Student Wellbeing

𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛

On Friday 5 July, the Breakfast Club provided a hot breakfast for all students in this wintery weather. Students ate egg and bacon sandwiches, apples and enjoyed milo drinks.

The breakfast was organised by our Pastoral Care Worker, Matt Peter and the Student Representative Council. It was a lovely way to celebrate the end of term.

𝐓𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

Aberfoyle Park High school in partnership with SchoolTV helps support parents and carers to navigate their children's schooling journeys. As we come to the end of the reporting period of this semester, they have provided interesting information around developing healthy work/life balance for children and their education.

Toxic achievement is becoming increasingly prevalent, characterised by excessive competition, unrealistic expectations, and a singular focus on results. This culture is also being impacted by peer competition, a relentless comparison ethos, coupled with parental expectations and being compounded by social media. It stems from a shift towards individualism where personal achievements are being equated with self-worth.

Adult response to counter this culture is to support young people with a more balanced and holistic approach to achievement. This requires emphasising the importance of resilience, wellbeing, and the pursuit of diverse interests. There is nothing wrong with having ambition. However, it is crucial to ensure that this desire doesn't push our young people into a toxic cycle of achievement and make them feel they must achieve in order to matter.

To read more about toxic achievement and view a short video on the subject, please click on our website link - https://aphs.sa.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-toxic-achievement-culture

Bullying – important conversations to have with your child.

As part of Aberfoyle Park High School's ongoing commitment to Wellbeing, the Student Representative Council (SRC), along with the whole school, will be hosting and participating in the Bullying No Way: National week of action from12 to 16 August 2024.

By working collaboratively within our community, we can collectively help reduce bullying.

Parents and caregivers play an important role in helping your child understand bullying and know how to respond to it. If your child tells you about things at school, or you observe something in public that involves conflict or bullying, take the opportunity to talk about what bullying is. 

You can learn more about what defines bullying at Bullying No Way.

Questions you could ask:

• What do you think bullying is?
• Have you seen it? How did you feel?
• Have you ever felt scared at school because of bullying?
• As well as me, who are the other adults you would talk to when it comes to things like bullying?
• Have you or your friends left other kids out on purpose? Do you think that was bullying? Why or why not?
• Have you ever tried to help someone who is being bullied? What happened? What would you do if it happens again?

Remind your child that bullying is never okay and discuss how they can respond safely if they experience or witness it.

Encourage them to seek help from a trusted adult and keep seeking support if needed.

By promoting open communication, we empower children at Aberfoyle Park High School to stand up against bullying and create a safer environment where everyone can feel that they belong. 

For more information, visit Bullying No Way or look at Bullying | Aberfoyle Park High School (schooltv.me) on our home page to support your messages from home during the week. Students will also have the chance to participate in activities designed by the SRC to also educate students on Bullying.  

During the week of 12 - 16 August, there will be lunchtime interactive activities, stalls, games and plenty of information around bullying.

Girl Power! for Neurodiverse Girls

The school has started a new club in term 3, Girl Power will run weekly at lunchtime during the term appreciating the neurodiverse movement and creating a community of supportive peers among girls. 

Girls involved have fun, get crafty, learn life skills, safe and inclusive, and receive support to navigate the neurotypical school life. 

The club is facilitated by Department of Education, Student Support Services, SBI Senior Social Worker who is based at the school. 

If you wish to know more about the club, please reach out to Katerina our School Senior Social Worker.

Email: Katerina.Schmitt337@schools.edu.au.  

Communicating with and Supporting Your Teenage Child: A 6-week Online Course for Parents delivered by real people in real time.

Sync& Support - Emotional Wisdom and Intelligence for Parents with Teens

We are excited to announce a transformative opportunity for the parents at 

Aberfoyle Park High School. UniMinistry Foundation and Metavision Institute are offering a 6-week online course designed to equip parents with the skills to effectively support their teenage children through the critical transition towards high school completion and university life.

Why This Course is Essential

By enhancing your communication and coping skills as a parent, you will empower your teen to navigate life's challenges with confidence and resilience, fostering success in their personal, relational and academic spheres. By developing these abilities, teenagers build stronger, more trusting relationships with others, setting the stage for a successful and fulfilling future.

Understand Their World: Gain insights into the challenges and pressures faced by teenagers today. Learn how to empathise with their experiences and perspectives.

Enhance Communication: Discover practical strategies to improve your communication skills. Learn how to have meaningful conversations that foster trust and openness.

Support Their Growth: Equip yourself with the tools to support your child's emotional and academic journey. Help them develop the confidence and resilience needed for success.

Workshops are delivered via Zoom and run for 90mins, 7pm AEST Tuesdays from 29 October to 3 December 2024.

To book, visit our website: https://uniministry.com/event/sync-support-emotional-wisdom-and-intelligence-for-parents-with-teens/

Sign Up Today: Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now!

By understanding, communicating, and supporting effectively, you can help your teenager navigate this important period with confidence and resilience. Start your journey with us and transform your family dynamics for the better.

Questions? Email us at ask@uniministry.com