Dear Parents and Carers,

It’s been a tricky and unsettling last few weeks with the lockdown. The upheaval of routine, activities together with limited travel and isolating has been very tricky for so many Victorian families and communities. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. There are some resources attached to this insert that you might find useful for your mental health and capacity.

Women’s Psychologist support group

We have 3 spaces available for parents and carers to join our grief, stress, building capacity and mindfulness support group that will be available online and onsite.

Starting Wednesday 23rd June, 14th and 21st July from 1.00-2.30 pm. Be quick we have 3 spaces.

Contact Christine on 0459868745 or christine.battams@education.vic.gov.au

Men’s Psychologist support group

There are 3 spaces available for parents and carers to join our dads support group. This will cover understanding the disability journey, grief for men, stress, look at men’s well- being, becoming self- aware whilst looking at ways to build capacity and resiliency.

Starting Thursday evening 24th June, 15th and 22nd July from 7.00-9.00pm. Be quick we have 3 spaces.

Contact Christine on 0459868745 or christine.battams@education.vic.gov.au

Seniors Carers night – Power of Attorney with supper

When Thursday 19th August in the Conference room.

6.30pm supper 7.00pm sharp start-9.00pm finish.

Come and hear Carers Victoria and participate in discussion with regards to powers of attorney. This will include medical treatment decision-making, advanced care directives and guardianship and administration orders. Powers of attorney relate to you, not the person you care for. Previous senior families are welcome to attend.

Boundaries session - Expressions of interest

I am looking for expressions of interest to run a boundaries session for carers. This is the most popular series for carers as it supports and educates you in taking care of you and not to be railroaded by others. Helps you to say no without feeling guilty, and that you can say yes to the things that you really want to do. Please dictate if a day time or evening session with supper works best for you. Minimum of 10 required to have this session go ahead.

Stay tuned, I will be sending a survey with many different workshops so we can run the sessions that are most relevant to you.

Next Week:

Next week we have 5 scheduled support groups running virtually. More details about the support groups are listed below:

Family Violence Support Group

Every 2nd Monday of the Month

Date: 14/06/2021

Time: 11:00 - 12:30pm AEST

Where: Online (Zoom)

Gender Identity Support Group

Every 3rd Tuesday of the Month

Date: 15/06/2021

Time: 6:00 - 7:30pm AEST

Where: Online (Zoom)

Mood Disorders Support Group

Every 3rd Tuesday of the Month

Date: 15/06/2021

Time: 7:30 - 9:00pm AEST

Where: Online (Zoom)

Anxiety Support Group

Every 3rd Wednesday of the Month

Date: 16/06/2021

Time: 6:00 - 7:30pm AEST

Where: Online (Zoom)

Youth Anxiety Support Group

Every 3rd Thursday of the Month

Date: 17/06/2021

Time: 6:00 - 7:30pm AEST

Where: Online (Zoom)

Mindfulness Masterclass

In this additional free session available to MOIRA Financial Plan Management parents and carers, explore the benefits of mindfulness and gain useful techniques. Topics include:

Communication
Vicarious stress
Compassion
Impact of technology and social media

When: Wednesday 14 July

Time: 12.00pm – 1.00pm (AEST)

Where: Online - Zoom

Yoga Series

Compliment the Mindfulness Series with some yoga.

When: Thursday's (3/6/21 - 1/7/21)

Time: 10.30am – 11.30am (AEST)

Where: Online - Zoom

Can't make the class? Register to receive the recordings to view in your own time

Kindest regards,

Christine Battams

Yarrabah School Wellbeing Officer

ZUMBA with Michelle at Yarrabah each Wednesday from 9:45am - 10:30am (Last chance to attend for Term 2)

ZUMBA is a fitness program that combines dance and fitness moves inspired by Latin/International dance & music. Zumba uses a variety of styles in its routines including Cumbia, Merengue, Salsa & Reggaetón. Music selections include both fast and slow rhythms to help tone and sculpt the body. The class starts with a warm up, we dance a bit, then we finish with a cool down stretch. Sounds great doesn't it! You will love it!!!

Dancercise with Sarah at Yarrabah - 10am Fridays

Hey, I’m Sarah! Owner and operator of Beginners Dance & Fitness with Sarah and I’m happy to say, your friendly Dancercise instructor.

Dance is one of my passions, I would say one of my first loves!! I spent 6 years working as a dance instructor at Arthur Murray Dance Studios. I taught Ballroom and Latin Dancing to adults aged 18 to 75 in private lessons, group lessons and bridal lessons.

While still working at AM, I joined a women’s only fitness centre and then came a passion for fitness. It wasn’t long before I decided to change careers. I studied Certificate III & IV in fitness and also attained my Zumba certification.

After a few years off I decided to combine both my passions into a fun and energetic class suitable for all fitness levels and age groups- and absolutely no dance experience required!!

So, WHAT IS DANCERCISE I HEAR YOU SAY???

Dancercise is a combination of dance moves mixed with exercise moves to funky, uplifting music, a mix from the classics to modern songs.

This class will have you laughing, sweating, having fun and will definitely get the heart pumping and make you feel ALIVE!

Workout your brain and body at the same time with choreography to keep you on your toes.

It doesn’t matter if you think you have two left feet or no rhythm at all. This is a judgement free class designed to get you moving, having fun and burning calories all the once!

Everyone welcome! No experience necessary! You do not need to know how to dance. What’s important is that you love music and love to move to it- whatever that means for you!!

You can take it at your own pace and put as much or as little energy into it as you see fit.

Dancercise will burn anywhere between 250 & 400 calories per class 💦

So if you are looking for a different way to stay active and workout your brain, this could be your answer!!

I’d love to see you there.

Resources for families