Wellbeing

 A message from Emily Murcott - Assistant Principal / Wellbeing Literacy

Connect Groups

Our Connect Groups are starting next week on Friday the 9th of May. Staff are ready and excited about sharing their knowledge of a skill with students across the school. I am thrilled that I have been able to allocate all students to a group that they have shared their desire to participate in. Students will learn their Connect Group next week.

Thankyou to those parents who have volunteered to support these groups. Please ensure you all have a valid WWCC and have shared this information with the office, as well as completed the RHPS Child Safe induction by Wednesday the 7th of May.

Meaningful May

Finding Meaning and Purpose: A Foundation for Your Child’s Wellbeing

At the heart of every child’s wellbeing is a deep, often quiet need to feel that they matter—that who they are and what they do makes a difference. This sense of meaning and purpose is not just something that develops later in life; it begins forming in the early years and plays a crucial role in your child’s emotional and social development.

Why is Meaning and Purpose So Important?

When children begin to see their place in the world—whether it’s through helping a friend, being part of a team, caring for a pet, or contributing to their school community—they start to build an inner sense of significance. Research in Positive Psychology shows that having a sense of meaning and purpose is a key component of long-term wellbeing. It helps children develop resilience, confidence, and motivation, and it fosters empathy and social awareness.

What Does This Look Like in a Primary School Setting?

At school, we encourage students to take on age-appropriate responsibilities, set personal goals, and reflect on how their actions impact others. Whether they are part of a gardening club, writing a piece for the school newsletter, or helping a peer with a task, children begin to understand that their contributions are valued. These moments, though they may seem small, are powerful in helping students connect to something greater than themselves.

How Can You Support This at Home?

Here are a few simple ways to nurture a sense of meaning and purpose in your child’s daily life:

• Ask Reflective Questions: “What are you most proud of today?” or “How did you help someone this week?”
• Celebrate Effort and Contribution: Focus on what your child did, not just the result. For example, “I noticed how carefully you looked after your little brother today.”
• Encourage Acts of Kindness: Even simple things like writing a thank-you note or helping set the table can help children feel that their actions have value.
• Model Purposeful Living: Share your own passions and purpose. When children see the adults around them engaged in meaningful activities, they are more likely to seek out purpose themselves.

Below is a calendar for May which shares some additional ideas that your family may wish to follow to increase a sense of meaning and purpose for you and your family. I hope you enjoy.

A Meaningful Life, One Step at a Time

As we help our students grow not just academically but emotionally and socially, we remain committed to fostering environments where every child feels known, needed, and capable of making a difference. When children experience purpose in their everyday lives, they are more likely to thrive—not just at school, but in all areas of life.

Let’s continue to work together to help our children discover the joy of contributing, connecting, and creating meaning in their world.

Regards,

Emily Murcott