enough to present at the Principals Conference in Melbourne. I collaborated with my other Bellarine M-HAWCs and we talked about the journeys each of our schools have taken in relation to wellbeing, mental health and social emotional learning. I talked about our work with John Hendry and Relationship based Education. Throughout the conference, the theme of relationships and belonging were in continual focus. “Wellbeing at the core = relationships matter” and “Positive teacher-student relationships improve engagement in learning” were the thoughts delivered from two key-note speakers. 

The Cambridge Dictionary defines belonging as…

‘a feeling of being happy or comfortable as part of a particular group and having a good relationship with the other members of the group because they welcome you and accept you: A sense of belonging is one of humanity's most basic needs.’ 

At Ocean Grove Primary we strive to help our kids feel that sense of belonging. Kids have their class and their cohort. They belong to their House and wear their house-coloured tops on Wednesdays. We have Peer Connect every Thursday afternoon. We also run lunchtime clubs. Kids also independently find their group where they feel they belong. All this will hopefully lead to a positive sense of belonging at OGPS.

Here are a few ideas that you could try at home to help your kids feel that sense of belonging in their community:

• Write a list of some of the groups that your family feel a sense of belonging. Is there another group that you could join? 
• Have you ever formed a club with your friends? Talk about what your club was and what you did in the club.
• American psychiatrist William Glasser said, “We are driven by five genetic needs: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun.” Place these in order of importance to you, and explain why.
• Think of someone that may be feeling left out and do something kind to help them feel a sense of belonging. It could be someone at school, someone in your family, or someone who lives in the local neighbourhood. 

“A few good words don't just make your day but they also give the sense of belonging and confidence to take the next big step forward.” Ravi Shastri

REMINDER: Anxiety and Resilience Parent Workshops: NEXT WEEK

Tuesday 7th June: 9.15am

Tuesday 7th June: 7.30pm

In person, at OGPS. All welcome. Bookings essential – click here to book. 

Have a great week everyone and I look forward to working together at the Anxiety and Resilience workshops. 

Andy McNeilly

Mental Health and Wellbeing Coordinator