MDHS MESSENGER

From the Chaplain's Desk 

It’s hard to believe we have another term almost under our belt, and what a term it’s been!

In our year 3/4 class, students have been taking part in our BUZ Friends Programs, and our year 5/6 class students finished their BUZ Together Program a little earlier in the term. During the programs students have been learning about recognising and managing emotions, social skills and healthy relationships, conflict resolution skills and bully proofing strategies. We have lots of discussion during the sessions with all students encouraged to contribute their thoughts on topics. We also have fun with lots of activities and read some great stories through the course of the programs as well.

All students get a workbook they use throughout the programs which go home when they finish. I encourage parents to check them out; see what the kids have been up to, and get familiar with some of the BUZ strategies we use in school.

In the Secondary school, our year 7/8 students have been working through the BUZ Power Program. During this program KNOWLEDGE = POWER, and each week we cover a new Power.

The Power to………

  • Cooperate with others
  • Believe in yourself
  • Stand up for something
  • Personal happiness
  • Handle feelings
  • Communicate
  • Grow and change
  • Overcome fear and failure
  • Bounce back
  • Make good choices
  • Solve problems

Each session the students collect a new symbol as a metaphor to represent the topic of the lesson. They will get to take these home in their “toolbox” at the end of the program.

In our last session students will get to complete the “Save The World” challenge, so watch this space for an update and some photos.

In the 9/10 class this term, students have been discussing restorative practices and restorative justice. We have been brainstorming topics such as the actions that cause a positive and negative ripple effect in our classrooms and what a respectful learning environment looks, feels and sounds like. Our plan is to end up with a working agreement that can be utilised in other classes. Along the way we have also enjoyed some team building activities; honing our ability to work together and cooperate.

If you have any queries feel free to contact me on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the school, alternatively you can email me at Allison.Nixon@education.wa.edu.au