Student Engagement

Understanding ADHD: Looking Beyond the Behaviour

As part of our recent School Closure Day, our staff had the privilege of learning from psychologist Stewart D'Silva, who shared current research and practical strategies for supporting students with ADHD.

One of the most powerful messages was that ADHD is not a behaviour problem; it is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects a child's ability to regulate attention, emotions, impulses and executive functioning.

Children with ADHD often work incredibly hard simply to manage the demands of everyday school life. Success is more likely when adults focus on connection before correction, reduce unnecessary demands during moments of dysregulation, provide clear routines and visual supports, and celebrate effort and progress. Many of these strategies benefit all learners, not just those with ADHD. 

At Sacred Heart, we believe that the strongest outcomes for children come when schools and families work together. We are committed to continuing to build staff understanding and partnering with families so that every child feels known, supported and able to experience success.

Child Safety Update

The safety and wellbeing of every child at Sacred Heart remains our highest priority.

The Victorian Department of Education has recently updated the PROTECT guidance used by schools to identify, respond to and support children where there are concerns about their safety and wellbeing. These changes have been developed in partnership with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing to strengthen child safeguarding across all Victorian schools.

As a Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) school, Sacred Heart is implementing the updated PROTECT policy and procedures this term. The revised policy will be available on our school website and will continue to guide our staff in responding to concerns in a timely, consistent and child-centred way.

We remain committed to working in partnership with families to ensure every child feels safe, supported and able to thrive.

Warm regards,

Erin

Erin Stone

Deputy Principal: People and Culture of Safety and Wellbeing

Student Engagement P-6

estone@shnewport.catholic.edu.au

Rosy Cubero

Student Engagement P-6

rcubero@shnewport.catholic.edu.au

Michael Gowland

Intervention Leader

Student Engagement

mgowland@shnewport.catholic.edu.au