The Resilience Project

Last week in PACC, the lessons from The Resilience Project were all about Mindfulness. Mindfulness is our ability to be present at any given moment. We practise this by using intentional awareness and concentrating on what you are doing when you are doing it. Thousands of studies into Mindfulness indicate that with regular practise, Mindfulness can lead to benefits such as; reduced stress, reduced rumination, increased memory, increased cognitive function and physical health benefits through improved immunity.

In PACC, students listened to former Chicago Bulls coach, Phil Jackson, talk about the importance of mindfulness in helping Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls to NBA success. Students also participated in a breathing exercise to demonstrate one strategy they can use in the future. Mindfulness can also be practised through meditation, yoga, flow-states and daily activities such as cooking. For mental health resources and support information, visit The Resilience Project’s Support Page.

View Part 4 of the series here:Part 4 - Mindfulness:https://theresilienceproject.com.au/2023-parent-carer-hub-inspire-hugh/

Source:UC Berkeley, Greater Good Science,American Psychological Association

Have you listened to The Imperfects podcast?

We're all imperfect. On this podcast, Hugh van Cuylenburg, founder of The Resilience Project chats to a variety of interesting people who are willing to make themselves vulnerable, by sharing their own struggles and imperfections. Hugh and good friend Ryan Shelton then discuss some valuable take aways we can all apply to our own imperfect lives.

This podcast is popular among staff members and parents. If you are interested in hearing inspiring stories from amazing people, we highly recommend this podcast.

Living Well Learning Well (LWLW)

Living Well Learning Well (LWLW) awards are presented to students for a range of attributes aligning with our LWLW framework. When students have been awarded five individual awards they receive the Principal's LWLW Award.

Following are our current recipients.

Luke Jones, Kierana Maheswari, Leila Harris, Eliza Campbell, Maya Gibson, Henry Maslen, Joseph Bunce, Jack Borthistle, Imogen Torrens, Katie Spinks, Liam Nott, Dakoda Ashford, Arlie Torrens, Jonathan Martin, Ossie Roberts-Rootes, Ava Garbutt, Luke Jeffrey, Madeleine Taylor, Audrey Hannaford, Toby Chad, Kellyann Earl, Bella Anderson.

Congratulations students!

School Refusal

Though many children will refuse to go to school at some stage in their lives, school refusal is very different to truancy. It is a more serious condition than separation anxiety and often stems from a child’s anxiety about school. They may be worried about their school work, interacting with other kids, dealing with teachers, playing sports or being away from family. School refusal is a behaviour that can also be accompanied by sadness or depression, physical symptoms and social isolation. This condition is equally common amongst boys and girls, from all socioeconomic groups and across both primary and secondary levels. (School TV)

If you are concerned about school refusal, please contact the College so that further assistance and support can be provided. Additional resources are included below:

School TV

School Refusal and Teenagers - ReachOut

How do you help a teen who refuses to go to school? (NSW Dept. of Education)

Royal Far West Resilient Kids Toolkit

The free Resilient Kids Toolkit guide is filled with many easy-to-follow strategies for parents and activities for kids. It’s designed to help develop positive relationships, strengthen mental health and build resilience and self-awareness. You’ll find essential and practical information to support you and your family and help you navigate stressful events and life’s challenges.

Download your copy here

Basketball Court and Hoops

The basketball court and and hoops in the Backyard are now in use and are popular at break times. This small court is in addition to the two basketball hoops that are in use on the tennis courts. We would like to thank the Combined Catholic Schools P&F for their fundraising efforts and their contributions to the College so that such facilities can be provided.

Gunnedah Combined Catholic Schools P&F Association