Mrs Hetherington

The Resilience Project at Yanco Public School

This term, all students have been taking part in The Resilience Project—a powerful wellbeing program that focuses on cultivating resilience, empathy, and emotional literacy through simple, everyday practices.

The program centrs around three key pillars: Gratitude, Empathy (Kindness), and Mindfulness—often referred to as GEM. Through classroom activities, journaling, and guided reflections, students have been learning how these values can help them navigate challenges, build stronger relationships, and maintain a more positive mindset.

The Resilience Project supports our school’s broader commitment to student wellbeing by equipping students with practical tools to manage stress, develop emotional intelligence, and thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Families are encouraged to continue these practices at home by talking with their children about what they’re learning, sharing daily moments of gratitude, or spending quiet, mindful time together. Small, consistent actions like these help strengthen emotional wellbeing and build lifelong resilience.

GEM Chat at Home: What Made You Smile Today? As we continue with The Resilience Project at school, we invite families to bring the conversation home with a simple daily practice: the GEM Chat—a short, meaningful talk that builds Gratitude, Empathy, and Mindfulness.

Tonight, try asking your child:

🗣️ "What made you smile today?"

This question encourages your child to pause and reflect on a positive moment from their day. It could be something big, like a fun game at recess, or something small, like a friendly hello or a kind gesture.

These conversations help children build emotional awareness, focus on the good, and develop a habit of gratitude. It’s also a lovely way to connect and share smiles together.

Make GEM Chats a part of your evening routine—you’ll be helping to grow resilience, one conversation at a time.