Child Safe & Wellbeing

Physical Activity & Exercise

In the last decade, children’s participation in physical activity and exercise has been in decline. In this digital age, children are using computers and mobile devices, not only for learning, but for relaxation and recreation purposes. This sedentary lifestyle is having a detrimental effect on today’s youth. The key is finding the balance.

Research shows, that regular physical activity and exercise leads to changes in the brain. It improves cognitive function, elevates mood, enhances learning and improves academic outcomes. Playing sport helps kids develop fundamental movement skills impacting positively on their confidence, self-esteem and ability to develop social skills. Parents play an important role in helping children establish positive habits that will benefit their children in the long-term.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will discover practical advice relating to the benefits of regular physical activity and exercise, as well as tips on how to get their kids motivated and moving more.

Please open our link to SchoolTV to watch the informative videos on this topic:

https://cranbourneeast.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/physical-activity-exercise

Upstanding U — Have the POWER

At St Thomas the Apostle, students are continuing to build their understanding of our whole-school bullying prevention initiative, “Upstanding U Have the POWER.” 

This week, the focus is on the first letter of the POWER framework: P - Protocol 

Protocol means following the agreed steps, expectations and routines that help keep everyone safe, respected and included. By understanding and following school protocols, students learn that their choices can positively affect the wellbeing of others and contribute to a calm and welcoming school environment.

Across the year levels, students will explore Protocol and Outside Help through age-appropriate classroom discussions, practical scenarios, role-play and reflection. Younger students may focus on familiar routines such as lining up safely, sharing spaces, using kind words and seeking help when needed. Older students will consider how agreed procedures can be used when responding to unsafe, unkind or excluding behaviour.

Students will practise recognising a problem, identifying the appropriate school protocol and choosing calm, respectful words or actions. They will also explore how following protocols can prevent situations from becoming more harmful and can help everyone feel safe and ready to learn.

Our learning will continue to be explored through a Catholic lens. Students will reflect on Jesus’ teaching in Mark 12:31: “Love your neighbour as yourself.”

This Scripture reminds us that love is shown through our actions. When students follow agreed protocols, they demonstrate care for others, take responsibility for their choices and help protect the dignity and safety of every member of our community.

Families can support this learning by talking with children about the protocols they use at school and discussing how following agreed expectations can help others feel safe, respected and included.

We look forward to continuing to share our students’ learning as they build the confidence and skills to become active upstanders within our school community.

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD)

Coffee & Connect - Thursday 6th August

Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others

Parenting can be both rewarding and demanding. Amid the changing needs of our children and the many pressures of raising young people today, it can be easy to place our own wellbeing at the bottom of the list.

Coffee & Connect is an opportunity to slow down, enjoy a cuppa, and connect with other parents and carers from our school community. In our next Coffee & Connect, we'll chat about what it means to care for ourselves while caring for others, share ideas and experiences, and reflect on the small, everyday ways we can support our own wellbeing.

Whether you'd like to contribute to the conversation or simply come along to listen, everyone is welcome. We hope you'll join us for a relaxed morning of connection, conversation, and community.