HEPS Wellbeing Window

RU OK day 

Thursday September 11th 

Next Thursday is RU OK Day at HEPS. Students are encouraged to wear yellow. Yellow symbolizes hope, friendship, happiness, and intellect. It serves as a conversation starter and a reminder for others to check in on those around them, fostering a more connected and supportive community. 

R U OK day focuses on building motivation, confidence, and skills of the help-giver- the person who can have a meaningful conversation with someone who is struggling. It is important to have a conversation with someone if you are feeling down. Students will be guided by their teachers to have peer check-ins in an age-appropriate way. 

Mental Health and Wellbeing HEPS Parent Information Session 

Next term, HEPS will be holding a Wellbeing parent information session open to all HEPS families. We will be sharing our approach to Wellbeing, covering topics such as Mental Health for students, School Wide Positive Behaviour Support, Friendships, and more. 

Please register for this event so that we can adequately prepare the necessary resources.

This event is for adults only. 

Wednesday, October 8th, 6.30 pm - 7.30 pm 

Please register here.... Parent session   

School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support

This term at HEPS, all classrooms are focusing on two key areas to enhance their learning environment. Teachers worked in teams to identify behaviours that they wanted to see enhanced across HEPS. They worked collaboratively and identified two areas across the school that needed improvement. They are - 

1. Positive Interactions 
2. School Pride

Positive Interactions by level 

School Pride by level

This week two classes were recognised at assembly for taking pride in their learning environments and being Ready to Learn. Congratulations 1MN and 4CA. 

Opportunities for students in Maroondah 

Bookings here - Imagine: Creative experiences for children | Maroondah City Council

Website: www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/imagine

Be You Mental Health supports 

The Importance of Emotional Talk with Our Children

Emotions are not just background noise—they matter as they teach us about children’s inner world experience and needs. In addition, being tuned to children’s emotions shape how children develop their self-esteem, learn, think, and relate. It is essential to remember that expressing emotions is not a sign of weakness but a pathway to resilience and connection.

Here’s why talking about emotions matters:

1. Emotional Development

When we label and explore feelings, children build self-awareness and develop a robust emotional identity. This awareness—known in psychology as “emotion understanding”—is a key part of emotional competence, leading to stronger social and self-regulation skills.

2. Emotional Regulation

Talking about emotions helps children learn to manage difficult feelings. By discussing how we feel and what to do with those feelings, children begin to regulate their reactions. They learn tools like taking breaths, naming their emotions, and seeking support which are essential skills for managing distress and avoiding extreme behaviours.

3. Social Communication

Emotional talk encourages open, authentic communication. When children talk about their emotions, they also learn to listen and empathise with others. This fosters genuine connection, helps them resolve conflicts, and builds healthy relationships—core outcomes of social-emotional learning programs.

4. Coping with Challenges

Talking about emotions prepares children to face life’s difficulties. Understanding and naming their emotions equips children with coping tools and the confidence to seek help when needed. They learn that emotions are signals to be noticed—not problems to be ignored—and develop resilience to handle setbacks effectively.

5. Boosting Self-Esteem

Children who feel truly heard and validated grow up believing they matter. Empathy and acceptance reinforce their sense of worth and help them view themselves positively—an essential ingredient for a healthy self-concept.

6. Preventing Risk Behaviour

When children can express feelings verbally, they’re less likely to act out. This verbal expression reduces emotional bottling, which can otherwise lead to tantrums, aggression, or withdrawal. Suppressing emotions doesn't eliminate them; instead, it often leads to internal tension and unresolved issues. Over time, this can manifest as anxiety, irritability, or a sense of disconnection from oneself.

So, how do we develop emotional talk culture and make it part of our everyday family life:

Here are some tips: 

Modelling

Children often learn by observing their parents. By expressing your own emotions and coping strategies, you demonstrate that it's normal and healthy to talk about feelings. For example, you might say, "I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed today, so I'm going to take a short walk to clear my mind." This approach helps children understand that emotions are manageable and not something to fear.

Show interest

When children are talking, they might not share their feelings, but they will give you a clue if you show interest. It can sound like: “So when that happened, were you disappointed or may be sad?” the more we name emotions in our conversation the more they will start to notice them and understand themselves. 

Create a habit

Regularly use the emotion vocabulary in family conversations. A conversation starter cards box or weekly family discussion, is a fantastic opportunity to add emotional vocabulary into the talk.

Emotion Jar

An ‘Emotion Jar' is a simple tool where children can write down their worries frustrations, anger etc. and place them in a jar. This practice allows them to externalize their feelings making them feel more manageable. Regularly reviewing the jar together can open up discussions about these emotions and how to address them.

Family Compliment Circle (Great for Car Rides)

During a family gathering or while on a long car ride, take turns giving each other compliments. After receiving a compliment, the person can choose a Favourite song for everyone to enjoy. Then, move on to the next family member. This activity not only fosters positive communication but also makes the journey more enjoyable.