Child Safe & Wellbeing

Body Image

Kids today are more obsessed with their body image than those in past generations. This is partially influenced by the media and their social connectivity. Encouraging kids to have a healthy body image in childhood, can lay the foundations for good physical and mental health later in life.

A recent study highlighted that body image is one of the top three concerns for Australian youth. Over half of girls in high schools have tried to lose weight. One-third of teenage boys wanted to be thinner and another third wanted to be larger. Children need to understand that their body shape and size is not a reflection of their health or success. Parents and schools need to work together to help kids understand that everyone is born with their own ‘body-suit’.

Please open our link to SchoolTV to watch the informative videos on this topic:

https://cranbourneeast.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/body-image

Upstanding U — Have the POWER

At St Thomas the Apostle, students are continuing to build their understanding of our whole-school bullying prevention initiative, “Upstanding U Have the POWER.” 

This week, the focus is on the next letter of the POWER framework: O - Outside Help

Outside Help means recognising when a situation is too difficult, unsafe or serious to manage alone and seeking support from a trusted adult. Students learn that asking for help is a responsible and courageous choice that can protect themselves and others.

Students will practise recognising when someone may be unsafe, upset, excluded or experiencing repeated unkind behaviour. They will also learn that seeking help is not the same as getting someone into trouble. It is about making sure the right person can provide support, guidance and protection.

Our learning will continue to be explored through a Catholic lens. Students will reflect on Luke 10:1, where Jesus sends his disciples out in pairs:

“Jesus sent the disciples out two by two.”

This Scripture reminds us that we are not expected to face difficult situations alone. Jesus shows us the importance of support, partnership and caring for one another. When students seek Outside Help, they demonstrate wisdom, courage and concern for the dignity and safety of others.

Families can support this learning by talking with children about the trusted adults in their lives and encouraging them to speak up when something feels unsafe, confusing or too difficult to manage alone.

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD)

Coffee & Connect - Thursday 6th August

Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others

Parenting can be both rewarding and demanding. Amid the changing needs of our children and the many pressures of raising young people today, it can be easy to place our own wellbeing at the bottom of the list.

Coffee & Connect is an opportunity to slow down, enjoy a cuppa, and connect with other parents and carers from our school community. In our next Coffee & Connect, we'll chat about what it means to care for ourselves while caring for others, share ideas and experiences, and reflect on the small, everyday ways we can support our own wellbeing.

Whether you'd like to contribute to the conversation or simply come along to listen, everyone is welcome. We hope you'll join us for a relaxed morning of connection, conversation, and community.