Wellbeing at St John's

Wellbeing

What a great start to Term 3 we are having here at St John’s!

Term 3 is off to a fantastic start, with our students enthusiastically settling back into their learning and school routines.

Our lunchtime clubs are once again buzzing with excitement, providing students with wonderful opportunities to connect, explore their interests and build friendships in a fun and supportive environment. It's been wonderful to see so many smiling faces enjoying these activities.

Across the school, classes are also continuing their Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) journey using the outstanding resources from The Resilience Project. Through engaging lessons and meaningful conversations, students are developing emotional literacy, practising gratitude, empathy and mindfulness and building the resilience and wellbeing skills that help them thrive both in and out of the classroom.

We are incredibly proud of the positive way our students have embraced the new term and look forward to another wonderful semester of learning, growth and connection.

PBL (Positive Behaviour for Learning)

This term, our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) focus is Be Responsible. Throughout the term, staff will be actively looking for students demonstrating this value both in the classroom and in the playground.

At St John's, being responsible means taking ownership of our actions, making positive choices and caring for ourselves, others and our environment. It might look like students being organised, following instructions, completing their work to the best of their ability and looking after school property. It might sound like kind, encouraging words, respectful conversations and students taking responsibility for their learning and behaviour. Most importantly, it feels like a school where everyone is safe, supported and proud to contribute to our positive learning community.

Students who consistently demonstrate responsibility will be recognised and celebrated. Staff will be awarding Dojo Points and Recognition Tokens to acknowledge positive choices, with students going into the draw for weekly rewards. Some students will also receive PBL Certificates at our school assemblies in recognition of their outstanding efforts.

By explicitly teaching, recognising and celebrating positive behaviours, we continue to strengthen our school culture and ensure St John's is a place where every child can learn, grow and shine.

Family Wellbeing Activities 

Wellbeing doesn't have to be complicated, it's often the small, everyday moments that make the biggest difference. Here are some simple ideas to help your family connect, recharge and build positive wellbeing together:

🌿 Connect

• Eat one meal together without screens
• Share your favourite part of the day and one challenge
• Write kind notes for each other and hide them around the house
• Play a favourite board game or card game together

🚶 Move

• Go for a family walk or bike ride
• Visit a local playground, park or walking trail
• Kick a football, shoot some hoops or play backyard cricket

😊 Practise Gratitude

• Each evening, share three things you're grateful for
• Start a family gratitude jar and read the notes together at the end of the month
• Thank someone who has made a difference to your day

📚 Learn Together

• Read a book together
• Cook a new recipe as a family
• Complete a puzzle or build something together
• Visit your local library

❤️ Show Kindness

• Bake something for a neighbour or friend
• Help with a household chore without being asked
• Compliment each family member
• Volunteer together in your local community

🌱 Mindfulness

• Spend five minutes practising deep breathing together
• Sit outside and notice five things you can see, hear and feel
• Watch the sunset or look at the stars
• Enjoy a screen-free hour together

😂 Have Fun

• Have a family movie night.
• Play charades or a scavenger hunt
• Have a family games night

I am looking forward to another wonderful term filled with exciting learning experiences, opportunities for growth and moments to celebrate together as a school community. Please remember that my door is always open. If there is anything I can do to support your child or family with their wellbeing, big or small, I would love to hear from you. By working together, we can ensure every child at St John's feels valued, supported and empowered to be their very best. 

Wishing you a great week filled with moments of gratitude. Please reach out if I can help with anything.

Tracey Farrar (Mental Health & Wellbeing Leader)

tfarrar@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au