St Francis de Sales Catholic Primary School Lynbrook Newsletter

Wellbeing

 PBL

At SFS, our PBL (Positive Behaviours for Learning) school wide expectations are:

Respect, 

Responsibility and 

Kindness

 

This week in PBL we focused on KINDNESS: Be thoughtful of others. The students had a social skills lesson on Monday teaching them how to follow the four steps to check in on a classmate when they are worried about them. 

 

The children learnt the acronym ALEC which stands for: 

Ask “are you okay?”

Listen

Encourage Action

Check in

 

The juniors learnt what each step means and how we do this. The seniors wrote down different phrases you can use to ask if someone is okay such as “How are you?” “What’s up?”, “How are things?” “What’s been happening?” and “S’up?” 

 

Here are some of our students from last week’s PBL raffle that have been following our school expected behaviours. Congratulations to these children and all the students who have been bringing home PBL cards to get signed. 

 

The students get to choose a reward for winning the raffle such as some free play outside, shooting hoops, being the principal’s assistant for some time. 

Visiting another class or learning space to help or coming to school on Monday in casual clothes. If any parents have feedback about the PBL framework or suggestions for rewards or questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can ring the school or come in and speak with me or send me an email rlenko@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

 

 

National Child Protection Week

This week we have also had National Child Protection Week. This year’s theme is “Shifting conversation into action”. 

 

Taking action to prevent child abuse and neglect is everybody’s business – and we all have a role to play. Which is why NAPCAN has created evidence-based tips to help all of us better understand how we can play a part.

 

Whether we are parents, teachers, neighbours, shopkeepers – whatever roles we play in our communities – there are many things we can do to make a difference to the lives of children and young people.

Some tips for playing your part.

 

PARENTS

Parents play their part to protect and care for children and young people in their community by showing how to have respectful relationships.

  • Accept offers of help (especially the ones where cooked meals are involved!) Being a parent is important and requires a great deal of energy, patience, effort and time.
  • Link in with services that support you – New Parent Groups and Playgroups can be fantastic. It’s ok to reach out and ask for support, from family, friends, services, health professionals and so on.
  • There is a Parentline in each state and territory. It provides help, support and referrals to organisations in your community, at the end of the phone. There is also safe and well researched parenting information available online – the Raising Children Network.
  • Share your experiences and skills with other parents – it can help you realise that you are not alone! Parenting requires effort, energy and support.
  • Discover ways to promote your positive mental health and learn what helps reduce your stress to assists you provide the best care for your children. Listen to your children and involve them in planning things as a family.
  • Play with your children. It can be as simple as a game of “peek-a-boo” for little ones or reading to them. For older children, take walks around your area, check out the local park or visit the local library. Playing with children helps build a positive relationship and connection and most of all it is fun!
  • Take time out when you feel the need – look after yourself. Parenting can be positive – notice the good times too.
  • Make plans for enjoyable “family time” – this can help build close relationships. Include the children and young people in the planning. This can be part of the fun!
  • Encourage your children to share their feelings – try a game at dinner time where you ask each person “What was a positive thing that happened today?” “What didn’t go well today?” and end with “What was the funniest thing that happened today?” This encourages children to raise issues with you before they become problematic.
  • Talk about safety with your children. Talk about what being unsafe might look and feel like at home, in their community, online or at school. Make plans about what to do if they feel unsafe.
  • Parenting courses can help you be the best you can be.
  • Celebrate your children, their achievements, values and interests and support them when times are tough. This will build a strong family that is loving and safe.
  • Get involved in your community. Joining groups such as for sporting activities will help you and your children to have fun and meet people.

 

“Child abuse and neglect is preventable. If we all work together as a community we can create an Australia where all children can grow up safe and well.What role can you play in supporting children and their families?” Leesa Waters, CEO, NAPCAN

 

R U OK day

 

On Thursday 11th September we celebrate “R U OK day”.Students wore a “splash of yellow” to school to highlight the importance of checking in our family and friends and promoting mental health.

 

 

A CONVERSATION CAN CHANGE A LIFE

 

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

  1. Ask R U OK?
  2. Listen
  3. Encourage action
  4. Check in

 

 

Parent Teacher Interviews

 

I will be available to speak to any parents who have concerns for the wellbeing or mental health of their child next Thursday afternoon from 1.30 pm until 3 pm. If these times do not suit, please contact me and we can make an alternative time. Part of my role as Mental Health and Wellbeing leader is to help parents with clear referral pathways both at school or to external services. We can offer different supports in the form of social skills groups, individual check ins, counselling and the Seasons for Growth program at school for students requiring support with their Social and Emotional learning and development. Please contact me if you would like some more information or you have some concerns for your child that I might be able to offer some support with. 

 

SFS TWILIGHT MARKET

Our 2025 Twilight Market is fast approaching and I am in the process of finalising stalls. If any students or families would like to have a stall this year on Thursday 6th November, 5 to 8pm, please let me know ASAP with details of what you would like to sell, who is involved and the stall name. There needs to be a parent supervising their children with a stall and you needs to provide your own table, chairs, float of money, etc or anything you will need for the day. Any food sales require a “Streat trader” certificate to sell food for the event which you must pay for and obtain through the City of Casey council. The 30 dollar stall fee needs to be paid to the front office. Please email me ASAP rlenko@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au if you have not sent in a copy of the Expression of Interest form. I need to know by the end of this term. Thanks for your support.

 

 

Rachel Lenko                                                          

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rachel Lenko

rlenko@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au 

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader