Wellbeing and Diversity

Resilience Project 

Exploring GEM to Cultivate Gratitude, Empathy & Mindfulness

Dear Families,

In our journey towards resilience and well-being, it's often the small yet profound moments that pave the way for growth and understanding. Today, we're excited to introduce you to GEM – Gratitude, Empathy, and Mindfulness – a transformative framework from the Resilience Project that empowers individuals and families to navigate life's ups and downs with grace and resilience. We have been working on this concept at St John's Primary School since 2023.

Gratitude: Gratitude is the cornerstone of resilience. It's about appreciating the present moment and acknowledging the blessings in our lives, big and small. From the warmth of the morning sun to the laughter of loved ones, there's always something to be thankful for. Practicing gratitude not only shifts our focus from scarcity to abundance but also fosters a sense of connection and contentment.

Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It's about stepping into someone else's shoes and offering support without judgment. In a world filled with diverse experiences and perspectives, empathy bridges the gap between individuals, fostering compassion and solidarity. By practicing empathy, we not only uplift others but also cultivate deeper connections and a sense of belonging.

Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, without judgment or attachment. It's about observing our thoughts, feelings, and sensations with curiosity and kindness. In today's fast-paced world, mindfulness offers a sanctuary of calm amidst the chaos. By cultivating mindfulness, we enhance our ability to respond rather than react to life's challenges, fostering inner peace and resilience.

Finding Your "Dis" Moment: Check out the video below for some inspiration

Dis Moment

As we delve into the essence of GEM, we invite you and your family to embark on a journey of discovery. This week, let's focus on finding our "Dis" moment – a special time when Gratitude, Empathy, and Mindfulness intersected in our lives.

Perhaps it was a moment of gratitude for a kind gesture from a stranger, an instance of empathy towards a friend in need, or a moment of mindfulness amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whatever it may be, take a moment to reflect on this experience and share it with your loved ones.

In doing so, we not only celebrate the beauty of GEM but also inspire each other to cultivate these qualities in our daily lives. Together, let's embrace the power of Gratitude, Empathy, and Mindfulness to nurture resilience, foster connection, and find joy in the present moment.

Wishing you a week filled with moments of GEM.

Tracey Farrar

Harmony Day - Share your Culture 

On Monday 25 March, St John's will celebrate Harmony Day and we are seeking a variety of families to share their cultural stories with the students. The sessions will be run like mini workshops throughout the morning, for all students across the school. If you and your child/children would like to share your cultural story or background then please contact:

Tracey Farrar

tfarrar@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au

Neurodiversity Week - 18 - 24 March

This week at St John’s we are celebrating Neurodiversity Week.

When it comes to inclusion, neurodiversity refers to a world where neurological differences are recognised and respected as all other human variations.

Depending on how our brains are wired we think, move, process information and communicate in different ways. Many people in our community use neurodiversity as an umbrella term used to describe alternative thinking styles such as Dyslexia, DCD (Dyspraxia), Dyscalculia, Autism and ADHD. But regardless of labels, neurodiversity is about recognising those who think differently. And no matter whether we are a school, university or large workplace we can all benefit from different thinkers!

Approximately 15-20% of the population has a neurological difference. Instead of labelling people with deficits or disorders, when we use the term neurodiversity, we take a balanced view of an individual’s unique strengths and challenges. Many ‘challenges’ neurodivergent people face are more to do with the environment and systems they are placed in, often designed by a majority population.

At St John’s we value our neurodiverse friends and celebrate our differences. We make adjustments in our classrooms and in our play areas to allow everyone to feel included and comfortable as we learn and grow together.

At assembly this afternoon, we discussed what all students can do to help.

• Don’t tease or make fun of anyone in your class who is different or who is finding something difficult.
• Instead, have courage… be kind, understanding and encouraging.
• Never forget that you have the power to make a positive difference to someone who may be having a difficult time.

Celebrating Different Minds! Click Here to Register for the Free Events 

Neurodiversity Celebration Week aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools with the opportunity to recognise the many talents and advantages of being neurodivergent, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.

Ange Crowe

St John's Learning Diversity Leader

acrowe@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au