Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader

Community and Volunteers

Dear Families,

Last year the All Saints Op Shop in Barwon Heads kindly donated some money to our school. As the Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader, I was given the task of what to do with this money. What could we do with this money and which students might it benefit most?

Last year the Prep and Year One teams started to teach Social and Emotional Learning though their ‘Investigations’ program following our visit to Grovedale West Primary School, as they run an amazing Investigations Program at their school. The students are encouraged to interact and play with each other while focusing on learning an Executive Skill, such as being kind, cooperation, listening, or giving feedback. The children have a large range of toys and equipment to use, and we are always looking for more to keep them engaged.

So, I decided to approach the Ocean Grove Men’s Shed to see if they could help. I shared my thoughts and ideas with John, and he could see my vision. Within a week, not only had the Men’s Shed made the boxes on castors, but they had also filled them with random shaped blocks of wood that had been sanded and made ready for use and delivered them at an amazing price. Our local community of volunteers are amazing. On behalf of the Ocean Grove Primary School community, I thank you all.

If you would like to support the Op Shop, they would love you to donate or purchase goods, volunteer to assist in the shop, provide assistance with rubbish disposal, or repairs and maintenance. (Please note, if you are considering donating goods, they are not able to accept electrical items, mattresses or children’s car seats.) Should you have any questions concerning the Op Shop would you please direct them to Shop Coordinator Mrs Margaret Powell on 5254-2008 or 0418 176 400, or by calling at the Op Shop during opening hours (each Wednesday, Friday and Saturday between 10:00am and 1:00pm, more often during school holidays).

Here's cheers to volunteers!

Andy McNeilly

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader