Student Wellbeing

Let's TALK Program - Would your child like to be chosen as one of our Let's TALK Buddies? 

Following the initial Staff Training done through Professional Development in Term 1 conducted by founder, Jetha Devapura, all students from Years 3 to 6 have now completed the Buddy Training for the "Let's TALK Program" in their classrooms as a part of their SEL (Social and Emotional Learning). 

The aim of the training was to give students an appreciation of the fundamental need to be ‘seen, heard & valued’ and learn the ‘TALK’ steps to be comfortable and confident to support another student, or reach out for support when they have a concern.   Creating a safe environment to share experiences is key to ensure that the concepts and topics of the program are understood and resonates with the students. However, it is not compulsory that students participate, complete, share their experiences, participate in the roleplays OR volunteer to be a Let's TALK Buddy. The training is an opportunity for self development, if and when the student is ready.  

The training comprised of a total of 10 videos, covering the purpose (to be ‘seen, heard & valued’) and vision (Letting Everyone Talk Safely) of the Program with feedback and scenarios played by students in schools who have implemented the program, and in most cases, have been a Let’s TALK Buddy. 

The students will be given the ‘TALK’ Template which outlines the steps to take when working as a buddy during recess or lunchtime or just wanting to reach out to someone in their classroom who they notice to be having a tough time.  The discussion questions are a key part of the training aimed at getting a deeper understanding of the purpose, vision and the ‘TALK’ steps of the Program.  

The TALK Steps refer to: 

T - Tell 

A - Acknowledge

L- Listen

K - Keep in Touch

This week, students from Years 3/4 and Years 5/6 will have the chance to show an Expression of Interest in becoming one of our Let's TALK Buddies.  They will be rostered on for a recess or lunch once per fortnight to follow these TALK Steps as they rove the playground aiming to help support our students from across the school.  They will wear the PINK HI-VIS VESTS and have a lanyard with the TALK steps on it, which will be stored on the Let's TALK Communication Board placed near the 3/4 and 5/6 Spaces.  

We plan to have our Let's TALK Program LAUNCH next term at the Week 2 Assembly, wh we will present our new BUDDIES! 

Kind regards,

Jenny Todd

(Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader)

 jennyt@sjsorrento.catholic.edu.au