Below in wellbeing news, I have included information about aspects of St Mary’s approach to Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). You can visit the wellbeing tab in the school newsletter for further details. I have also included information about an upcoming wellbeing webinar for parents on cyber safety and information about accessing psychology support via an onsite psychologist, Kirsty Alnwick.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

Social emotional learning (SEL) is approached at St. Mary's as a whole-school initiative. Weekly SEL lessons are offered to students in Prep through Year 6, with the goal of developing their skills in the following five SEL competencies:

Self awareness
Self management
Social awareness
Relationship skills
Responsible decision making
Problem solving.

At St. Mary's, we understand the value of emphasizing good behaviour and empowering the kids to make responsible decisions about their interactions with others.

Positive Behaviour Support

When kids experience conflict, they require guidance on how to handle it skillfully and space to mend their relationship. St. Mary's recognizes that, for the most part, children who behave inappropriately require help, direction, and occasionally specific education around social and emotional skills. Our teachers work with students and use natural consequences to support children to understand how inappropriate behaviour has affected others.

Peaceful Kids and Seasons Programs

A small-group program called Peaceful Kids uses mindfulness and positive psychology to help youngsters manage stress and anxiety while building resilience. Mrs M is trained in the Peaceful Kids Program and facilitates the program.

A major transition or change in their lives may have caused students to feel grief and loss, in which case Seasons is a program for them. With a small group of peers present, the program gives children a chance to express, acknowledge, normalize, and integrate their grief in a secure setting. If you believe this program may be worthwhile for one of your children, please contact Nathan or Daliah to enquire.

neddy@smhampton.catholic.edu.au or

dmcloughney@smhampton.catholic.edu.au

CYBER SAFETY Project

PARENT WEBINAR 3: GAMING AND YOUR FAMILY - July 26, 2023 at 07:30 pm

I recently shared information about this third webinar in a four-part series with all families via Seesaw. This post included a link to register for the live session.

The same link will also give you access to the webinar on-demand afterwards if you prefer to view it at a more convenient time.

Overview:

Discover one of the major players in the online world... Gaming. Deep dive into what makes gaming so appealing to young people and game developers' strategies to keep players hooked. Learn about the benefits of gaming and uncover the risks and harms of overuse.

Topics Covered:

Popular games with young people
Categories of Gaming
Gamer safety and well-being settings
Gambling and addiction
Esports
Microtransactions and spending
Exposure to harmful content
Self-regulation

KEY OUTCOMES:

Understand the benefits of gaming
Identify the risks and harms of gaming
Learn how to communicate about safe and healthy gaming habits
Draw the connection between gaming with gambling and addiction
Discover how settings promote safety and wellbeing

This is available to all parents in our school community through a St Mary’s subscription.

Onsite Psychology Support - Educate Psychology

Each Monday, Kirsty Alnwick is onsite and provides support for students. If you wish to enquire about Kirsty’s availability, please contact me via phone or email or feel free to contact Kirsty at Kirsty@educatepsychology.com.au or 0400121104 if you would like to discuss accessing psychology services for your child and to arrange an appointment.

Attached is a copy of an Educate Psychology information pack.

Regards,

Nathan Eddy

Deputy Principal

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