Student Wellbeing 

This week, our students continued to explore our GEM principles of Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness, strengthening their understanding of friendship, emotional awareness and the importance of appreciating what we have. We also celebrated creativity and active travel through Biketober!

Year 1 | Understanding Wants, Needs and Friendship

In 1CW, students explored the difference between wants and needs, sharing thoughtful ideas about the things we need to live, learn and feel safe. They reflected on how gratitude helps us appreciate what we already have, while enjoying some lively discussions about their wants, including double-storey houses and Lamborghinis!

Meanwhile, students in 1AM and 1OB explored friendship through the much-loved song You've Got a Friend in Me. By unpacking the lyrics, they made meaningful connections to their own friendships and what it means to care for and support others.

Their reflections beautifully captured the message:

• Alfie: "It tells us that friendship never dies."
• Thomas L: "Your friend is always beside you, and I'm beside them."
• Eliza: "It reminds me that my friends are there all the time for me."
• Harry: "Because you look after them, and they look after you."

We are so proud of our Year 1 students for their thoughtful contributions and fantastic learning, and we congratulate the students recognised at assembly!

Year 3 | Gratitude and Emotional Awareness

Our Year 3 students continued developing important wellbeing skills through lessons focused on gratitude and recognising emotions.

Students in 3BP explored what gratitude means, identifying the people, experiences and things they appreciate in their lives. They also considered how focusing on what they have can influence their emotions and help them notice the positives in everyday life.

In 3DG, students consolidated their learning about noticing and naming emotions and practised positive coping strategies. These skills help students understand themselves better, navigate challenges, and build positive relationships with others.

Year 4 | Empathy

As part of The Resilience Project (TRP), Year 4 students explored empathy and the different communities they belong to. Through videos, discussions, and reflections, students explored what empathy looks, sounds, and feels like, and how showing care and kindness can help others feel supported and connected. They also identified practical ways to show empathy within their school, families and wider communities.

Biketober | Celebrating Creativity and Active Travel

Biketober brought plenty of enthusiasm and creativity to our school community! We loved seeing students embrace the challenge of creating the most creative ride, bringing imagination and fun to their journeys to school.

Thank you to our families for supporting active travel and helping students make choices that benefit their wellbeing and our environment.

This week is Best Family or Friends Ride!

It’s perfect weather for a ride this week! This week’s theme is Best Family or Friends Ride, celebrating the fun of riding with the people we love. Students are encouraged to ride with family or friends and share their favourite group ride story or activity. One lucky student will win a prize for sharing their adventure and inspiring others to get out and ride with their pals! 

Our GEM Message

From appreciating what we have to being a supportive friend, recognising our emotions and making positive choices, our students are learning that wellbeing is built through small actions every day.

At St Fidelis, we continue to nurture a community where every student feels known, valued and supported. Families can keep the GEM conversations going at home by asking their child what they are grateful for, how they have shown kindness or what has helped them navigate a challenging emotion.

Friday Shout Out

Last week's Shout Out went to Marco and Eva K. It is wonderful to celebrate the everyday acts of kindness, empathy, effort and leadership that help make our school community such a positive place to be.

Vicky Karalis & Bianka Zorzut, Wellbeing Leaders