The Wellbeing Page 

Start of Term Transitions

Start of term readiness differs for all students. Some may feel refreshed after a break. Some may feel anxious about returning after two weeks off. Some will be raring to get back to class. Most will feel a little nervous about their holiday routine ending and their school routine returning. Here are some ways to help your child settle into Term 2:

• Before school starts:
  • Ask your child what they are most excited for in Term 2
  • Use the Parent Calendar to view upcoming events for your child's year level. Discussing these events can help students look forward to school
  • If your child is particularly anxious about returning, walk to school with them over the weekend or in the last few days of the break. Seeing the school building and remembering the route can help students feel more settled before they return.
  • Get ready together the day before. Help students get their school resources ready - ask them to help you pack their bag, create their lunch together and put their uniform in a little pile so they feel prepared

• When school starts:
  • Say goodbye confidently – saying a quick, confident goodbye may help them to feel secure and reassured that you trust that they will be okay at school. Remember our children often mirror us, so appearing confident, happy and excited for your child to attend school will help them settle in 
  • Walk away as soon as you have said your quick goodbye - we understand that this can be difficult to do for parents! Try to avoid hesitation or going back for one last hug if your children find morning separation difficult - this can make it more challenging for them to walk away from you. 
• Throughout the term:
  • Talk positively and confidently about school. Focus on the good things about their day. What was the best part of your day today? Did you have any specialist subjects? Did anything funny happen today? Who did you play with today? 
  • Talk to your child's class teacher if your child is reluctant to come into school for more than 3 days. Our teachers are loving, kind and go above and beyond for student wellbeing. Our students have many different strategies to help students feel more at ease with changes in routine. Open communication between home and school is the most effective way of supporting your wonderful children.

Rights, Responsibilities and Respectful Relationships Curriculum

In Term 2, all classes at SMPS move onto learning Topics 3 and 4 of the Department's Respectful Relationships program. See below for an overview of both topics. 

Topic 3: Positive Coping

Learning activities in this topic provide opportunities for students to identify and discuss different types of coping strategies. 

When children and young people develop a language around coping, they are more likely to be able to understand and deliberately utilise a range of productive coping strategies and diminish their use of unproductive coping strategies. 

Students learn to extend their repertoire of coping strategies and benefit from critically reflecting on their own choices and being exposed to alternative options.

Activities introduce students to the concept of self-talk and practice using positive self-talk to approach and manage challenging situations. Positive self-talk is a key strategy for coping with negative thoughts, emotions and events. It is associated with greater persistence in the face of challenge, and can be learnt or strengthened through practice. 

Topic 4: Problem solving

Problem-solving skills are an important part of the coping repertoire. The classroom program provides a number of learning activities to develop students’ problem-solving skills. The activities assist students to develop their critical and creative thinking skills, and to apply them to scenarios exploring personal, social and ethical dilemmas.