We can all use more kindness in our lives and last Friday the 18th of February was the national day of observance. Last week while the grade 5/6 students were on camp, my group participated in a kindness reflection activity and we left our message in the sand for all the visitors walking by. Scientific evidence shows us the positive effects of doing kind acts for others as well as receiving or even witnessing kindness. Even the smallest act of kindness can change a life. Practicing gratitude, empathy and mindfulness are key to looking after ourselves.

COVID-19 Family Isolation Tips at Home

There are a number of ways to support your mental health when the family are required to isolate:

Remind yourself that isolation is temporary.
Focus on the effort you are making to protect others from contracting the virus.
Checking in with family members.
Stick to routines - although they sound dull, they're good for our mental health. Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time, eat at regular times, shower and change your clothes.
Try to maintain physical activity.
Manage your stress levels, and if needed, increase your coping strategies (for example, listening to music, watching your favourite shows, meditation or exercise).
If you have a health condition, keep taking any prescribed medication, continue with your treatment plan and monitor any new symptoms.

Create a gratitude display on your fridge with photos, drawings, affirmations and quotes. Every day get your family to talk about something they are grateful for. To track your gratefulness, you could even write the family highlight straight onto the calendar. It will be a fantastic reminder and it can be seen by everyone.
Make a gratitude jar. Start with an empty jar and decorate it however you would like. Every time you witness an act of kindness, write it down and place the memory in the jar. Collect memories, observations and unexpected surprises of kindness throughout the week. At the end of the week, read back through the notes and enjoy reliving those moments.

Seek professional support early if you're having difficulties.

Health update

For some people getting over their mild COVID-19 symptoms, they may experience lingering fatigue, breathlessness and generally not feeling 100%. I encourage parents to check in with their children and talk through any health complaints or worries.

Oonah COVID-19 Children’s Vaccinations

Oonah have organised dates for the Vaccination bus to visit where they will offer free COVID-19 vaccinations to children. For Koorie families looking to make a booking please call Oonah on 59622940.

Eastern Health Children’s Covid-19 Vaccine Online Webinar

Later this term Eastern Health will be offering parents a Q & A for the children’s Covid-19 vaccine. A local GP from Healesville will be offering this webinar to share information about any questions parents may have about protecting children from this particular illness. In our area, children vaccination rates are low compared to other areas. For parents and carers who may be hesitate this webinar could offer clarity and confidence to may an informed decision. When the date is confirmed I will let you know.

DET School Nurse Program-School Entry Health Checks

All our families in Prep should have received their School Entry Health Questionnaire packs. It is important that all Prep children are screened in this health program and the envelopes are due back on Wednesday the 16th of March.

The Primary School Nursing Program accepts referrals for children in grades 1through to 6. A health assessment under the Primary School Nursing Program is not intended to replace your normal source of health care. If you or your child’s teacher has concerns about your child’s health or development, your child can be referred to the school nurse at any time. Direct health assessment services provided under the Primary School Nursing Program may include:

Vision screening
Hearing screening
Speech and language screening
General developmental assessments

Infectious Diseases

To help prevent and control the transmission of infectious diseases in schools, a child must be excluded from school if he or she has any of the following:

Gastro/Diarrhoea - until there has not been a loose bowel motion or any symptoms for 48 hours
Chicken Pox - until fully recovered and blisters have dried
Measles - at least 7 days
German Measles - until fully recovered and at least 4 days from the onset of rash
Whooping Cough - four weeks
Hand, foot and mouth - until all blisters have dried
Hepatitis - medical certificate needed
Impetigo “School Sores” - until treatment has commenced and sores are healed
Ringworm - until treatment has commenced. Medical certificate may be required.
Mumps - until fully recovered
Scabies - medical certificate needed

Importantly, children who have been vomiting should not attend school until 48 hours after the vomiting ceases.

