Wellbeing & Culture

Welcome to Term 3: Wellbeing Reminders 

Coming back after a break- especially when we are mid-winter can be a challenge. We are bound to get some raised anxiety about entering the second half of the year. We are sure to hear some sleepy complaints about the cold. Energy levels can be, for the most part, quite low. Some of us may have been used to lots of rest and relaxation from the break, some of us have felt like we didn’t get a break, and lots may wish we had more time off. 

Here are a few reminders of things we can do to take care of our wellbeing to help us stay positive as we enter this new term: 

• Get enough sleep! When the weather already messes up our energy levels- it is important to make sure we are off devices and in bed early- with plenty of time for a refreshing long sleep. 
• Spend quality time as a family encouraging each other. Whether it is in the car on a long drive, around the dinner table, or in a family meeting, having time to raise concerns and process emotions as a family, when support is the focus and goal is refreshing and uplifting for the soul. 
• Share healthy, comforting, meals with family and friends. Food brings people together, no matter what culture you identify with, or where in the world you are, sharing healthy comforting meals with loved ones has proven to be one of the best things for building a sense of belonging and a healthy well-being. 
• Focus on the BLESSINGS. It has been proven time and time again by psychologists and social scientists all around the world, that the key to happiness is gratitude. The more we infuse gratitude into our family discussions and way of being, the more we feel the positive power of positive psychology. This is the ultimate answer to lowering anxieties, stress, anger, and low moods- but it is not an easy task. 
• Give yourself, and others plenty of GRACE. Forgiveness is so good for us- it is the power of letting go of the thing you thought you needed, the wisdom of accepting that things can’t and won’t be perfect. Forgiveness is making peace with the fact you wanted a “yes” but got a “no”. Forgiveness will strengthen wellbeing and dramatically improve wellbeing wherever you use it. 

Infusing each of the five points above into our routine is the key (though maybe simplified) to healthy well-being any time of the year. Each point can come with some major challenges, but so worth the effort. 

NAIDOC Week- 

Coming back from our school holidays where we have had NAIDOC week this has been a talking point across the school.  A quick reminder: NAIDOC stands for 'National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’. During NAIDOC week we spend time thinking about Indigenous stories and appreciating the richness and unique aspects of Indigenous culture. 

As we think about Indigenous culture this week- I encourage our community to let it be a jumping-off place where we can lean more into learning about ALL cultures- especially the ones represented here at CHPS! I hope we can continue to celebrate all of the rich and unique aspects of all the represented cultures- and start listening to more and more cultural journeys and stories from all families apart of our school community. 

Cheyenne Yates- On Behalf of the Wellbeing & Culture Team