Lysterfield PS Newsletter

Wellbeing and Engagement

Robyn Mowat,  Assistant Principal | Student Inclusion and Wellbeing

Supporting and embracing students who are Neurodiverse

At Lysterfield Primary we are committed to supporting all students and fostering a culture that celebrates individual achievements and school-wide acceptance. With this in mind and our school values, some teaching and all educational support staff have been engaging in additional learning to support students who are Neurodiverse.

 

Neurodiverse is the idea that there’s variation in how people’s brains work and how people experience, understand, and interact with the world. This means there are natural differences in the way people learn and communicate. These variations include those seen in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, and dyslexia. These children can be described as neurodivergent.

 

This week staff were working with Jess and Kirsty from Calm at the forefront https://www.calmattheforefront.com/. Jess and Kirsty delivered an engaging presentation that covered aspects such as:

  • Understanding Neurodiversity
  • Neuroaffirming practice
  • Brain development - Why we need to appreciate the importance of timing our interventions/support
  • Regulating the Unregulated brain - What to do at ‘that’ moment - practical strategies for managing behaviour
  • Self Care - How to look after yourselves in your role

Feedback from Staff

  • Great training that focuses on the positive elements of Neurodiversity
  • Learnt that food preferences can be predictable versus unpredictable food rather than healthy versus unhealthy.
  • Practical strategies to support students by co-regulating

How you can help:

  • Engage in Professional Learning yourself
  • Talk with your child about the differences that others might need to learn and it may not seem fair
  • Reflect on your own experiences and thoughts about neurodiverse students
  • Model tolerance and understanding
  • Celebrate other's achievements or successes
  • Encourage and discuss situations where your child may have been mildly uncomfortable for a moment, when encountering differences in students' learning, communication or self-regulation needs.

Additional Professional learning at Lysterfield.

Recent and upcoming Professional Learning for staff includes-  Zones of Regulation, Trauma Informed Education, Pathological Demand Avoidance, and a selection of short courses through https://www.kristyforbes.com.au/.

 

Additional Services/Support 

ADHD, Autism, Behavioural or Educational Assessments at Nepean Psychology

** FREE WEBINAR **

 

TEENAGE DIRTBAG - PARENTING TEENS WITH EMPATHY

 

Thursday 24th August 8pm - By Dr Justin Coulson 

 

Dr Justin says "the secret sauce to successfully raising a teen is empathy"... and tapping into your own inner teen is the best place to start.

 

So dust off your Docs and dig out your flanno! We're taking a time-travelling trip back to the 90s where the internet screeches, you're emotionally invested in Saved By the Bell, and you're devo'd because you forgot to feed your Tamagotchi ...

 

Follow the link to register - https://happyfamiliesfamilyeducation.ac-page.com/teenage-dirtbag