Student Wellbeing Updates
School Support Dog
You may have seen a sausage dog strolling around the school … this dog is here for a purpose! The dog is named Schnitzel Von Krumm and over the course of the next year she is undergoing training through Lead The Way to become a School Support Dog. It is a long an intensive course for both the dog and her owner/ handler Rebecca Broecker (Wellbeing and Inclusion Leading Teacher). Schnitzel has commenced level one training titled ‘Visitor Learner Dog’. You will see the L plates on her jacket, this shows the students she is still learning.
The benefits of having a School Support Dog are endless. They can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness. Learning to adjust ones behaviour (tone, touch etc) has been the first lesson for students at CGPS and just like the students, Schnitzel Von Krumm is learning too! Caring for a dog can provide valuable companionship and can help children have a deeper connection with another being. You may have already heard from your child that they have seen or patted Schnitzel!
Schnitzel lives with Rebecca’s family fulltime and is 3 years old. For the time being she will attend CGPS on Wednesday’s and Friday’s and be stationed in the Wellbeing Corner. Students are more than welcome to pat Schnitzel however they will need to ask a staff member first then approach quietly and calmly down at Schnitzel’s height (she only has very little legs!). Step two is to let Schnitzel sniff their hand and when appropriate, pat on the back or under the head as dogs generally don’t like to be patted on the head by strangers.
Thank you for welcoming Schnitzel into our school community!
Olivia and Arya from 1A
Mental Health in Primary Schools
The Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) government initiative began in 2020 and is being progressively rolled-out to all government schools in Victoria.
The project aims to train experienced teachers to become Mental Health and Wellbeing Leaders who work to support staff in building their capability to better identify and address mental health issues in students, as well as promotion of good mental health.
MHiPS also aims to create and strengthen a clear referral pathway model within the school and to external community-based services.
Why was MHiPS created?
Research shows that over 8 percent of children aged 4-11 years have a diagnosed mental health disorder, and 20 percent of children experience mental health difficulties that inhibit their daily functioning. Mental health and wellbeing in primary school-aged children is particularly complex, as it can be difficult to differentiate behaviours and emotions that are developmentally appropriate from those that require additional support. For those that do require additional support, it can be difficult for teachers and parents to understand how and where to access help.
Who is in the MHiPS team?
At CGPS Rebecca Broecker, our Wellbeing and Inclusion Leading Teacher has been appointed to the role of Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader.
Sarah Gerlach, our School Counsellor is a fundamental part of the team and Alison Lough, our School Principal supports the work of the MHiPS team at CGPS.
How will MHiPS benefit CGPS?
Using qualitative and quantitative data, the team will implement the MHiPS initative with the aim to increase teachers’ confidence to support student mental health and wellbeing and build capacity across the school to improve student mental health and wellbeing through increased mental health literacy and access to supports and services.
Schools from previous rollouts of MHiPS have experienced successes as indicated in the key findings diagram.
