From Alison Dietrich

There is a lot happening across our wellbeing and student support programs as we move through Term 3.

Now available on SchoolTV – ADHD 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that can affect a child's attention, impulse control and activity levels. Children with ADHD may find it harder to stay focused, organised, manage their behaviour or meet expectations at home and school. 

ADHD is not simply about effort or discipline. It affects how the brain processes information and manages self-control. With the right understanding, support and strategies, children with ADHD can build confidence, develop important skills and thrive. 

This edition of SchoolTV explores ADHD and provides practical ways families can support children with emotional regulation, confidence and everyday challenges. 

Bullying No Way – National Week of Action - Small Acts, Big Impact

Schools will take part in Bullying No Way National Week of Action from 17th-21st August. This year's theme, Small Acts, Big Impact, is a timely reminder that everyday moments of kindness, inclusion and courage can make a genuine difference to another person's day.  

Our students will take part in activities to reinforce our school's commitment to being a safe, respectful and inclusive community. We also encourage families to use this as an opportunity for a discussion at home about what kindness and "speaking up" look like in your child's world, including online. 

Families supporting children and young people who are experiencing bullying in any form do not need to deal with it alone. Please reach out to your child’s Teacher Advisor if you have any concerns. Below are some support organisations that are also available to help and support.  

• SchoolTV ~ an online platform that provides information about wellbeing for parents and schools.  

• eSafety Commissioner ~ a comprehensive resource for all issues related to online safety and online bullying. It includes a reporting and complaints service for online bullying and harassment. 

• Australian Psychological Society ~ has a parenting guide with advice and strategies to help children managing bullying. 

• Raising Children Network ~ an Australian parenting website with links to a range of national and state resources, services and support organisations for families. 

ACER Social-Emotional Wellbeing (SEW) Survey 

Over the coming weeks, Years 2-11 students will be invited to complete the ACER Social-Emotional Wellbeing (SEW) Survey. This survey gives our staff valuable, de-identified insight into how students are feeling (socially, emotionally and in their connection to school) and helps shape the wellbeing initiatives and supports we prioritise moving forward. 

Respectful Relationships - Help Seeking 

Students have been working through the Help Seeking topic as part of our Respectful Relationships curriculum. This topic helps students build the confidence and skills to recognise when they, or someone else, might need support. It also teaches students to think about who they can turn to and how to ask for support. 

Help seeking is a core protective factor that underpins bullying prevention, supports positive social-emotional wellbeing, and can be a real factor in students feeling settled and connected enough to want to be at school. We encourage families to reinforce these conversations at home. Talking openly about who your child can go to (at school and home) when something feels wrong is one of the simplest and more effective things we can do together. 

A Note on Attendance 

We have noticed a decrease in attendance across a number of year levels in recent weeks. Although this trend isn't unique to our school as we move through the colder months, it is one we are keen to address early. Regular attendance remains one of the strongest predictors of student wellbeing, academic progress and social connection. 

If your child is finding it hard to get to school, please reach out to their Teacher Advisor. Early conversations make a real difference and we are here to work alongside families to find practical solutions to help. 

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your child's wellbeing and engagement with our school. 

Kind regards, 

Alison Dietrich

Deputy Principal 

Wellbeing