Wellbeing

 PBL

At SFS, our PBL (Positive Behaviours for Learning) school wide expectations are:

Respect, 

Responsibility and 

Kindness

This week we focused on RESPECT in the LEARNING SPACE: Listen and Follow instructions. The children has a lesson on what Respect in the Learning Space looks like, how do we listen and follow instructions and why is it important. 

WELCOME PICNIC and KABOOM KIDS

Last Friday we had our school Welcome Picnic that we always have to start our school year. A big thank you to all the families and students who attended. It is a great opportunity for students, families and teachers to get to know each other better, celebrate the start of the school year and create a sense of belonging at SFS. We again had Kaboom Kids join us to lead the students and families in some fun games and activities. It was great to see everyone having so much fun together.

School Attendance

We highlighted at the Parent information evening the importance of attendance at school. Attendance at school is also a legal requirement. In accordance with the Education Training and Reform Act 2006 (Vic.) (the Act) and the Education and Training Reform Regulations 2017 (Vic.), school attendance is compulsory for children and young people aged from 6 to 17 years. Attending school everyday matters. The following information was taken from the Every day counts Primary school Attendance fact sheet, from the Victorian state government Education and Training. 

“We all want our students to get a great education, and the building blocks for a great education begin with students coming to school each and every day. If students miss school regularly, they miss out on learning the fundamental skills that will set them up for success in the later years of school. 

There is no safe number of days for missing school – each day a student misses puts them behind, and can affect their educational outcomes. Each missed day is associated with progressively lower achievement in numeracy, writing and reading. Getting in early Attendance patterns are established early – a child regularly missing days in kindergarten or in the early years of school will often continue to miss classes in the later years, and receive lower test scores than their classmates. It’s vital that students go to school every day – even in the early years of primary school. 

What we can do The main reasons for absence are: Sickness – There are always times when students need to miss school, such as when they’re ill. It’s vital that they’re only away on the days they are genuinely sick, and setting good sleep patterns, eating well and exercising regularly can make a big difference. It's vital that holidays are planned during school holidays where possible, and not during the term if it can be avoided. “Day off” – Think twice before letting your child have a “day off” as they could fall behind their classmates – every day counts. Truancy – This is when students choose not to go to school without their parent’s permission. There can be many reasons for truancy. The best way to address this is for schools and parents to work together. If for any reason your child must miss school, there are things you can do with your school to ensure they don’t fall behind:

• Speak with your classroom teacher and find out what work your child needs to do to keep up.  It helps to build relationships, it provides consistent opportunities for developing knowledge, it helps students to stay connected to peers and their learning and helps build consistent engagement with the world.”
• Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) is our governing body and we need to follow the attendance guidelines which were outlined at the parent information evening in Week 2. 

The guidelines are as follows for responding to unexplained school absences:

1 unexplained absence:  Class teacher contacts family and a letter will be sent home outlining our procedures as a MACs school. 

If a child has 3 to 5 unexplained absences over a 12 month period: the school will contact the family to discuss a chronic absence pattern occurring and a letter will be sent home.

5 or more unexplained absences in a 12 month period: contact families again to offer increased support and a letter will be sent home calling for a meeting to discuss attendance for your child. MACS (our governing body) will be contacted to inform them about the ongoing absenteeism.

If ongoing unexplained absences occur:  a formal meeting with families will be arranged to discuss attendance and create an attendance plan. MACS will be notified and updated.

In the case of school refusal, we will work together with families to support your child and their health and wellbeing to encourage them to return to school. External supports can be offered to help this process.

Please remember to add the reason for school absence and have a doctor’s certificate when required. For more information and resources to help address attendance issues, visit: www.education.vic.gov.au/school/parents/ behaviour/Pages/studentattendance.aspx

SEASONS for Growth

Seasons for Growth Learning to live with change and loss

Everyone is affected by change and loss at some time in our lives. At SFS. we recognise that when changes occur such as separation, divorce, death, school transitions and natural disasters children may benefit from learning the skills to manage these changes effectively. 

We are therefore offering an education program called Seasons for Growth which will commence in Term 1 and run throughout the year. This program is facilitated in small groups of up to 7 participants and is based on research which highlights the importance of social support and the need the practise new skills to cope effectively with change and loss. 

The program focuses on building skills such as how to manage feelings, problem-solving, decision-making, effective communication and develops peer support networks. Participation in the program can promote improved self-esteem and self-confidence as well as giving children the opportunity to find their own voice amid change. 

If you think your child/ children would enjoy joining the Seasons for Growth program, we encourage you to talk to him/her about it. We are pleased to be able to offer this successful program and we are confident that it will be a valuable learning experience for those involved. If you require further information please contact Rachel Lenko or speak to your child’s Homegroup teacher about your child participating in the program. 

If you have any concerns about the mental health or wellbeing of your child, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am available to speak to at school, via the phone or email on rlenko@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

Rachel Lenko                                                          

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader