Vice Principal 

& Wellbeing

Wellbeing at St Mary's

At St Mary's, we believe that when students feel regulated, valued, calm and connected, they will flourish. Self-regulation refers to students' ability to monitor their own behaviours and implement strategies to support their focus and engagement. It also allows students to become less reactive and more proactive in their learning.

As teachers, we accept individuality and embrace student voice. It is our aim to work alongside each student to develop their ability to self-regulate by offering a range of regulation strategies. 

We use our REACT to take responsibility for our learning and behaviour and assist us to restore situations when we are not feeling regulated.  

REGULATION STRATEGIES TO USE AT HOME:

• Jump on the trampoline
• Ride your bike or scooter
• Colouring in
• Mindful breathing such as the lazy 8 or hand breathing
• Listen to music
• Skipping rope
• Curl up in a cozy corner
• Read a book
• Cuddle a teddy
• Bounce a ball
• Play with putty or playdoh
• Paint the fence with water

Being regulated at home will assist children with their executive function; the ability to execute everyday tasks in a systematic and calm manner. Sometimes, when we see our children dysregulated, angry or out of control, our initial response is to say, "Calm Down!" But how can they calm down when they don't know that they need to? 

When children are screaming, yelling, crying or running around like crazy, they are communicating to us that they are not ok. Some better option to use:

"You need to take a break"

"What can I do to help you?"

"I can see that you are feeling _______, is there anything you need?"

Next time you are faced with a dysregulated child, try something new and see if it makes a difference to the way they respond.

Neurodiversity support for Girls