Wellbeing & Inclusion 

at Willy

Respectful Relationships - Stress Management

Throughout Term 4, our Willy Kids will be exploring the Respectful Relationships topic of Stress Management. This learning takes place fortnightly and works alongside our Willy Kids are Friendly Kids program.

At primary school, students learn that everyone feels stressed sometimes. Changes, new challenges, friendship ups and downs, schoolwork and busy routines can all leave kids feeling worried or overwhelmed. The topic helps students recognise their own personal signs of stress and build strategies to deal with it effectively, so they’re better prepared for future challenges. Our message is that stress is a normal part of life, and there are lots of healthy ways to handle it. 

Learning is pitched to each age group, with skills building year by year.

Prep

Students learn to notice how their bodies feel when they’re worried or upset, such as a fast heartbeat, a tight tummy or wanting to cry. They practise simple calming strategies like slow “balloon” breathing, counting, stretching, or having a quiet moment.

Years 1 & 2

Students talk about situations that can feel stressful, like starting something new or making a mistake. They try out different calming strategies and work out which ones help them most. They also begin using helpful self-talk, such as “I can try again” or “I can ask for help.”

Years 3 & 4

Students explore what stress is and how it affects our thoughts, feelings and bodies. They learn that people react to the same situation in different ways. They put together their own “toolkit” of strategies, including relaxation, being active, doing something enjoyable and talking to someone they trust.

Years 5 & 6

Students look at stress in more depth, including pressures that can come with friendships, schoolwork and the move toward secondary school. They practise identifying their early warning signs and choosing a strategy that suits the situation. They also learn about healthy habits that protect wellbeing, like sleep, exercise and planning ahead.

Throughout the topic, students learn that asking for help when they feel stressed is a strong and smart choice. Families can support this learning through simple conversations at home and reminding children about their support network.

Kind regards,

Lisa Leydin                                                                  Anna Swan

Assistant Principal                                                   Learning Specialist

Disability, Inclusion & Wellbeing                        Mental Health and  Wellbeing Leader