Student Engagement

Art Therapist @ 

This semester we are lucky enough to have Michelle Smith from La Trobe University joining us as part of their course placement. Meet Michelle, and hear a little bit about what art therapy is!

My name is Michelle Smith (Pallawah).  I am an art therapy student from Latrobe University and will be doing a placement at Croydon SDS until the end of November.  Art therapists use art materials and art making to support social and emotional well-being.  Art therapists have skills in creative arts and mental health.  I have worked as a nurse, in community health and development, training and in community arts, mostly in Aboriginal community settings.   

During my time here I am hoping to explore art therapy sessions, and facilitate creative and sensory activities during outside play times. I enjoy music and drumming, painting, drawing, printmaking, and small sculptures.   

If you do not wish for your child to take part in the outside group activities, please contact Sam Redenbach on the school number. 

Community Health 

This terms focus has been positive coping and stress management. Students have been working on ways to deal with situations that may arise and identifying strategies and techniques to regulate their emotions. 

CSDS staff have been  assisting students to recognise their personal signs and symptoms of stress and develop effective strategies will help them cope with challenges in the future. Positive self-talk is a key strategy for coping with negative thoughts, emotions and events. The SWPBS reinforcement system (super skill bucks) has been used in line with this program to reinforce the positive actions our students have been learning! 

Hear are some students that have completed related work across the term!

The focus for next term will be problem solving and help seeking. If you would like any more information about these programs please email or call the school an we will answer any questions you have.