Wellbeing

As the term draws to close, I find myself reflecting on the countless ways in which ACPS students have shown enormous  courage and resilience in recent months. Some have done this publicly through the Aladdin performance, cross country, and participating in team sport and the big freeze. Others have done this in less public ways (but still just as important!) such as standing up for a friend, helping someone who is upset, asking for help when they need it, and hitting personal milestones at home and school. I feel very grateful to witness such interesting and inspiring young people in action!

 I hope everyone enjoys the break, for those who are interested I have listed some wellbeing reading recommendations that you might like to have a look at during the holidays. 

• The Grand Hotel of Feelings by Lidia Brankovic (ages 5-10) -great for learning about emotions and letting all thoughts (even negative ones) pass through.
• Let's talk about Body boundaries, Consent and Respect by Jayneen Saunders (good for all ages)-supports learning about body privacy, communicating our own boundaries and respecting others 
• Frogs Breathtaking Speech by Michael Chissick (good for all ages)- awesome book that teaches children how to use deep breathing to soothe stress, tension and anger.
• The Invisible String by Patrice Karst (ages 5-9) - talks about an invisible string between children and their loved  ones, supports transition to school and aids in separation anxiety. 
• Girl Stuff for girls aged 8-12 by Kaz Cooke- for the  older girls, a guide to the pre-teen years including topics such as friendships, body changes and positive self-esteem.
• The Brain Forest by Sandhya Manon-explores neurodivergence and the many different ways our brains work (ages 5-9). 

And for adults: 

• How to talk so kids will listen and listen so kids will talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish- really great read on supporting and communicating with  children of all ages.

-Hannah 

Student Support and Wellbeing Officer 

Please get in touch should you have any questions related to student wellbeing, my email is Hannah.Jenkins@education.vic.gov.au