While these are some common diseases, please refer to the Better Health School Excursion Table* for a comprehensive list and updated information. Please contact the office if your child contracts any of these. Please refer to the Dept. of Health for further information-https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/infectious-diseases/school-exclusion/school-exclusion-table

Friendships

The Wellbeing Team have been supporting students on friendship making skills. Ask your child how they are handling getting to know their peers by-

Asking to join in
Using a kind voice
Standing up for a friend
Agreeing on rules in a game
People are not property

Activities at Lunchtimes from 1:40pm

Craft Club-Monday, Wednesday & Friday

Area C Picnic Tables

Next week, the Welfare Team will start Craft Club at the picnic tables near the undercover area. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, students can find us where we will be teaching

pom pom making, weaving cat’s eyes, pipe cleaner craft, finger and French knitting. We are looking for donations of wool and other haberdashery items including ribbon, embellishments, buttons and charms or anything that can add a bit of bling to our projects.

Attendance & Absences

We encourage parents and carers to refer to COMPASS for information happening at school. Schools are required to work towards IMPROVING THE ATTENDANCE and PUNCTUALITY RATES of our students. We encourage all parents to call the office when your child is going to be away and to notify the school through COMPASS. This really helps us as we are able to communicate effectively with all relevant staff early in the school day.

Wellbeing Supports

We promote many opportunities for families and students to be an active part of our local community and encourage parents to be a part of our extra-curricular activities. At the moment may of our programs are on pause however we are keen start up once the COVID-19 restrictions ease/ Our welfare team are available to support families in times of need as we have established partnerships with a number of services. We would love to meet you so please contact myself, Lily or Veronica for further information.

State School Relief-school uniforms including underwear and school shoes/runners.
Second hand uniform
Students can be referred to DET psychologist or speech therapist.
Strong Mind Psychology-Provisional Psychologist Marianne Bishop Wednesdays
DET school nurse for general health checks including vision and hearing.
Student counselling-students can access counselling via a mental health care plan referral from a GP. Shine Bright Psychology-counselling service for students & clinical psychologist Simone Turner.
For approved students with NDIS or Allied Health Services-Speech Pathology and OT services can provide therapy at school.
Eastern Health-Nutrition and Health support
School Chaplain-Veronica Tirchett (Tues & Thurs)
Pre-COVID 19-Inspiro Dental Program
Pre-COVID 19-Shire of Yarra Ranges Head Lice Program-whole school screening once per term screened by the Shire nurse.
Programs-
Breakfast club (Tuesdays & Thursdays 8:15am onwards)
Food hampers
Pre-COVID EACH/Inspiro Health Promotion programs
Pre-COVID Woori Wallabies playgroup (Tuesdays 1:30pm-3:00pm)
Happy Families whole school membership
Parent Forums-Healthy Lunchboxes & strengthening families
Health & Gender programs including:
3/4 Body Education
5/6 Sexuality Program
Social skills programs to small groups
Activities at break times-LEGO Club, Craft Club & Hairstyle Club
Holiday camps for students
Gift a bike program-Lions Club

Free Happy Families Membership 2022

Late last year, the welfare team applied for a community grant through the Shire of Yarra Ranges and we are pleased that Happy Families Membership is continuing. In 2021 we had over 90 families/staff signed up and this resource was a fantastic go to during this year’s lockdowns. We had lots of positive comments that parents and carers found the membership extremely helpful and practical to their needs. The website has changed and all parents need to sign up to the new platform. The Happy Families membership gives you access to a number of resources which will help families, staff and students to thrive. Every member will receive a weekly "Lighten the Load" email, which includes a quick, easy to apply tip from Dr Justin, as well as some updates about other features in the membership. There is a library of parenting resources which offers calm assurance, direction and solutions you can try out on your families. Watch out for the information coming home and follow the prompts to create your account.

Service Supports & Agencies

During the COVID-19 pandemic there are many organisations across Yarra Ranges offering support and assistance. For community relief and support agencies, click on the link at-https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Council/Coronavirus-Updates/Community-relief-and-support-agencies

For people looking for food relief, CIRE at the Yarra Junction hub, have food parcels and they have free bread on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The Yarra Junction hub is open during lockdown for essential services only; food relief and they are a Centrelink Access Point. This service can be accessed by appointment where the school Welfare Team can refer families. If you are interested or know of any one you would like to recommend please contact me. During the school holidays, people can enquire directly at CIRE. They are located next to the Yarra Junction Post Office and they are open Mon-Fri: 9am-4pm.

Primary Wellbeing Officer

Andre Campbell

Wilson's Prom Camp

Grade 5/6 2022