Echuca Twin Rivers Primary School 

Student Wellbeing 

This year in the wellbeing space, our school continues to focus on: 

  1. Building teacher capability to activate student voice and agency within the classroom
  2. Reducing the % of students with 20+ days absence from 39% in 2019 to 25% in 2024.
  3. Embedding a whole-school approach to the development of the social and emotional wellbeing of students
  4. Developing and implementing strategies that involve parents and carers as partners in their child’s learning    

Social Emotion Learning (SEL) Groups

The wellbeing team along with the support of our wonderful ES staff have started Highway Heroes & Talkabout Programs teaching the skills of Grit and Determination, Emotional Regulation, Connecting for Friendships, Strategies for Managing Me, Sticking Up for Me and Getting things Done. These groups are targeted Tier 2 intervention groups and not all students will be involved.

 

We have now introduced a Fine Motor Skill group for students in grade 3/4 who have been identified as needing extra support in this area. Our OT Anna Nunan and our ES Brigette Gorman run these groups weekly. The school will have been in touch with you in regards to your child's participation. 

Playgroup Update

Playgroup continues to be a highlight of our fortnight with many families continuing to attend. As the weather warms, we will be planning a few more outdoor activities. The children attending are from 3 months to 5 years. We are inclusive of all children and their families. Our next playgroup session will be next Wednesday the 8th of November from 9:00am until 10:30am.  Be sure to come along and please spread the word!

Breakfast Club

Our breakfast club continues to run every morning at the Centre from 8.35am to 8.50am. We are so grateful to Foodbank Vic and Moama Bakery who generously provide food items for our students to enjoy. 

Emerging Minds

Here is a informative read for all parents with some useful tips when confronted with bullying behaviours. As we know many mental health issues stem from bullying behaviours, it is important to recognise this early and work with the school and your child's support network to help reduce the incidence of this occurring further.  

LifeChanger, presented by Nelson, Ash, Rach and Jack 

 

Following on from Mental Health Month in October, student wellbeing has been front and centre of our work with our 5/6 students. With the Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) goal of embedding a whole-school approach to the development of the social and emotional wellbeing of  our students, our Wellbeing Team along with our Year 5/6 staff provided the opportunity to our students to build upon their leadership skills and also provide extra support  to our Year 6 students who will be transitioning to secondary school next year. 

 

Year 5s 

 

On Wednesday 1st Nov, our Year 5s, along with students from Echuca Twin Rivers Specialist School, commenced their journey with the LifeChanger Foundation. LifeChanger Foundation empowers young people to live thriving, resilient lives by developing their social, emotional and resilience skills, and by building connections in their community.

It was a huge, fun-filled day learning all things Leadership, preparing them for 2024 as leaders of the school! 

A huge thanks to the LifeChanger Team - Nelson, Jack, Ash & Rach for travelling all the way from Melbourne and Geelong to spend the day with us and sharing such valuable insights with a lot of energy! 

 

Year 6s 

 

On Wednesday 1st Nov, our Year 6s participated in a Community Outreach & Wellbeing day. They arrived fresh in the morning and headed off to Headspace, where they listened to an engaging presentation from the team on looking after yourself, as well as a tour of the facilities. From there, the group moved onto Fitmob for a fun and energetic Physical Health session – including a spin class and planking competition! Lastly, the students spent the afternoon at their respective 2024 schools – Echuca College and St Joseph's. These involved tours of the facilities and some great discussions from both staff and students about all things secondary school! 

The students returned to ETRS feeling a little less anxious and very excited for what’s ahead 😊

 

A huge thanks to the Headspace Team, FitMob Team, Echuca College staff and St Joe’s staff for making this happen and being so welcoming and supportive of our students!

 

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend.

ETRS Wellbeing Team 

   Anglicare Early Help Services at ETRS