Student Wellbeing
Maria Ruberto - Parent Evening
Thank you to the numerous parents who made the effort to attend last Wednesday's session with Maria. I hope that you enjoyed the evening and were able to take away some important information, tips, and strategies.
Some key take-aways of mine were:
- Highlighting 5 strengths in my child each day and ensuring that we articulate it to them. Eg: you're such a wonderful helper!
- Children's brains need development and not over-protection. As parents, we need to stop trying to 'fix' and problem-solve for our children.
- Lack of structure and predictability are causes of dysregulation.
- Bring optimism and eye contact to the dinner table. It is so important to sit down together and share this special time as often as we can.
- Connection leads to co-regulation. 3:5 exchange strategy for self-reflection and co-regulation.
- Listen for 3 minutes (no interrupting/no opinions)
- Ask 5 questions (who, what, when, where and how)
Term 3 Value - Empathy
At this morning's assembly, we heard some more important information about Empathy from two of our SRC members, Tobias and Andrew. This is the message they had for us...
Do you know or remember the Parable of the Good Samaritan?
We are now going to tell you a summary of the Good Samaritan.
Jews and Samaritans have been enemies for hundreds of years. There was once a man from Jerusalem and he was stripped by robbers. 3 men walked by The Priest, The Assistant Priest (also known as Levite) and the Samaritan. The priest walked by and left him there as did the Assistant Priest. But the Samaritan came by on his donkey and took pity on him and showed empathy and even took the man to an Inn. We can learn that you can show empathy no matter who it is, even if it’s someone that you don’t know or even an enemy!
Congratulations to the following students who received awards for the empathy they demonstrated over the past two weeks. We are very proud of you!
Week Six: Isaac, Rafael, Will, Mya, Meadow, Jackson, Machaela, Joseph, Sam
Week Seven: Juliana, Harrison, Suvani and Isaac
Table Tennis Club
Our SRCs have been busy working behind the scenes to keep St James the safe and happy place it is. Their latest collaboration, led by Hugo S and Tobias was to establish a Table Tennis Club at lunchtimes.
Last Tuesday, we held our inaugural Table Tennis Club at lunchtime and had over 65 students attend! Wow!
Thank you to our set-up and pack-down SRC members who helped make this such a successful initiative, and to the students for attending and having fun!
Table tennis will continue to run in Week 8 and 10 this term, and into Term 4.
Monica De Leo
Student Wellbeing Leader
monica.deleo@sjvermont.catholic.edu.au
Victorian Child Safety Standards
Here is the Catholic Education Council of Victoria's revised statement of commitment to Child Safety which we abide by:
Support Services Available to all students and families
Parent Zone
Parenting Programs
Parenting is the most important and challenging job in today’s rapidly changing world – but children and young people don’t come with a handbook. ParentZone supports parents, carers, and families to meet up, share and learn from each other. Anglicare Victoria understands the potential of families to shape lives. We help families to work together and create positive and long-lasting change for themselves and the community around them
ParentZone Pods - Parenting Podcasts
In late 2021, ParentZone launched a series of parenting podcasts called ParentZone Pods on sibling rivalry, dealing with anxiety, family meetings, getting your children to listen, how to stop yelling at your kids, and how to respond to kids’ behaviour. Due to the success of these podcasts, Anglicare has decided to create another series in 2022. So, watch this space for more helpful topics to aid in your parenting! Check out all ParentZone Pods here.
Parent Resources
Click here for access to the Smiling Mind Website
Smiling Mind’s vision is to help every mind thrive. Their mission is to provide accessible life-long tools to support healthy minds.
Click here for access to the Student Wellbeing Hub Website
It includes sections for parents, teachers and students with practical strategies and resources to support your child's wellbeing.
Click here for Raising Children Network
Reliable, and up-to-date information to help your family grow and thrive together.
Click here for access to Parenting Ideas Blog
It includes articles, testimonials and practical tips on a wide variety of topics.
Click here for Iparent - Office of eSafety Commissioner
To learn about the digital environment and how to help your child have safe and enjoyable online experiences.
Click here for access to CatholicCare
It is a social service agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, they offer a range of programs and services that aim to build and strengthen relationships.
Click here for access to Beyond Blue
This website is regularly updated with information, advice and strategies to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health during this time. And you can stay up-to-date by joining our email community.
Positive Parenting Telephone Service 1800 880 660
Participants complete a workbook or online modules which are supported by weekly 30 minute phone calls with a trained parenting educator. All of this can be done from the comfort of your own home at a time that suits you.
Parentline 13 22 89
Parentline is available 8am to midnight, 7 days a week. It is a confidential and anonymous phone counselling service for parents and carers of children and teenagers in Victoria.
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
The Kids Helpline is Australia's only free, private, and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. Counselling is currently offered by phone, Webchat and email.