Wellbeing at St John's

Staff Wellbeing Week

Welcome to Wellbeing Week! 

This week is a little reminder to take some time for you — to slow down when you can, enjoy the little moments, connect with each other and remember that looking after ourselves matters too.

I also wanted to take the opportunity to say how grateful I am for our wonderful St John’s family. We all come through the gates each day from different places, with different lives, different responsibilities and often things happening behind the scenes that others may know anything about. And yet, we arrive at this beautiful place St John's and feel safe, supported and cared for by the people around us. That is something pretty special. I have created a lovely Tote bag for each Staff member to fill during Wellbeing Week as they support our students to Shine.

Throughout Wellbeing Week, I hope you find a few little moments to pause, have a laugh, enjoy each other’s company and do something that fills your own cup. 

Thank you for the care, kindness and support you show one another every day. It’s what makes St John’s such a special place to belong. Happy Wellbeing Week! 

PBL (Positive Behaviour for Learning)

As we continue our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) focus to be Responsible, we are actively looking for students demonstrating this value both in the classroom and in the playground. This means taking ownership of our actions, making positive choices and caring for ourselves, others and our environment. It might look like students being organised, following instructions, completing their work to the best of their ability and looking after school property. It might sound like kind, encouraging words, respectful conversations and students taking responsibility for their learning and behaviour. Most importantly, it feels like a school where everyone is safe, supported and proud to contribute to our positive learning community.

Students who consistently demonstrate responsibility will be recognised and celebrated. Staff will be awarding Dojo Points and Recognition Tokens to acknowledge positive choices, with students going into the draw for weekly rewards. Some students will also receive PBL Certificates at our school assemblies in recognition of their outstanding efforts.

By explicitly teaching, recognising and celebrating positive behaviours, we continue to strengthen our school culture and ensure St John's is a place where every child can learn, grow and shine.

Family Fun and Wellbeing Activities 

Wellbeing doesn't have to be complicated, it's often the small, everyday moments that make the biggest difference. Here are some simple ideas to help your family connect, recharge and build positive wellbeing together:

🌿 Connect

• Eat one meal together without screens
• Share your favourite part of the day and one challenge
• Write kind notes for each other and hide them around the house
• Play a favourite board game or card game together

🚶 Move

• Go for a family walk or bike ride
• Visit a local playground, park or walking trail
• Kick a football, shoot some hoops or play backyard cricket

😊 Practice Gratitude

• Each evening, share three things you're grateful for
• Start a family gratitude jar and read the notes together at the end of the month
• Thank someone who has made a difference to your day

📚 Learn Together

• Read a book together
• Cook a new recipe as a family
• Complete a puzzle or build something together
• Visit your local library

❤️ Show Kindness

• Bake something for a neighbour or friend
• Help with a household chore without being asked
• Compliment each family member
• Volunteer together in your local community

🌱 Mindfulness

• Spend five minutes practicing deep breathing together
• Sit outside and notice five things you can see, hear and feel
• Watch the sunset or look at the stars
• Enjoy a screen-free hour together

😂 Have Fun

• Have a family movie night.
• Play charades or a scavenger hunt
• Have a family games night

Wishing you a great week filled with moments of gratitude. Please reach out if I can help with anything.

Tracey Farrar

Mental Health & Wellbeing Leader

tfarrar@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au