Student Wellbeing & Mental Health
Wellbeing at Lysterfield Primary School
Big Problems vs. Little Problems - What is a Catastrophe Scale?
Understanding the difference between big problems and little problems enables students to respond effectively to various situations. Little problems are those that can be solved independently and relatively quickly, while big problems require assistance from an adult or may take longer to resolve. Developing this skill is an essential aspect of Social-Emotional Learning, as it promotes self-awareness, decision-making, and responsible behaviour.
A Catastrophe Scale is a measurement system that helps children to put their problems and feelings into perspective. One of the greatest gifts that we can give our children is the gift of perspective, and with this comes resilience. Perspective is a skill which needs to be taught, learned and practised. Even with many years of practice, for many adults, putting things into perspective is not always easy and doesn’t come naturally. The Catastrophe Scale organises issues from 1 to 10, from most serious to least serious. The scale is a great reference for when children need to decide the severity of their issue.
Kim Bedford | School Counsellor / Social Worker
Upcoming Workshops / Other Information
Free five‑week online webinar ADHD series
Parents, carers, young people and educators are invited to take part in a free five‑week online webinar series designed to build confidence, strengthen relationships and deepen understanding of young people living with ADHD.
Running weekly from 4 March to 1 April 2026, the series brings together practical strategies and compassionate insights from award‑winning educator, therapist and proud ADHD-er Tony Vallance of Building Better Brains. Participants can choose to attend a single session or join the full program.
Each week explores a different theme, offering families and supporters a chance to learn, reflect and connect:
- Calming the Storm (4 March) – Tools for navigating overwhelm and emotional intensity
- Big Feelings, Big Hearts (11 March) – Understanding emotional regulation in young people
- Two Neurotypes and One Child (18 March) – Bridging communication and expectations
- Learning to Learn and Masked (25 March)– Supporting learning styles and reducing masking
Misunderstood and Magnificent (01 April)– Understanding ADHD in girls and young women
The series aims to create a supportive space where parents, carers, educators and young people can gain clarity, feel understood and walk away with strategies that can be used immediately.
Flyer below with QR code or follow this link -
Yellow Ladybugs 2026 Conference – Reclaiming the Past to Shape the Future
Yellow Ladybugs is a non-government organisation, dedicated to the happiness, success and celebration of autistic girls, women and gender diverse individuals. This three-day event, Supporting Autistic Girls and Gender-Diverse Students at School and Beyond, brings together over 50 lived and professional perspectives from around the world. It’s led by an autistic-run charity that has always stood proudly for empowerment, understanding, and community. Together, we’ll explore how far we’ve come and how much further we can go through neuro-affirming, trauma-informed discussions that celebrate growth, belonging, and hope.
For more information -
Pop Culture Parenting Live Show
After a sold-out Melbourne show last year, Billy and Nick are returning to the stage with a brand-new live experience celebrating the beautiful chaos of raising kids.
When - Friday March 27th @ 7pm
Where - National Theatre, St Kilda
ThinkUKnow Parent & Community Session
Rebecca Sparrow Friendship Webinars
When - Tuesday 10 March 6.30pm (live event)
All ticket holders will be sent the replay with 12 months access
Michelle Mitchell Live Event - Teens: What They Don't Tell Their Parents
Podcasts of Interest
Pop Culture Parenting - Pop Culture Parenting — Guiding Growing Minds
Well, hello Anxiety - Podcast - Dr. Jodi Richardson
Parental as Anything - Parental As Anything with Maggie Dent and Bec Sparrow - ABC listen
The Imperfects - The Imperfects Podcast
Anglicare Parentzone Newsletter - Parenting in the East What's On Term 1 2026
News and information on programs, services, groups and events to support parents across the Eastern Region of Melbourne. Some of the upcoming (and free!) programs for Term 1 include Circle of Security Parenting, Tuning in to Kids, Tuning in to Teens, Surviving Separation, & the Strengthening Parents Support Program (for parents & carers of children with a disability, developmental delay or neurodivergence - including ASD, ADHD & AuDHD) -
ParentZone Pods
Podcasts for parents, carers and those who support others with their parenting. The ParentZone Teams are delighted to bring you TWELVE ParentZone Pods. Each Pod identifies and explores common issues parents bring to our parenting groups and offers strategies to try in these situations.
Podcast Series 1
Episode 1: Family Meetings
Episode 2: Dealing with Anxiety
Episode 3: Sibling Rivalry
Episode 4: Getting Children to Listen
Episode 5: How to Respond to Kids' Behaviour
Episode 6: How to Stop Yelling at your Kids
Podcast Series 2
Episode 1: Positive Discipline
Episode 2: School Refusal
Episode 3: Parenting our Teenagers
Episode 4: Meltdowns vs Tantrums
Episode 5: Couples Parenting Together
Episode 6: Dads Parenting Today
ParentZone Pods can be found on our website, Apple and via Spotify