Top of the morning to you!

Saying these words brings back my Irish accent! Throughout 2020, a major focus for our school has been supporting our students towards feeling 'greater connection to our school.'

Being visible to our students in the mornings and after school at the gates has been a change that we implemented during the first peak of the pandemic in March. From a personal point of view, seeing students regularly as well as the waving people in cars has been a highlight during this very different year! Being connected to these people on a daily basis helps to add value to our lives and it has been lovely to be greeted by so many students - even the ones that are clearly not morning people!

I have never been a 'morning person' and so can appreciate the students who perhaps aren't dancing through the gate. It is important to all school adults that we develop engaged students while also having an understanding for everything else going on in their lives.

We are in a very fortunate position at Lockleys North that we have such a committed team of educators who really care about every single individual and their families. It is very important that we have open communication between homes and school to ensure that we best support all of our students. Having that awareness allows us to understand behaviours and care about the emotional wellbeing of our students. Our actions are always in the best interests of each child and always from the heart.

We know that some of our families have had different challenges thrown at them this year and understand that our young people often need support that we as educators cannot provide - we do try our best but fully understand our limitations.

Many adults become involved when our students and members of their family suffer with their mental health and wellbeing. During 2020, we have a Grow Wellbeing programme being offered to families in our community.

'Grow Wellbeing provides up to 100% Medicare bulk-billed in-school individual therapy and group sessions. All sessions are delivered by a dedicated team of passionate and highly experienced accredited mental health clinicians.'

Areas Grow Wellbeing Mental Health Professionals provide support In-School:

> Social skills development; managing conflict,

increase confidence and improve the child’s ability to communicate effectively.

> Cognitive and concentration skills; supporting ADHD symptoms, attention difficulties, hyperactivity

> Organisational skills

> Motivation to engage in school work and intrinsic learning

> Self-esteem, image and confidence building

> Anger management

> Sleep difficulties

> Depression

> Behavioural issues at school and/or at home

> Stress tolerance

> Fears, phobias and/or anxiety

> Self-regulation and helping to manage emotions

> Grief/loss

> Dealing with bullying and conflict

> Divorce and other issues affecting the child in the home environment

The feedback we have received has been hugely positive and we have the capacity to have additional students and their families access this service.

You would need to obtain a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP to attach to the Grow Wellbeing application form. If you send these into school for the attention of Mike.Tarleton884@schools.sa.edu.au, I will forward them to Grow Wellbeing and you will hear directly from them. If this is something that you believe you or your child would benefit from, please get in touch.

Cultural Experiences

Our Cultural Awareness events have taken place in the last fortnight - Rhythm Culture - African Drum, Sing & Dance Workshops and EGIncursions - Bollywood Dance Workshops.

'Lockleys North Students appreciate the Arts in various forms.'

Thank you to all of our staff for their support and flexibility in organising these events for our students. Many of our students fully engaged in the music and dance.

Visiting Reception students in M6 last week, I was treated to a video performance of their Bollywood dance and then got a live performance too.

I was also rewarded with the amazing performance of a 12 year old boy and his 10 year old sister following an excellent Learning Conference - lots of laughter and giggles from the performers, parents and teachers. Would your child perform a solo Bollywood dance for you? Ask them!

Message from our Captains

From Brian - Skyla, Jonie, Danilo and Daniel

Brian continue to lead the way...

BRIAN 5240

MALURUS 4955

PIERSON 4795

GRALLINA 4610

Many thanks,

Mike

Lockleys North Primary School

‘Lockleys North Primary School, a community of empowered learners who strive for success.’

Issue 12 · 12 Aug 2020

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