Wellbeing 

Next week, Thursday, 10th September, is R U OK? day. This is an important day, dedicated to encouraging meaningful conversations about mental health and well-being, and we invite all our students, families, and staff to participate.

4 Steps to Have a Conversation

• Ask: Start the conversation in a relaxed, friendly way.
• Listen: Hear them out with an open mind and without judgment.
• Encourage Action: Help them find support or think of past coping strategies.
• Check In: Follow up with them in a few days or weeks.

How Ballan Primary School is participating

Wear Yellow 💛

On Thursday, 10th September, we encourage everyone to wear a touch of yellow with their school uniform, to show support for R U OK? Day and to help raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing. This could be anything from a yellow ribbon, yellow socks, a scarf, hair clips, bow-tie or yellow accessories. Small touches can make a big impact! 

Does your child need extra support?

Did you know that across our school, some of our students receive the support of the Catholic Care wellbeing support service? Every week, students who are going through a difficult time and would benefit from someone to talk to, access this free and confidential service right here at school. This all begins with families contacting me, to see if they can get some extra support for their child. 

Yesterday I received an email from one of the Catholic Care practitioners to let me know that they currently has availability to support a small number of additional students and families within our school community.

Depending on your child’s needs, the support may focus on:

• understanding and managing big emotions
• developing strategies for worries, stress or anxiety
• building confidence and resilience
• strengthening communication and relationships
• developing healthy ways to cope with challenges.

This is an early-intervention and preventative service. Children do not need to have a diagnosis or be experiencing a significant mental health concern to benefit from support.

If you feel your child may benefit, or you would simply like to learn more, please contact me directly. All enquiries will be treated sensitively and confidentially. Expressing interest does not commit your family to proceeding.

Have a great week, everyone.

Mrs Róisín Mauriks

Learning Specialist - Wellbeing

roisin.mauriks@education.vic.gov.au

Ph: 5368 1072