Chaplain's Spot
Simple ways to interact as a family
With busy schedules and demanding social media, it is not always easy to spend simple fun times as a family. The above pictures give a couple of fun examples – the game of Twister and a picnic. Here are some ideas from [where else?] our main resource – Google. Enjoy finding some new opportunities for your family to connect and grow stronger together.
During daily routines:
Have tech-free mealtimes: Turn off phones and TVs to encourage conversation during meals, says Raising Children Network.
Check in throughout the day: Send a text, leave a note, or call to let family members know you are thinking of them, even when you're apart.
Use car rides for conversations: Use travel time for casual chats and connection.
Through shared activities:
Do hobbies together: Find a hobby you can all enjoy, like gardening, cycling, or cooking.
Exercise together: Go for walks, play sports, have a fitness goal to stay active and connect.
Plan a weekly "fun day": Dedicate a specific day for a family outing, like a picnic, a trip to the beach, or visiting a park, as suggested by The Aspinall Foundation.
Play games and puzzles: Work on a large puzzle, play a board game, or one of the numerous kinds of UNO available.
Build something: Construct a blanket fort in the living room or a campfire in the backyard for a fun, hands-on activity.
Practise open communication:
Listen actively: When a family member is speaking, stop what you are doing, make eye contact, and try to understand their perspective, notes Raising Children Network.
Encourage sharing feelings: Use an "I feel..." statement in a family circle to help everyone feel more comfortable discussing their emotions, recommends Mental Health Center Kids.
Give praise and appreciation: Acknowledge and thank family members for their help and efforts, even for small things.
Talk about difficult topics calmly: Don't shy away from tough conversations, but wait until emotions have cooled down before discussing them, advises Raising Children Network.
Community wellbeing:
Toast Tuesday: This free breakfast program runs before school in the SPC, open to all. Woolies Eastland helps support this weekly program with our toast spreads.
The link to the roster is volunteersignup.org/HYYEX
Baker Delight goods: We are thankful to Bakers Delight Heathmont, for their generous provision of loaves for Toast Tuesday. If your family would appreciate regular bread or rolls, please email me below, or see me at school.
Uniforms: If you need any second-hand uniforms at any time, we have a large supply available, especially shorts from size 4 to 14. Gold coins are all you need. Feel free to email me if you have sizes you need, or check us out at Toast Tuesday.
Contact: Feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss anything about the above, or anything affecting your family. I am able to meet with students once, and for any further contact we ask parents/guardians to sign a Consent Form for an ongoing connection.
Alan Silverwood: Chaplain - Pastoral care for our community. [Tuesday & Friday]
[alan.silverwood@education.vic.gov.au]
Supporting the School community in emotional, social, spiritual and practical wellbeing.
Our Chaplaincy program is funded by the Federal Government’s ‘National Student Wellbeing Program’, the GRPS School Council and donations.
