News from the Deputy Principal
St Joseph's School
soon, KatieDear Parents and Carers,
Welcome back to Term 3, which is looking to be a very busy term. We have many exciting upcoming events in the calendar, such as Maria Ruberto's second Parent session, NAIDOC week, Book Week, and the Production, to name a few.
Mental Health in Primary Schools
This term, we will continue to build our knowledge around understanding mental health.
Mental Health promotion is a partnership between families and schools in noticing the mental health and well-being of the children in our care. This term, as a staff, we will continue to build our knowledge of this through our work with Maria Ruberto. i will be taking part in Mental Health First Aid professional learning as well as meeting with colleagues for Mental Health in Primary Schools.
The project is expected to develop over the next three years.
Does your child require support?
Parents are the first educators and the first to notice changes in behaviour. Sometimes these behaviour changes are related to events or trauma experienced at home, others may be related to environmental changes or difficulties at school. It is very important to the emotional wellbeing of the children to notify and discuss any changes with your child's teacher. They may not be able to give you immediate support, but may have noticed some changes occurring in your children at school.
Actions that support positive mental health
Encourage your young person to:
- Exercise and eat healthily to boost their mood
- Prioritise sleep to support mental and emotional wellbeing
- Explore relaxation techniques and coping strategies
- Stay in touch and catch up with friends and loved ones
- Make time to do things they enjoy
- Practice positive self-talk, and remind them they are not alone
- Seek professional help if needed.1
The Department of Education have developed a resource to support families who may have children experiencing mental health difficulties or who may need support at this time.
Signs a child or young person may need mental health support
In some cases, these actions will not be enough to support positive mental health.
Keep an eye out and seek professional help for changes that last two or more weeks, such as:
- Loss of interest or involvement in activities normally enjoyed
- Feeling ‘low’, unusually stressed or worried
- Ordinary things get harder
- Being easily irritated or angry
- Taking more dangerous risks, like using alcohol or drugs
- Withdrawal or feeling overwhelmed
- Difficulties with concentration and motivation
- Having a lot of negative thoughts
Changes in sleeping and eating.
Please see here for the full resource from the Department of Education:
Maria Ruberto Free Parent Session
We are extremely excited to once again be working with Maria Ruberto next Tuesday, 29th July. Parents are invited to come along to Maria's free parent session from 5-6 pm at St Brigid's Primary School, Healesville.
It does not matter if you did not attend the first session, come along to the second and third to hear free wellbeing and mental health strategies, research, and have an opportunity to connect with other parents, while enjoying some time to yourself, all while the children are being minded.
We would love to see all families take part in this exciting opportunity.
I wish you a wonderful fortnight ahead. If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email or pop into my office to have a chat.
See you soon, Katie