Wellbeing

Introduction to SRC for Semester One

Hello Everyone

We are thrilled to announce our SRC Leaders for Semester One 2024. 

In our classrooms, teachers and students unpacked what a Student Representative Council does and how the role comes with great responsibility. Students learnt that those elected represent their classmates and bring ideas, concerns and new initiatives to the council to discuss and implement across the school. 

In Week One and Two, from Years Three to Six, many of our students bravely addressed their peers and delivered a short speech.  Many spoke about their willingness to give up their playtime, start new initiatives as well as many other wonderful ideas to continue to improve everyday life here at Galilee. In the younger Years of One and Two, students put themselves forward and teachers picked a name from a hat. 

Paddy Edwards and Julie Ferguson are facilitating the SRC sessions, which occur each Wednesday before Recess. The SRC are currently working on improving the toy options for the Maguire Hall for recess and lunch times. 

We would like to extend our congratulations to our newly elected SRC members for Semester One and express our gratitude to all students who participated in the process by casting their votes.

Paddy Edwards and Julie Ferguson 

wellbeing@gsm.vic.edu.au

Discovering Glimmers: Bringing Joy 

to Your Child's Day

As we journey through life, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our daily routines. But amidst the chaos, there are tiny moments of joy and positivity that often go unnoticed. These moments, known as "glimmers," are like little sparks of happiness that can brighten even the darkest of days.

In the realm of positive psychology, recognising and appreciating these glimmers is celebrated as a powerful tool for enhancing wellbeing and resilience. Research supports this notion, showing that practising gratitude and mindfulness, which are closely related to spotting glimmers, can lead to numerous benefits for both adults and children.

Studies have found that regularly expressing gratitude can increase feelings of happiness and satisfaction with life (Emmons & McCullough, 2003). Similarly, mindfulness practices have been linked to reduced stress, improved mood, and better overall wellbeing (Hofmann et al., 2010).

The beauty of glimmers lies in their simplicity. They remind us to pause, take a deep breath, and appreciate the small joys that surround us. By actively seeking out these moments, we not only train our minds to focus on the positive but also create a ripple effect of happiness that extends to those around us, including our children.

As parents, we play a crucial role in shaping our children's perception of the world. By consciously acknowledging and sharing our own glimmers with them, we teach them to see the beauty in everyday life. Incorporating glimmer-spotting into our daily routine can be as simple as starting a gratitude journal or sharing a family tradition of highlighting the best part of each day during dinner. By doing so, we not only strengthen our bond as a family but also instil in our children a lifelong appreciation for the little things that make life wonderful.

Here are some ideas of questions you could ask your child to get the conversation started!

• Gratitude Questions:
  • What made you smile today?
  • Can you think of something nice someone did for you today?
  • What are you thankful for right now?
  • Did anything happen today that made you feel happy or appreciated?
• Mindfulness Questions:
  • What sounds did you notice today that made you feel calm or peaceful?
  • Did you notice any interesting smells or tastes today?
  • How did your body feel when you took a deep breath and paused for a moment?
  • Can you remember a time today when you were fully present in the moment?
• Curiosity and Wonder Questions:
  • Did you learn something new today that fascinated you?
  • What did you observe in nature today that you found interesting or beautiful?
  • Can you think of a question you asked today that sparked your curiosity?
  • Did you notice anything today that you've never noticed before?
• Acts of Kindness Questions:
  • Did you witness or perform any acts of kindness today?
  • How did it feel to help someone else or receive help from someone today?
  • Can you think of a time today when you showed compassion or empathy towards someone?
  • Did anyone do something today that made you feel appreciated or cared for?
• Achievement and Growth Questions:
  • What progress did you make towards your goals today?
  • Can you think of a challenge you faced today and how you overcame it?
  • Did you try something new or take a risk today? How did it go?
  • What are you proud of accomplishing today, no matter how small?

In our classrooms over the coming weeks, our students will be introduced to the idea of ‘Glimmers’ and be guided to spot them throughout their school day. 

Happy glimmer seeking! 

Paddy and Julie 

Wellbeing Leaders