Assistant Principal's Report
Congratulations—Reaching the End of Term
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you all on getting through a very difficult term.
The second lockdown was more challenging than the first for many families. Now, with news of a staggered return to ‘normality’ with Foundation – Year 2 students back to school the second week of next term, we know there will be mixed feelings in our community. I can tell you that there were mixed feelings amongst staff too; you should have seen the Foundation – Year 2 teachers’ beaming faces when we were told the younger students were coming back. Along with their excitement was the disappointment from the Year 3 – 6 teachers, who continue to wait for their turn to commence face-to-face teaching again.
We are all hoping that soon enough our whole school can be back onsite and want to reassure you that like always, our student’s wellbeing is of utmost importance and we will do whatever we can to support their transition back to school when the time comes.
Wellbeing Webinars—Building Resilience
The resilience webinars were a great success for the parent community and staff alike. Feedback was very positive and there were questions around the potential for students to be offered a similar session. As a staff we discussed the benefits of a wellbeing session for the students. Based on these discussions, it was agreed that as a school we currently offer many opportunities for students to learn about their wellbeing, and that if we were to offer a more structured one off session, that it would be more impactful if it was run by familiar teachers rather than an external provider. We will look into how we can further support this next term.
R U OK?Day
R U OK?Day this year was Thursday 10 September. It’s our national day of action when we remind Australians that every day is the day to ask, “Are you OK?” if someone in your world is struggling with life’s ups and downs.
The message for R U OK?Day 2020 is: ‘THERE'S MORE TO SAY AFTER R U OK?'
2020 has been a challenging year for everyone and circumstances have made it even more important for us all to stay connected and, for those who are able, be willing to support those around us. It is important to know what to say when someone says they’re not okay and guide them through how they can continue a conversation that could change a life. You don’t have to be an expert to keep the conversation going when someone says they’re not okay. By knowing what to say you can help someone feel supported and access appropriate help long before they’re in crisis, which can make a really positive difference to their life.
Learn what to say after R U OK? Download the resources for tips and ideas to help you share the message in your community.
Meditation with Smiling Mind
Smiling Mind is a meditation app for young people. It has been developed by a team of psychologists and uses mindfulness to boost calmness, contentment and clarity. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to help manage stress, resilience, anxiety, depression and improve general health and wellbeing. Smiling Mind have created Care Packs for children and guides for parents. They are free and help support emotional wellbeing by focussing on age appropriate strategies.
Click to open each Care Pack:
~ Sarah Abbott, Assistant Principal