Wellbeing

Hi St Mary's,

Welcome back to Term 1 2025. I hope everyone had a good break and had some family adventures. 

Our school year has gotten off to a really positive start. Some staffing changes and new families arriving have given our school a new look and a feeling of hope for the future. Being part of the Grade 5 / 6 classroom and also observing other classes both in the yard and at work have given me some perspective. Classes are calm and engaged. High level learning is taking place as relationships are forming and solidifying. What helps our student’s learn best is being considered, planned for and delivered. There is a sense of excitement in the air and I have no doubt that as the year progresses the quality of teaching and learning will only continue to increase in quality. We have some great programs rolling out in the wellbeing space this year and I will endeavour to keep you all updated. I have been very impressed with our students' commitment to working on their own wellbeing practices and supporting the needs of their peers.

St Mary’s is continuing to work with Dhelkaya Health in conjunction with Vic Kids Eat Well and their achievement program. Part of this is developing a Healthy Eating Policy and reviewing how we promote and teach healthy practices at St Mary’s. The Grade 5 / 6 class are looking forward to attempting some healthy menus to feed our whole school as part of this initiative and holding some special lunch days.

Next week our teachers will be attending some professional development after school to upskill in our new wellbeing program called Social Detectives. This will be led by our resident Speech Pathologist Steph Silvagni. We will then do a series of lessons throughout Term 1 and possibly into Term 2 in all classrooms led by Steph and assisted by me and the classroom teachers. 

Also, it has been great to see families come in to meet with teachers and strengthen relationships with not only our students but the whole family. These meetings are invaluable and go a long way to supporting our students to do their best learning and to feel safe, welcomed and supported at St Mary’s. 

Have a great fortnight.

Regards,

Mark O’Sullivan