POPS Paper

Student Wellbeing

Attendance- Mrs Debono

As we start the school year, it's important to be aware of how absenteeism in the early months can affect your child's success throughout the year. Research shows that:

  • Missing 2-4 days in February-March can lead to a student missing nearly a month of school over the year.

  • Poor attendance in the early years can impact whether children are reading proficiently by the end of Grade 3.

  • By Grade 6, chronic absence is a strong indicator that a student may struggle with finishing high school.

  • Missing just 10% of school—about 20 days in a year, or 2 days each month—can significantly harm a student's academic performance. This is known as chronic absence.

  • Unfortunately, post-COVID data shows that the number of students who are chronically absent has nearly doubled.

We encourage all parents to monitor their child's attendance and make every effort to ensure they are in school every day. Consistency in attendance is key to their academic success.

The Resilience Project (TRP)

The Resilience Project: Building Resilience and Wellbeing in Our School Community

At POPS, we are proud to partner with The Resilience Project (TRP) to support the mental health and wellbeing of our students, staff, and families. This evidence-based program provides our school community with practical tools and strategies to build resilience and foster positive emotions.

 

Through the core principles of Gratitude, Empathy, and Mindfulness (GEM), along with emotional literacy, TRP empowers students to develop lifelong skills for managing emotions, enhancing wellbeing, and navigating challenges with confidence. Together, we are creating a supportive and resilient school environment where everyone can thrive.

 The Resilience Project at POPS

  • At POPS, we are committed to fostering a supportive and positive wellbeing culture through The Resilience Project (TRP). This whole-school approach engages students, teachers, and parents in developing essential skills for resilience, emotional awareness, and mental well-being.
  • Engaging Lessons & Presentations – Students across all year levels take part in interactive lessons focused on gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness (GEM), emotional literacy, and practical strategies for managing stress. Parents and carers are also invited to participate in sessions to support their children’s resilience at home.
  • Comprehensive Curriculum – Our structured, year-long TRP curriculum includes 15-30 tailored lessons per year level. Supported by student journals, teacher resources, and an online teaching hub, these lessons help embed resilience practices into daily routines.
  • Professional Development for Staff – Our teachers receive ongoing training and access to resources that enhance mental health support in the classroom. Workshops also allow us to review Resilience Profile data, ensuring we meet the unique needs of our students.
  • By embedding The Resilience Project across our school, we are building a culture where every student feels supported to thrive—both inside and outside the classroom.

 

Ongoing Support and Resources

Our partnership with The Resilience Project includes access to regular newsletters and a teaching hub filled with resources, helping us stay connected with the latest strategies in wellbeing education. A Resilient Youth Survey, conducted annually, also provides valuable insights, allowing us to track our students’ resilience and adapt our approaches as needed.

 

Program Benefits

At POPS, we are committed to fostering a positive and resilient school culture. Through The Resilience Project, students engage in weekly curriculum sessions, digital presentations, and tailored resources that help them develop essential life skills.

 

By learning to manage stress, build emotional awareness, and strengthen relationships, our students are gaining the tools they need to navigate challenges with confidence. Together, we are creating a supportive environment where every student can thrive—both academically and personally.

 

TRP@HOME

We encourage parents to bring The Resilience Project’s (TRP) valuable teachings into the home with TRP@HOME, an online platform designed to support families in fostering gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness (GEM) in everyday life. With engaging activities, helpful tips, and practical insights, TRP@HOME makes it easy to integrate these principles into family routines.

 

At POPS, The Resilience Project is embedded across our curriculum, providing students with essential skills to support their emotional well-being. Through ongoing professional development for staff and a structured program for students, we are committed to building a positive and resilient school community—one that thrives both in and beyond the classroom.

 

This week, we will be sending home The Resilience Project Diary for families to use at home. Inside, you'll find a range of wellbeing resources, including a sleep and exercise tracker, mindfulness activities, and journaling prompts—all designed to support resilience and emotional wellbeing.

 

We encourage families to explore TRP@HOME, a free online platform with additional activities and tips to help integrate positive wellbeing practices into everyday life.

To explore TRP@HOME and get involved, visit Free, Positive Wellbeing Tips at Home - TRP@HOME