Student Wellbeing & Mental Health

Lysterfield Primary Student Wellbeing and Mental Health Team

Every Day Counts – The Importance of Consistent School Attendance

At Lysterfield Primary School, we believe that every school day matters. Attending school regularly lays the foundation for lifelong learning and success, academically, socially, and emotionally. It’s not just about being present, it’s about giving every student the best chance to thrive.

In a typical school year, students have approximately 192 days of face-to-face learning. While this might sound like a lot, even a few days missed here and there can quickly add up. Missing just one day a fortnight equates to four whole weeks of lost learning across a year. Over a student’s schooling journey, this lost time can significantly affect their academic growth and confidence.

Consistent attendance ensures students stay connected. To their learning, to their peers, and to the rhythm of classroom life. When students miss school, they can also miss out on vital instruction, collaborative discussions, and hands-on activities that are difficult to replicate outside of the classroom. The flow of learning is disrupted, and it can be challenging for students to catch up on key concepts, leading to gaps in understanding.

Just as importantly, regular attendance helps strengthen friendships and a sense of belonging. School is where children learn how to work with others, solve problems, and develop the social skills needed for future success. Frequent absences can make it harder for students to build and maintain these important connections.

We understand that there are times when absences are unavoidable due to illness or family emergencies. However, where possible, we encourage families to prioritise attendance and communicate with us if support is needed.

Let’s work together to make every day count. By promoting regular attendance, we’re helping our students make the most of every opportunity to learn, grow and succeed.

If you have any concerns about your child’s attendance or would like advice on supporting your child to attend more consistently, please don’t hesitate to contact me or someone from the wellbeing team.

From Lysterfield Students: Why do you enjoy coming to school?

Because I like...

To learn about 'equal' in maths.
To do sport with Mr Thomas and to play basketball.
To be with my friends and have fun.
To learn new things, like in STEM, when you get to learn about the planets.
To learn and to see my friends.
To go to specialists because you get to do things with your hands and move.
To play footy and handball with my friends.
To have fun.
To learn about things like how it was hard for settlers to live during the Gold Rush.
To keep up with my learning, and so I know what is going on.
To go to the curious corner.
To learn about poems.

Robyn Mowat \ Assistant Principal - Student Inclusion and Wellbeing

Upcoming Workshops / Other Information

Next live Justin Coulson Happy Families School event!!

(included in our Happy Families School Membership)

Carrots & Sticks

Better Ways to Build Boundaries with Your Kids

Wednesday 18 June, 2025 7pm AEST

EVENT LINK -

Tired of yelling, time-outs, and reward charts that don't seem to work? Join Dr Justin Coulson for Carrots and Sticks, a thought-provoking presentation that dismantles traditional discipline methods and reveals powerful, positive parenting strategies.

In this presentation you will:

Discover the ineffectiveness of punishment and rewards: Learn why these common tactics can backfire and hinder your child's development.
Explore science-backed alternatives: Gain practical tools and techniques for guiding your child's behaviour without resorting to punishment or bribery.
Empower yourself with positive parenting skills: Build a more harmonious and connected relationship with your child through effective communication and collaboration.

This session is for you if you want to:

Move beyond outdated discipline methods.
Foster positive behaviour in your child.
Create a more peaceful and joyful home environment.
Connect with other parents seeking positive parenting solutions.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a renowned parenting expert and gain valuable insights for raising happy, confident children.

Knox Council Youth Hive - School Holiday Activities

Podcasts of Interest

Well, hello Anxiety - Podcast - Dr. Jodi Richardson

Pop Culture Parenting - Pop Culture Parenting — Guiding Growing Minds

Parental as Anything - Parental As Anything with Maggie Dent and Bec Sparrow - ABC listen

The Imperfects - The Imperfects Podcast

Anglicare Parentzone Newsletter - Parenting in the East What's On Term 2 2025

News and information on programs, services, groups and events to support parents across the Eastern Region of Melbourne. Some of the upcoming programs for Term 2 include Parenting Anxious Children, Talking Teens, Circle of Security Parenting and Tuning in to Kids -

ParentZone Pods

Podcasts for parents, carers and those who support others with their parenting. The ParentZone Teams are delighted to bring you TWELVE ParentZone Pods. Each Pod identifies and explores common issues parents bring to our parenting groups and offers strategies to try in these situations.

Podcast Series 1

Episode 1: Family Meetings

Episode 2: Dealing with Anxiety

Episode 3: Sibling Rivalry

Episode 4: Getting Children to Listen

Episode 5: How to Respond to Kids' Behaviour

Episode 6: How to Stop Yelling at your Kids

Podcast Series 2

Episode 1: Positive Discipline

Episode 2: School Refusal

Episode 3: Parenting our Teenagers

Episode 4: Meltdowns vs Tantrums

Episode 5: Couples Parenting Together

Episode 6: Dads Parenting Today

ParentZone Pods can be found on our website, Apple and via Spotify