October is Mental Health Month

At Essendon North Primary School, we know how important mental health and wellbeing is for our students. Just as we take care of our physical health by eating well, exercising, and visiting the doctor when we're sick, our mental health also needs care and attention. It is simply another aspect of being healthy. This month is a great chance to talk about mental health and how we can support it!

Wellbeing and Mental Health at ENPS

At ENPS, we offer a broad range of wellbeing programs and learning experiences that help our students develop emotional skills, build resilience, and improve their mental health. Some of the key programs include:

• Resilience, Rights, and Respectful Relationships (RRRR): This program helps students build respect, form healthy relationships, and understand their emotions better.
• The Resilience Project: Through fun activities, students learn about gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness to support positive mental health.
• School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS): This framework promotes our school values of safety, kindness, and respect, creating a supportive environment for everyone.
• Health and Wellbeing Specialist Classes: Each week, students participate in Health and Wellbeing specialist classes, gaining valuable insights into healthy eating, active living, and wellbeing.
• Zones of Regulation: The Zones Of Regulation help students recognise their emotions and teaches them how to manage them in healthy ways.
• Who We Are Units of Inquiry: Learning experiences within our Who We Are units of inquiry build a sense of belonging and help students develop a growth mindset, making them more resilient when facing challenges.

As you can see we’re passionate about supporting our students’ wellbeing and mental health through teaching and learning experiences ENPS!

How You Can Support at Home

Just like how we talk about nutrition or exercise with children, mental health should be part of regular conversations. It's important that children feel safe expressing their emotions, and when they do, parents and teachers can support them effectively. Here are some simple ways to support your child at home:

• Encourage Open Conversations: Ask how they’re feeling and listen without judgement. Questions like, “How are you feeling today?” or “What’s been on your mind?” can go a long way.
• Take Time Out Together: Take some time for relaxing activities as a family, like going for a walk. This helps manage stress and provides an opportunity to connect.
• Model Healthy Coping Strategies: Show your child how you deal with stress. Let them see you pause to breathe or ask for help when needed.
• Create a Routine: A regular routine gives your child structure and helps reduce anxiety. Be sure to include time for rest, play, and family time.
• Limit Screen Time: Cutting back on screen time can help your child disconnect from distractions and focus on more meaningful activities and relaxation.

Need More Support?

If you have any concerns about your child’s mental health or want to know more about how we’re supporting students at school, feel free to reach out. We’ve also included a list of community services that support the wellbeing of young people and families if you would like to explore these further.

• Better Health Channel 
• Beyondblue Healthy Families
• Headspace 
• Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (free call, 24-hour advice line)
• Lifeline 13 11 14 (local call, 24-hour advice line)
• Raising Children Network
• 13YARN

Serena Walker

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader