I have really enjoyed getting around to all of the classrooms across the first few weeks of Term 2 and seeing all of the wonderful things happening in the school. One that really stood out is the positive terminology that is becoming more common across all levels.

I am hearing so much more talk (from our students!) of ‘growth mindsets’, ‘not giving up’, ‘being resilient’ and ‘facing challenges’. The other key phrase I’ve loved hearing is that ‘mistakes are okay’. Establishing a positive attitude is a key determinant to successful outcomes; not only at school, but life in general.

At home, we encourage you to continue to talk to your kids about these concepts.

Shout out to the Year 5/6 level - a highlight for me was the 'DIS' wall where students were identifying all things they felt grateful for.

The Resilience Project - Teacher Conference

Last week, Danielle Anderson (RRRR leader), Tania Balderston (Leading Teacher - Wellbeing) and I attended The Resilience Project Teacher Conference in the city.

We were lucky enough to bump into Martin Heppell (TRP partner) before the day even kicked off and had a great chat about adopting TRP at Rangeview and the direction we are heading. He was very excited to hear the students and community are engaging quickly!

Across the day, we revised our learning around the key concepts of TRP - Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness and Emotional Literacy.

We heard from four key speakers, one of whom was TRP founder, Hugh van Cuylenberg.

Some key takeaways for us included the following statistics:

29% of primary-aged students experience symptoms of anxiety (increases to 44% in secondary-aged students)
25% of primary-aged students experience symptoms of depression (increases to 33% in secondary-aged students)

Whilst these numbers, in percentage terms, sound low, it’s quite staggering when you ‘humanise’ the data. In an average primary school class of 26 students, approximately 8 students would be feeling anxious at different times. 6-7 students would be feeling symptoms of depression in that same classroom.

Our aim as a school is to support all students at their point of need in all areas; and with our partnership with TRP, we are looking to continually strengthen, innovate and improve upon the school’s strong history of prioritising mental health.

Another statistic shared was:

65% of adolescents do not seek help for mental illness (research shows they either have no one to speak to, or don’t know how/where to seek help)

We need to spread the message that “It is okay to not be okay” and “Asking for help is a proactive and positive skill”. It’s okay to feel negative emotions, such as sadness, frustration and anger. Experiencing these emotions and going through difficulties, then coming out the other side, is how we develop resilience. But it is important that we closely support children this age through the process.

The highlight for all of us was the final presentation from Martin. He is such a unique, energetic and motivational individual! His key messages were all about being yourself, being willing to be vulnerable, forming genuine connections and the importance of ‘belonging, not just fitting in’. If you ever get the chance to see Martin present - take advantage of the opportunity!

The Resilience Project - Parent and Carer Hub Resources

Welcome to Part 2 of the Parent and Carer Hub!

This week’s presentation from The Resilience Project focuses on Gratitude.

Gratitude is paying attention to the things that we have right now, and not worrying about what we don’t have. We practise this by noticing the positives that exist around us.

Research shows that practising gratitude rewires our brains to overcome the negativity bias (which can lead to anxiety and depression) and see the world for what we are thankful for. It is also shown to broaden thinking, and increase physical health through improved sleep and attitude to exercise.

View Part 2 of the series here - Gratitude

https://theresilienceproject.com.au/parent-and-carer-hub-hugh/

There are many ways in which you can practise gratitude, including starting a Wellbeing Journal. In the image below are a few ideas to get started (Source: Psychology Today)

For mental health resources and support information, visit The Resilience Project’s Support Page.

Liam Sommers

Acting Assistant Principal

Performing Arts