LAST CALL -

OPEN DOORS 

'The Wonder of Living'

Dear SJV families, 

On Tuesday the 27th of April, The Wonder of Living Family Enrichment Program is coming to our school to offer a Family Night on the topic of sexuality education. They will run two sessions:

1. A session for 3/4 students and their parents from 6 pm till 7.15 pm
2. A session for 5/6 students and their parents from 7.30 pm till 8.45 pm

The purpose is to encourage good communication between parents and children about these important topics. It will be conducted by Open Doors Education, an ecumenical Christian non-profit organisation. Open Doors is also the creator of the ‘Wonder of Living’ video series which is used during the sessions. This family-friendly series is recommended by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS). Open Doors has over 30 years experience and an excellent reputation for its sensitive, engaging presentation of this program in schools. 

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE FAMILY NIGHTS?  

Family Nights are warm and comfortable presentations using stories, video, shared conversations, activities and take-home materials. You will also have the opportunity to buy/order 'The Wonder of Living Book' for home ($20) and the 'Resilient Kids' Book ($15) plus browse other resources. 

WHAT TOPICS ARE COVERED IN THE WONDER OF LIVING VIDEOS AND PRESENTATIONS FOR GRADE 3 AND 4 from 6 pm till 7.15 pm? 

VIDEO 1 A New Baby! How a baby grows and is born. 

It covers the development & birth of a baby told as a family story (definition of sexual intercourse is NOT given) and that we are all uniquely created. 

Other messages - the importance of family, different kinds of families, loving and caring for others as well as talking to trusted grownups when you need support. 

It will also include a guided conversation between parent/guardian & child about -

• How we are special to each other
• Memories of when your child was born
• Parent’s own early memories
• How parents and other support people can help us when we have a problem or need correct information

WHAT TOPICS ARE COVERED IN THE WONDER OF LIVING VIDEOS AND PRESENTATIONS FOR GRADE 5 and 6 from 7.30 pm till 8.45 pm?  

This session is based on Video 2 and 3 (‘And Now There’s Me’ & ‘I’m Stepping Out’)

• Introduction to puberty: a time of physical & emotional change; a time of questioning & sometimes worry.

VIDEO 2 And Now There’s Me

• Content - amazing human body; reproductive system, explanation of sexual intercourse & how a baby begins (given in the context of married love and including preliminary information about the menstrual cycle). 
• Other messages – the importance of family, different kinds of families, re-thinking screen time, talking to trusted grownups. 

VIDEO 3 I’m Stepping Out

• Content - puberty facts for boys and girls, emotional ups and downs. 
• Other messages - handling change and uncertainty, talking to a trusted grownup when you need support or information, identifying social media pressure (body perfection, selfie culture, viewing and sharing internet pornography) and acting in ways that are safe.
• Emotional aspects of growing up – recognizing body signals when we are down, how to manage down times.
• Guided conversations between parent/guardian and child about 
  • What makes us special to each other
  • How parents and other support people can help us when we have a problem or need correct information
  • practising how to make safe decisions when under pressure or feeling anxious, unsure or unsafe (cybersafety scenario)

WHY IS SEXUALITY EDUCATION IMPORTANT FOR OUR STUDENTS? 

St John Vianney’s and Open Doors is committed to empowering parents as the primary educators of their children with the aim of reducing adolescent risk-taking behaviour and promoting healthy decision making. 

FURTHER INFORMATION & COST

There are still some spots available. Please book by Thursday 22nd April.

As ‘The Wonder of Living Family Enrichment Program’ is a non-curriculum event, there is a small cost involved with your attendance. This cost of this evening is $15 per family (regardless if you attend 1 or both sessions) and is payable through CDF pay. Your payment is your booking, no need to reply. If you have any further questions or queries, please email Ru Lameijn (rlameijn@sjvmulgrave.catholic.edu.au)

Kind regards, 

Ru Lameijn

Student Wellbeing and Family Engagement Leader