Wellbeing & Inclusion
at Willy
Dear families,
How wonderful it has been welcoming back our Willy Kids, families and of course the newest Willy Kids, our Prep Class of 2024!
For many of our students the start of the school year is a time of excitement whilst for others it can present some challenges or feelings of anxiety. We understand that changes to routine, settling in with a new teacher and classmates and even a change in classroom location within the school can all be causes for students to feel a little unsettled or reluctant.
Our program here at Willy recognises this, even for students who appear unconcerned, and classroom teachers devote significant time at the beginning of the year getting to know their students, building relationships, and collaborating on agreed classroom behaviours and expectations. Developing relationships and understanding our students is the foundation from which we build upon throughout the year to tap into interests, strengths and learning preferences.
At home, there are several things you can do to support your child if they have feelings of uncertainty or anxiety about school:
- listen to their worries or concerns
- assist them in managing their anxiety, help them to acknowledge it and move through it
- encourage positive school conversations
- be organised with uniforms, books, homework
- develop routines and agreements about after school activities, events
- familiar routines – morning, bedtimes, and meals
- contact your child’s classroom teacher or me
It is comforting to know that these feelings of nervousness and uncertainty, usually wane over time. However, please contact your child’s teacher or me if you have any concerns or your child is experiencing any reluctance or anxiety about school.
The upcoming Meet the Teacher conferences, taking place on Wednesday 14th February, provides another opportunity for you to share information and discuss the specific needs and nuances of your child.
Further to Mat’s mention in the newsletter last week, we are very excited about the boost to our Wellbeing team with the appointment of Anna Swan as the Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader (3 days) and the continuation of Molly Hedditch’s role (3 days) supporting our Disability and Inclusion program. Bern Tripodi will continue as our Expressive Arts therapist (2 days) and the appointment of a Mental Health Practitioner this term will further strengthen our capacity to meet the needs of our students, families and school community.
Kind regards,
Lisa Leydin Anna Swan
Assistant Principal Learning Specialist
Disability, Inclusion & Wellbeing Mental Health & Wellbeing Leader(Wed–Fri)