Student Wellbeing

Introducing the chaplaincy program

My name is Mandy Stevens and I have been the chaplain at Belgrave South Primary for almost 9 years now. I thought it might be a good opportunity as the school year begins, to provide a bit of information about me personally and to let new parents know a bit more about the chaplaincy program.

I am a qualified primary teacher who has also worked in a range of welfare and community programs. I have worked with children, adolescents, families and adults. Currently my other part time job involves training teachers and other professionals in the area of respectful relationships and preventing gender-based violence.

The role of chaplain is to support the emotional wellbeing of students by providing pastoral care services. It is a wellbeing role rather than a religious role (unless a family requests that I support their child in this way which I would love to do).  As a chaplain I am concerned about the wellbeing of the whole school community which includes students, families and staff.  I provide a safe space for students to share their concerns and support students to deal with issues at school or in their home life. This might include issues around friendships, improving self esteem and resilience, ways to manage big feelings (including anger, anxiety or feelings of grief and loss).  I generally see children individually and this involves spending time with the child doing an activity they like (craft, games etc) whilst getting to know them and allowing them a trusted space to work through any issues they have.   Sometimes I do small group work to help build children’s social and emotional skills. I love working with children and families to support them in achieving their best and in being as healthy and happy as they can be.

Please feel free to come and speak with me about any issue or just to introduce yourself.  I work on Wednesdays and Thursdays although I occasionally swap days.  My office is in the BER near the prep classrooms. I am available to speak with parents about any issue – big or small and can be contacted via Robyn or Jackie in the office, Jackie Rawson or your child’s classroom teacher. If you would like me to support your child there is a permission form that needs to be signed by parents/carers and this is available in the office or from your child’s teacher.

I’m looking forward to working in your community again this year and supporting your lovely children.

Below are a few articles with some useful back to school tips for parents:

 https://www.edutopia.org/blog/parents-fifteen-questions-replace-how-was-school-today-elena-aguilar

https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-cope-with-back-to-school-anxiety

https://www.edutopia.org/article/helping-students-autism-transition-new-school-year-elizabeth-barnes

https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/school-learning/school-refusal/school-refusal

Supporting Children Through Separation Anxiety

Back to school can be an exciting time for children, however for many it can also be a difficult time as they transition back to the routine of school. Many children struggle to adjust when leaving their parents/family at the start of a new year and morning drop offs can become tricky times. This webinar is hosted by an excellent facilitator – the best speaker I have ever seen on anxiety and separation issues. The workshop is being held online tonight from 6.30-8pm however if you pay today ($40) the workshop is being recorded and made available to registered participants for 30 days following the 'live' online event. Details can be found here:  https://www.heysigmund.com/products/separation-anxiety-how-to-build-their-brave/

I am also happy to speak with parents about any issues you might have with your child around school anxiety/separation. I can be found in my office in the BER (near the prep rooms) on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Mandy (School Chaplain)