Wellbeing News 🌈

Hello Wonderful Parents & Carers,

I hope that you are enjoying the last days of Autumn and the crisp, sunny days! 😎

School Avoidance

This week, I’d like to put a spotlight on school avoidance and the struggles that some students have in getting to school each day. Regular attendance is so important for the continuity of a child's learning and feeling of connectedness to school and friends. At MEPS, we place great importance on attendance and we regularly check in on student’s absences.

We understand that sometimes there are unforeseen circumstances that cause a child to miss school. We also know that kids miss school for a range of reasons, such as, a family funeral, a wedding or extended family holiday. Please make sure you speak to your child’s teacher when you know that they are going to be absent for an extended length of time. Please also reach out to your child's teacher, myself, or any of the wellbeing team if you need support in encouraging your child to attend school. We are keen to help you and your children directly or through other support networks and organisations that may be able to help.

You might enjoy the following article too;

https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/au/articles-and-news/post/no-more-tears-parenting-tips-for-easier-drop-offs/

Breakfast Club

🥣 Thanks to Lindsay, Elisha and Jac; AMAZING parents who helped with Breakfast Club over the past 2 weeks.

We have served over 100 kids each Tuesday morning for the last 2 weeks! With the help of our beautiful staff and parents, we have got into the groove of preparing and serving all the food quickly, which is great.

It’s so nice to see the kids sitting together, having a chat and trying foods that they might not have in the past.

Remember, Breakfast Club is open for EVERYONE and it happens every Tuesday in the senior building.

Although all the fruit, bread, and cereals are free from the program, Food Bank are unable to supply ham, cheese slices or butter, due to storage and refrigeration limitations. If you are in a position to, have any contacts or would just like to contribute, we’d love donations of those 3 products. The toasties have been a popular menu item so we’d love to keep offering them.

If you are able to help on a Tuesday morning and you have a current Working With Children Check, we’d love your support.

Please email either myself or Bel to let us know.

Crissi - clarissa.kippie@education.vic.gov.au

Bel - belinda.mccarthy@education.vic.gov.au

Warmest regards,

Crissi Kippie

clarissa.kippie@education.vic.gov.au

Mental Health & Wellbeing Leader

🙂Reminder: We can order a limited number of Home Food Packs for students from households that may need some extra support. These packs contain a great variety of healthy and nutritious food, suitable for the whole family. Please reach out to your classroom teacher or send an email to myself or Bel if you require a Home Food Pack sent home for your family. These are available for anyone in need, no questions asked!

Bel - belinda.mccarthy@education.vic.gov.au

Crissi - clarissa.kippie@education.vic.gov.au

From the Art Room