Chaplain's Spot

The benefits of Spring

I think Spring is my favourite season. We’re moving away from the icy Winter into warmer times. Here are some benefits that our friend Google has shared with us. Spring brings longer days, warmer weather, and a boost to your mental and physical health.

Mental Health and Mood

More Sunlight: Longer days increase natural light, which raises serotonin levels and helps lift seasonal sadness.
Less Stress: Spending time outdoors in green spaces lowers stress and reduces anxiety.
Fresh Motivation: Warmer weather and blooming nature inspire feelings of hope, creativity, and productivity.

Physical Health and Activity

More Exercise: Milder temperatures make it easier to go for walks, run, or cycle outside.
Vitamin D: Safe sun exposure helps your body produce vitamin D, which supports your immune system and bones.
Fresh Foods: Spring brings a rich harvest of fresh fruits and vegetables that make healthy eating easier and tastier.

Home and Habits

Spring Cleaning: Decluttering and organizing your living space can create a sense of achievement and improve your focus.
Better Sleep: Balanced daylight exposure helps regulate your natural sleep cycle for more restful nights.

A bit of silliness to finish this theme:

Spring has sprung – The grass has riz – I wonder where the birdies is.

and

The bird is on the wing - Now isn’t that absurd? - I always thought the wing was on the bird

Community wellbeing:

‘Too Good To Go’ was founded in 2016 in Copenhagen to fight food waste. In 9 years, the company has grown to over 120 million registered users and 180,000 active business partners across 21 countries in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. ‘Too Good To Go’ has helped to save over 500+ million meals from being wasted, the equivalent of 1.3M tonnes of CO2e avoided.

We were recently introduced to this facility. The app is easy to download, and goods valued at eg. $30 are available for only $10. 2 Heathmont businesses participating include Crumbles and Bakers Delight. At Eastland, there is Daniel’s Donuts, Muffin Break and Bakers Delight. Check it out. It saves a lot of waste, and provides food for a third of the price at the end of the day, so saving your budget as well.

Toast Tuesday: Our free breakfast program runs weekly on Tuesdays at 8.30am, and is open to all students. We also have emergency food items available if you would like some extra support at any time.

Our new roster link for Term 4 is as follows: volunteersignup.org/PRLAX

If you would like to volunteer, please visit this link. Thanks

There are two main businesses who support our breakfast program – please support them if that suits your preferences and your budget.

We are thankful to Woolies Eastland, who supports us with gift cards for our spreads.

We are also thankful to Bakers Delight Heathmont, for their provision of loaves for Toast Tuesday, plus other bakery items for our families. If you would appreciate some regular bakery items, such as loaves, rolls, pizza bases etc. please email me, or see me at school.

Second-hand uniforms: Come and check out our second-hand uniform items at Toast Tuesday, or at our fortnightly assemblies. Thank you to all who have donated uniform back to us. We also have several school bags in good condition, also school hats. Come and check them out in readiness for the warmer weather.

Contact: Feel free to contact me about anything that is of concern for you or your family, whether emotional, social, spiritual or practical. I am happy to meet with you on a Wednesday or Thursday, if you would like to chat about any life challenges.

Regarding students, I can meet with them once, and for further contact we ask parents to sign a Consent Form. If you would like a form, I can send one home, give you one on Tuesday mornings, or email one to you.

Alan Silverwood: Chaplain - Pastoral care for our community. [Tuesday & Friday]

[alan.silverwood@education.vic.gov.au]

Supporting the School community in emotional, social, spiritual and practical wellbeing.

Our Chaplaincy program is funded by the Federal Government’s ‘National Student Wellbeing Program’, the GRPS School Council and donations.