5-8 Community News
We look forward to welcoming you to our Subject Teacher Conversations which are occurring next Monday. It's a wonderful opportunity to discuss your child's progression across all subjects including what's taught in the TA Communities. This also includes your child's homework expectations, learning expectations and how they are managing their space and their social peers.
Last week in TA, the students continued to conduct their 'Food and Mood' and 'Mind and Body' connection learning experiences, straight from the Resilience Project. To help support this learning, all of the students in 5-8, planned an easy meal that incorporated a range of foods that are known for boosting your mood. Amongst the five TA spaces, four groups from each of the TA spaces, were chosen to present and deliver this food to their peers. This meant the students had a choice of four foods to choose from. It was so wonderful to see so many students choose a variety of meals to try. There was heaps going on! A big thank you to our Year 8 Leaders who continue to drive this wonderful initiative.
A follow up activity has students tracking their food choices for the week, in order to see if their concentration and overall well being is better whilst eating nutritious and wholesome foods at school.
Students are starting to make the connection about how certain nutrients have been linked to promoting positive emotions and overall mental well-being. These are as follows:
- Complex Carbohydrates: Whole grains, legumes and vegetables are sources of complex carbohydrates that promote the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to mood stabilisation.
- Antioxidants: Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, such as berries and leafy greens, help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially benefiting mood.
- Impact of Sugar and Processed Foods: Consuming excessive sugar and heavily processed foods has been associated with negative mood outcomes. These foods can lead to energy crashes and fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which might contribute to irritability, mood swings, and fatigue.
- Mindful Eating and Emotional Well-being: Practicing mindful eating involves paying close attention to the flavours, textures and sensations of each bite. This approach not only enhances the dining experience but also encourages a healthier relationship with food, potentially reducing emotional eating and promoting self-awareness.
- Personalised Nutrition and Mood: It's important to note that the relationship between food and mood can vary from person to person. Genetic factors, gut microbiota composition and individual sensitivities can influence how specific foods impact an individual's emotional well-being.
As teachers, we can't stress enough how important it is for students to eat prior to attending school. From the research discussed above, it's evident the benefits that foods can provide our students, especially when it comes to enhancing their mood and their concentration levels.
This Friday is National Day of Action Against Bullying. Not only should this day be recognised, but we need to work together to ensure that our kids are responsible for their actions and their behaviour towards others.
As of next week, we welcome back our Hat Policy. All students are expected to have their hats on when outside at school.
Students in 5-8 are welcome to attend free lunchtime activities. There are a variety of activities across the school that can support this.
We are currently seeing students in a variety of uniforms. Please ensure that your children come to school in the correct uniform. A note is needed if your child isn't in the correct uniform. We have a beautiful uniform that should be worn with pride. Our school shirts are a wonderful representation of our school culture and ethos.
Corey Carver and Anthony Poppa
5-8 Community Leaders
Lunchtime Netball
Our lunchtime netball competition continues to draw big crowds with plenty of positive rivalry. Eight teams are battling it out, week by week, in what looks like a fiery and fierce competition. It is so wonderful to see many of our students in Years 5-8 getting amongst it, especially our 5/6s, who aren’t afraid to go up against our Year 8 teams!
