Student Wellbeing
Empathy Day - NEXT MONDAY!
On Monday 24th August, St James will come together to recognise Bullying No Way! Day with a whole-school focus on our Term 3 value of Empathy.
Throughout the day, students will participate in age-appropriate learning experiences that explore the importance of empathy, recognise bullying behaviours, understand the impact bullying has on others, and learn how to be upstanders who help create a safe, respectful and inclusive school community.
Students are invited to wear purple accessories with their school uniform on the day. Purple represents our school value of Empathy. This colour reminds us to:
- understand others' feelings
- stand up to bullying
- include others
- create a safe school where everyone belongs.
By working together, we can foster a school culture where everyone feels safe, respected, valued and knows they belong.
What's happening in SEL across the school?
RRRR Spotlight: Topic 7 – Gender & Identity
This term, our classes are exploring Topic 7: Gender and Identity as part of our Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships curriculum.
This topic encourages students to explore identity and challenge gender stereotypes, promoting respect and inclusion for all, for example, the idea that "only boys play football" or "only girls wear pink." Through discussions, books, and classroom activities, students are encouraged to express themselves respectfully. They also learn about the importance of treating everyone equally, regardless of gender, and how to include and support others who may be different from themselves.
Guided by Catholic Social Teaching on the sanctity and dignity of every human person, these lessons equip students with clear, age-appropriate facts about equality, diversity, and human rights.
Armed with this understanding, students learn to practice empathy, challenge unfair stereotypes, and stand up against injustice. By fostering a school culture where everyone is treated with Christ-like kindness, we empower our students to build healthy, respectful relationships.
EMPATHY AWARDS
Congratulations to the following students who received an
Empathy Award at Friday's Assembly.
Week 4: Hudson, Morgan, Sophia, Riley Q, Ben RH, Nayan, Hamish, and Zoe.
Week 5: Eli, Ethan, Lachlan, Alexander, and Patchy.
Please continue to reach out via email or phone should you have any questions or concerns. I am always happy to chat or meet with you to discuss anything wellbeing-related, and to work together in supporting your child’s social, emotional, and learning needs.
Monica De Leo
Student Wellbeing Leader
monica.deleo@sjvermont.catholic.edu.au
PARENTING RESOURCES
Kids Helpline is Australia's only free, private, and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25 AND their parents/carers.
Counselling is currently offered by phone, Webchat and email.
Smiling Mind’s vision is to help every mind thrive.
Their mission is to provide accessible, lifelong tools to support healthy minds.
It includes sections for parents, teachers and students with practical strategies
and resources to support your child's wellbeing.
Reliable, and up-to-date information to help your family grow and thrive together.
A social service agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, offering a range of programs and services that aim to build and strengthen relationships.
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.