Newport Lakes Primary School

Health & Wellbeing @ NLPS

R U OK? Day – September 11th

R U OK? Day is a national reminder that a simple conversation can make a world of difference to someone who may be struggling. It’s about taking the time to notice the people around us and checking in with care and compassion.

 

This year, we encourage our parent community to reach out to a friend, family member, neighbour, or colleague, and ask, “Are you OK?” You don’t need to have all the answers, just listening with care and without judgement can be so powerful.

 

It would be wonderful if we could check in with another parent or carer in our school community! Sometimes those casual conversations at drop-off, pick-up, or over a coffee, can mean more than we realise.

 

Small acts of kindness (a warm smile, a sincere question, a listening ear) can really change someone’s day or even life. They have the power to brighten a day, lighten a load, or give someone the courage to face a challenge. In a world where life feels busy and time is short, 11th September is a chance to slow down (be present) and make an extra effort to check in on those around us, because even the simplest gesture, like asking “R U OK?”, can touch a life in ways we may never truly know. 

Footy Colours Day – Wednesday 17th September

Get ready to show your team spirit! On Wednesday 17th September, our school will be celebrating Footy Colours Day. Children are invited to come to school wearing the colours of their favourite football team – whether it’s AFL, NRL, soccer, or even your local club.

 

This fun day isn’t just about sporting pride, it’s also a way for our school community to support a great cause. Footy Colours Day raises funds to help children and young people living with cancer.

 

Students are encouraged to bring a gold coin donation to contribute. Every little bit makes a difference and helps support kids and families facing tough challenges.

Let’s wear our colours with pride and help make a positive impact in our community!

Celebrating Brain Week: All Kinds of Minds

This week at Newport Lakes Primary School, we are excited to celebrate Brain Week, a time dedicated to recognising and appreciating the amazing diversity of how our brains work. The theme is ‘All Kinds of Minds’, which reminds us that every person’s mind is unique and wonderful in its own way.

 

As part of our focus, we are exploring neurodivergence, understanding that some brains work differently, such as those of people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other ways of thinking and learning. It’s important to teach our children about neurodivergence so that they develop empathy, respect, and inclusiveness for ‘all kinds of minds’. This knowledge helps to create a supportive environment where every student feels accepted, valued, and celebrated for who they are.

 

Through activities and discussions, we celebrate that each of us is wonderfully different, a strength to be proud of, not something to hide. We want our students to understand that we are all born to stand out, not just to ‘fit in’. It’s essential to raise children who believe in themselves and know their worth. By teaching them to embrace their uniqueness and empower others, we hope to create a kinder, stronger community, where everyone feels supported and able to thrive and shine just as they are! 

I Believe in (Me) Us Day – Celebrating Ourselves and Our Community!

This year, we are excited to rebrand our special event from I Believe in Me Day to I Believe in Me Us Day, taking place on Wednesday 15th October. While we continue to champion the important message that every child should believe in themselves, we are also embracing a new focus: understanding that part of who we are is shaped by being part of a wonderful, inclusive community of learners. 

 

Believing in us means recognising that our strengths, talents, and uniqueness contribute not only to ourselves but also to a caring and supportive school community where everyone is valued and included. When children see themselves as part of a supportive community, they develop empathy, collaboration skills, and a sense of belonging; qualities that enrich both their academic and social experiences.

 

Students are encouraged to wear their favourite outfits that make them feel happy and proud. This is a free dress day, and we ask that each student bring a gold coin donation to support Variety, the Children’s Charity. 

 

For 95 years, Variety - the Children’s Charity has been helping children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with a disability to reach their full potential.

Variety is there to fill the gaps where others can't. Their life changing work allows kids to gain mobility, to get out and about in the community, to communicate, achieve independence, and increase their self-esteem. They make sure the kids who miss out can always join in.

 

The day will feature activities designed to help students explore their strengths, practise kindness, and understand how their actions contribute to a positive and supportive school community, including:

  • 9:00 AM – Circle Time: Students will gather in their classrooms to reflect on what makes them unique and how they contribute to our school community. 
  • Foundation – Proud to Be at School: Students will explore what makes their school special and reflect on the ways they can show pride in their learning environment, including pride in our outdoor yard space.
  • Year 1/2 – Practising Kindness and Manners: Children will engage in activities that encourage good social etiquette, respectful interactions, and caring behaviours towards others.
  • Year 3/4 – Random Acts of Kindness: Students will take on a Kindness Challenge, performing thoughtful actions to brighten someone else’s day and build a culture of kindness. 
  • Year 5/6 – Pay It Forward: Students will learn about the ripple effect of positive actions and contribute to the school community by helping others in meaningful ways.
  • 2:45pm - Whole School Celebration –To end the day, all students will come together to ‘Dance Like Nobody’s Watching’ and sing My Own Superhero, celebrating themselves and the connections they share as a community.

 

I Believe in Us Day is about feeling proud of ourselves and recognising the value of the community of which we are lucky to be a part. Together, we want to celebrate uniqueness, kindness, and the ways we support one another, making our school a brighter, more inclusive place for everyone.