Wellbeing News
3/4 SEL Excursion
We were lucky enough to have the opportunity for Footscray community arts centre to host our 3/4s to a wonderful indigenous cultural workshop guided by wonderfully knowledgable and inclusive volunteers.
Students explored First Nations perspectives on the environment, beginning with learning about the Wurundjeri seasons. Unlike the four seasons we are familiar with, the Wurundjeri people recognise seven distinct seasons, each connected to changes in weather, plants, and animals.
Students then chose their favourite Indigenous Australian animal and created a clay sculpture of it. Afterward, they designed and constructed the animal’s environment using cardboard, watercolour paints, and oil pastels, reflecting the colours and textures of Country.
To finish the day, we gathered in a yarning circle, sharing our artworks, our learning, and our reflections. It was a rich, creative and culturally respectful experience that deepened students' understanding of connection to Country, storytelling, and caring for the environment.
🏃♀️ Wellbeing Group – Morning Aerobics!
The Wellbeing Group is running aerobics sessions every Thursday and Friday morning from 8:30 am. Come along, get moving, and start your day with some fun and energy!
Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) Update
Prep:
This week in SEL, our Prep students read The Crayon Box That Talked by Joshua Brooks a story about how our differences make us brighter and stronger together! We created our very own class crayon box to show that everyone has something special to add. This will be in the next newsletter and will be displayed in the new Prep room.
The Preps also had lots of fun playing a warm up game of “I like lollies, but I don’t like carrots… I like carrots, but i dont like nuggets....” where we learned more about what makes each of us unique and its ok if our friends dont like something we like. It was a great way to celebrate being different and belonging together!
1/2:
In SEL this week, our Grade 1/2 students explored the importance of inclusion and kindness. We read a story called "its ok to be different" by Todd Parr. It was all about celebrating differences and we talked about how our friends may look, learn, or act differently and that’s what makes each of us special! Students created colourful puzzle pieces to represent how we all fit together, even when we’re not the same. We discussed how being a good friend means including others, showing kindness, and standing up for people who might feel left out.
Finished product of the 1/2 MB and 1/2RSB puzzle will come soon :)
We watched this beautiful video, how kids dont see differences like adults can.
We discussed why the pink and blue crayon doesnt need to be called boys and girls colours and we loved naming the crayon peach/beige instead of default 'skin colour'
3/4:
Grade 3/4 missed SEL this week due to the walkathon, keep an eye out for their upcoming SEL excursion.
Grade 5/6s:
In SEL this week, our Grade 5 and 6 students explored what it means to understand and appreciate learning and physical differences. We took part in a hands-on empathy challenge students were either blindfolded or had one arm bandaged as they completed everyday tasks like writing their name, drawing, stacking cups, and scooping cotton balls into a bowl. At first, it was lots of fun and laughter, but soon we realised how challenging these simple tasks can be, and how lucky we are to be able to take the bandage or blindfold off, something not everyone can do.
We discussed how disabilities can be both visible and invisible, and what it means for things to be fair rather than equal. We explored this through a visual analogy that helped us understand that everyone needs different supports to be successful.
To finish off, our Grade 6s had a go at cracking the codes on combination locks they’ll soon be using for their high school lockers definitely trickier than it looks!
Wellbeing and Mental Health at Our School!
At our school, wellbeing and mental health are key priorities. We are proud to integrate a range of evidence-based programs and supports that foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students.
Our School Counsellor, Respectful Relationships program, Berry Street Education Model, Social & Emotional Learning (SEL), and our much-loved Therapy Dog Program are now central to our whole-school approach to student wellbeing.
These initiatives work together to help students build emotional awareness, resilience, and positive relationships, while equipping them with practical strategies to manage their mental health. Our therapy dog adds an extra layer of emotional support, creating a calm and nurturing presence that enhances connection and wellbeing across the school.
Together, these programs create a school culture where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Miss Paglianiti
Important Information for Parents about NCCD
Please read the attached document if you have a child currently receiving NCCD funding or may be eligible to receive funding due to being recently diagnosed with a disability.
Berry Street Welcome Circles – Building Connection and Routine
After our insightful staff PD with Berry Street, we have taken our new learnt knowledge back into our classrooms for the start the day with a Welcome Circle – a powerful practice designed to foster connection, set a positive tone, and create a sense of belonging for every student. While the structure may vary slightly from class to class, the key components remain the same: greeting each other warmly, discussing our targeted values and class expectations, reviewing the day’s schedule, and ending with a quick, positive primer game to energize and engage. These circles not only help students feel seen and valued but also set them up for a successful day of learning. Ask your child about their favourite part of the Welcome Circle – it’s a great way to stay connected to their school day!
