Assistant Principals' Report

Hello and welcome to our newsletter item for this week.

Yesterday was ‘R U OK day?’ across Australia. At Heidelberg Primary School, all classes had an age-appropriate discussion about what the day is all about and completed various activities. The day helps to raise awareness on how we can help each other, by starting a conversation and checking in on family, friends and colleagues we might have concerns about.

At lunch break, well over 100 students came along to make a badge with support from our Mental Health Wellbeing Leader Nicola Colgate-Jones and Social Emotional Learning team member and leader of our School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) Leigh Barry. We also had some Year 6 helpers supporting the younger students. Thank you.

Use these four steps and have a conversation that could change a life:

Ask R U OK?
Listen
Encourage action
Check in

For more information and wonderful information and resources please go to: https://www.ruok.org.au

At Art club today, the students read a picture story book titled, ‘What to say.. when we don’t know what to say’. By Davina Bell and illustrated by Hilary Jean Tapper. This was folowed by using a small tin (the tins are loved by all at Art Club!) to decorate with words and stickers for those times when maybe you just can't find the words, and that is okay! Thank you to staff member Kristy Thews for leading this club, your creative ideas, enthusiasm, kindness and care always shine everyday but especially at Art Club. Duke loves being there but is often trying to clean up and remind the students not to drop their little biscuit crumbs.

It looks at big emotions, social awkwardness, and tricky situations children might face with empathy and kindness. It was a book that won the Australian Book Industry Award (ABIA) Children's Picture Book of the Year in 2023.

These are some of the phrases or scenarios included in the story

Feeling overwhelmed or scared: "I'm not brave enough today. Maybe next time."
Setting boundaries: "You're hurting my feelings right now."
Joining in: "Want to join in?" or "I don't know anybody, what's your name?"
Bigger life moments: Moving house, starting school, going to the hospital, or dealing with loss.

Please see below some free services available for when students may be experiencing challenges with their mental health and need someone to talk to.

Kids Helpline www.kidshelpline.com.au 1800 55 1800

24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Online Chat: kidshelpline.com.au

Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free, 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.

Headspacewww.headspace.org.au 1800 650 890

9am-1am, seven days a week.

Online Chat: www.headspace.org.au/eheadspace Headspace is a confidential, free and secure space where young people 12 – 25 or their family can chat, email or speak on the phone with a qualified youth mental health professional.

Beyond Blue www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 224 636

24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Online Chat: www.beyondblue.org.au

Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health.

Have a great weekend and week ahead.

Warm Regards,

Helen Thomas & Monique Rankin

Assistant Principals

Heidelberg Primary School