Wellbeing and Inclusion

IEP's & SSG's

During week 6, Student Support Group (SSG) meetings will take place for students who require one. That includes any student who is on an Individual Education Plans (IEP) and provide an opportunity to establish student long and short term goals for the year.

If you are required to book an SSG, you will be notified if they are required to make a booking on Compass early next week. If you are unable to make the times allocated, please reach out to your child's classroom teacher to make alternative arrangements.  SSG's will take place at school or via phone if you are unable to attend. 

A draft of students Individual Education Plans will be uploaded to Compass for you to view and minutes uploaded post meeting. 

To book an SSG, please follow the instructions in the PDF.

For more information regarding 'Student Support Groups' and policies related:

https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/student-support-groups/policy

Lunch Time Club

We have recently purchased some new resources for lunch time club and these have proven to be very popular already! Lunch time club runs every day in the second half of lunch and provides students the opportunity to play some games or have some quiet time colouring in the Stone Room. 

The Resilience Project

The Resilience Project is committed to teaching positive mental health strategies to prevent mental ill-health and build young people’s capacity to deal with adversity.

Teachers and students will engage in weekly lessons and activities around the key principles of Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness (GEM), and Emotional Literacy to build resilience.

Check out their website for more information:

The Resilience Project

And check out TRP@HOME; a place filled with inspiration and activities for the whole family, to help improve your wellbeing and build resilience.

TRP@HOME

Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a common and normal fear that children have of being away from their families. It is quite common for children in Foundation to experience some difficulty in this area, particularly in the first few weeks. We understand that you may be anxious about how your child is coping being away from you for several hours, but please be assured that they are safe and very well supported by their teachers. Most children settle very well immediately after their parent has left their eyesight but sometimes this can linger longer and affect the child’s learning.

Some strategies that are very useful if your child is clingy, distressed or anxious about you leaving in the morning include:

• Establishing a morning ritual which includes a specific place where you say “See you later” to your child. (“See you later” is often received better than “Goodbye”.)
• Make sure that your child has met up with a friend or is engaged in some kind of activity before you leave.
• Give your child a hug or kiss and let them know that you will pick them up after school (or tell them who will). Keep up your end of the bargain and try to be on time and where you said you will be.
• Remain calm, matter-of-fact and do not linger. Once you have said “See you later” it is important that you leave rather than prolonging the farewell. It is tempting to try to watch your child through a window or from around a corner, but once a child is settled, seeing their parent again often reignites the distress. Children really feel if their parent is anxious about leaving and this can also be a trigger for them.
• Never try to sneak away without saying “See you later” as this will only increase your child’s anxiety about you leaving.
• If your child has forgotten something important, take it to the front office rather than risking distressing your child again by bringing it to the classroom and having another farewell.
• Allow your child to bring something belonging to you to school, such as a note
• After school, talk about all the positive things that occurred throughout the day. Discuss these the following morning on your way to school.
• Engage the support of your child’s class teacher. Together you could develop a plan if your child continues to resist separation.

If separation anxiety persists for many weeks even after consistently using these strategies then further assistance may be useful. Please ensure that you speak to your child’s class teacher if you are concerned about your child.

January - June 2024 Where You Can Eat