The Western Port Word

School Wide Positive Behavior Support and Wellbeing Update

Assistant Principals' Update

Laura Higgins and Xavier Mclaurin

To highlight the importance of having fun whilst staying mentally well, here are some pics of R U OK Day 2025 at Western Port Secondary College.

 

A Wellbeing Lense for these School Holidays

A school holiday wellbeing focus should balance relaxation with some structure, including physical activity, social connection, creative play, and mindful downtime to prevent burnout and maintain mental health. Key strategies include maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, limiting screen time, and fostering positive self-talk and connection with friends and family.

For Students:

  • Maintain a Loose Routine

  • Prioritize Sleep

  • Stay Active & Get Outdoors

  • Connect Socially

  • Engage in Creative & Focus Time

  • Practice Mindfulness 

  • Limit Screen Time

While holidays are a break, a loose structure for meals and sleep helps children feel secure and balanced. 

 

Keep wake and sleep times consistent, within an hour of term-time, and create a calming bedtime routine with dimmed lights and quiet activities. 

 

Engage in physical activities like walks, dance parties, or playing outdoors to boost mood and energy. Encourage calls with friends and family or plan small gatherings. 

 

Activities like puzzles, Lego, art, or cooking provide opportunities for creativity and concentration. 

 

Incorporate guided breathing, journaling, or mindful play with things like playdough to manage emotions. 

 

Excessive social media can impact self-esteem, so prioritize screen-free activities like reading or playing. 

 

For Parents & Carers:

  • Model Wellbeing: Show your children that downtime, rest, and self-care are important. 

  • Involve Kids in Planning: Allow children to participate in planning activities to increase their investment and excitement. 

  • Celebrate Small Wins: Praise acts of kindness or achievements to build self-esteem. 

  • Check-in on Mental Health: Be aware of signs of distress and ask your child how they are feeling, acknowledging their emotions and getting appropriate support if needed. 

  • Take Care of Yourself: Schedule activities that help you feel refreshed and re-energized to avoid burnout. 

 

Family Connection & Mindfulness:

  • Share Meals Together: Have at least one meal a day without devices. 

  • Practice Gratitude: Keep a gratitude jar and add one thing everyone is grateful for each day. 

  • Create Rituals: Establish morning or evening routines, like a "rose, thorn, bud" sharing at dinner or a special family playlist. 

 

Lastly It has come to our attention through our annual photography processes that your child’s date of birth was shared with Advanced Life Photography without the required parent/guardian consent. This information was provided to assist with accurately identifying students and ensuring that physical photos were matched to the correct student.

 

We are working closely with the Department of Education Privacy team and the photography company to review our processes for a new approach to this in 2026 and to ensure strong privacy safeguards. If you wish to discuss, please contact the school via at western.port.sc@education.vic.gov.au

 

On behalf of the Wellbeing Team, have a great holiday and we’ll see you all in Term 4!