Wellbeing
SWPBS Update
Congratulations to the wonderful students who received certificates at assembly last week. Well done on showing our school values so many times in the playground!
SWPBS Annual Report
Thanks very much to families who filled out our annual review survey! We used your perspectives, plus the reflections of staff and students, as we completed our annual report and made plans for priorities for next year. You can read the annual report for 2025 here...
Child Development & Wellbeing Information
This week: Parent Wellbeing
Being a parent can be joyous, ridiculous, fulfilling, but also can be really challenging and exhausting. As we move into summer holidays, I wanted to send a message that we see your hard work caring for your children, and we want to encourage you to take care of yourselves too. We hope you can spend some really nice time over summer enjoying special moments with your family and also doing some of the things that you personally love.
Parents sometimes feel like they have to be on top of everything, even though they’re juggling a thousand things, and can be really harsh critics of themselves. Being kind to yourself, allowing the mess and acknowledging the struggle can be a valuable (and life-changing) skill to practise. This is a nice article on Self-Compassion for Parents from the Raising Children Network.
Know that parental burnout is a thing. Here’s a great article and podcast on this topic from the Life Ed van: Parent Burnout – Simple strategies to help parents with the overwhelm. It talks about strategies like taking time to rest and recharge, prioritising what’s important and avoiding comparison.
Finally, here’s a really beautiful concept from Dr Billy Garvey on building “sanctuaries” for powerful, special, treasured time between children and parents. He talks about having a regular, untouchable, special time shared between a parent and their child, doing something they both love. You can find more information at the end of this article: What I wish you knew about your child’s mental health: how aiming for high self-esteem is a mistake. Hopefully you might be able to start, strengthen or savour sanctuaries with your children as 2026 begins.
Mental Health Support
If you or your child need advice or someone to talk to over the holidays (or anytime!), here are some support numbers…
Beyond Blue
Call 1300 22 4636. Or webchat via www.beyondblue.org.au
Our free telephone and online counselling service is open 24/7 for everyone in Australia. No matter who you are, or how you're feeling, reach out to our free counselling services for support – we'll point you in the right direction so you can get the help you need.
MensLine Australia
Call 1300 78 99 78. Or webchat via mensline.org.au
MensLine Australia offers free professional 24/7 telephone counselling support for men with concerns about mental health, relationships, anger management, family violence (using and experiencing), stress, and suicidal thoughts.
Family Relationships Advice Line
Call 1800 050 321 Mon-Fri 8am to 8pm; Sat 10am- 4pm
Anyone can call the Advice Line, a national telephone service about family relationships. They help with strengthening family relationships, helping families stay together and assisting families through separation. More information here: www.familyrelationships.gov.au/talk-someone/advice-line
Kids Helpline
Call 1800 55 1800. Or webchat via kidshelpline.com.au
Kids Helpline is Australia’s free and confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
Here also is a factsheet from the Department of Education for parents and carers on supporting student wellbeing over the holidays: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/school/Wellbeing%20Support_Factsheet_ParentsandCarers.pdf