Student Wellbeing

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SWAT (School Wellbeing Action Team)

 I'd formally like to thank the members of our 2024 SWAT group who have met regularly to strategically plan many strategies together for the wellbeing of our school community. Many initiatives have been set in motion as a result of the think-tank discussions, including many of the Lunchtime Clubs and student-led competitions, the Wellbeing Window for regulation strategies during outside play times, new line markings and equipment, more student voice opportunities within the classes, better use of the playground,etc.  We have many exciting ideas and iniatives that we plan to implement next year.  Thank you to our members who have joined me, many who are continuing, for giving up their time: 

Leah, Seija, Liv, Sarah, Mrs O'Shannassy, Mrs Byrne, Mrs Finn, Sarah Pancic and to the our students, Billie, Raine, Taki and Clarke.  Next year we will have two new student members who have expressed an interest.  Let us know if you would like to join them in being involved. 

Transition Thursdays - Preparing for Our New 2025 Classes

These sessions continue this Thursday 5th December, where students at St Joseph's will spend time with their 2025 cohort of students in their year level learning spaces.   Current teachers on that level will work within these learning spaces each Thursday to build relationships, connection and a sense of belonging between student-to-student and student-to-teachers through a range of Get-To-Know You SEL activities to assist with student transition to the new learning space and the new cohort of students. 

Student will then get to meet their teacher for 2025 on the last Monday 16th Dec before our School Picnic.

Teachers may select activities which may include Get-To-Know-You Games and Quizzes, writing a letter to their next year's teacher, All About Me Artwork , Get-To-Know-Your Classmate Mingle Games, Welcome Circle Ice Breaker Questions, Get-To-Know- You Bingo activities, Goal Setting tasks for 2025, etc. 

FOR OUR PARENTS, we have some useful tips to use in helping ease transition for your child into the new school year:

(from leading Transition Expert, Sue Larkey):

Holidays themselves can be challenging for some students. Here is a great resource from Headspace offering advice for parents in supporting their child during the Holiday Break. 

Have a peaceful and safe summer break!

Warm Regards,

Jenny Todd

(Student Wellbeing Leader)

jennyt@sjsorrento.catholic.edu.au