Well-being

Well-being at GGLPS

It is essential that all students in the school feel safe and know that they belong to a supportive and caring environment. Well-being in a broad sense to us incorporates behaviour management, programs to support students socially and emotionally and the development of strategies to act responsibly and aid learning. You are encouraged to discuss these ideas and strategies with your children to reinforce what is happening at school.

Getting Organised

The wellbeing of our children has been a rollercoaster ride this year as I’m sure it has been for many of us. The past week has shown just how high and low things can be. Last Friday I had a letter ready to go Friday morning and thought I’d wait to send it out after I watched the latest press conference. While it wouldn’t have overly mattered, at least it was one less email you had to sift through for information about how the following week would play out.

One of those things in the letter was a message that was given to me by Jayne. It was a bit of advice for parents during lockdown from Mark Le Messurier. I thought this advice might be useful considering the holidays begin in just over two weeks.

‘As we go into our second day of lockdown here in SA with the kids, I want to raise an important family issue, BUT - BE WARNED - it sounds deadly boring!'

It’s all about getting organised. Phew! ... I said it ... it’s out there now, so I’ll continue.

To feel secure, compatible, cooperative and flexible, children and teens need visible and consistent structures to work within during this time. So, each day, draw up a daily/evening schedule together. If you can’t do it together, then, do it yourself. And, this is not about obsessively sticking to the schedule. Instead, see it as a deep emotional way to provide a sense of normality to your kids.

Include tasks, activities and ideas for the whole family, and for individuals - when it’s time to learn, eat, rest, be alone, be active, be quiet, help with jobs and play! Some of the families I work with are doing this early in the evening, so it’s all set to go tomorrow, and the world feels safe.

I think being somewhat organised is lifesaving because it helps develop a practical and sustainable family rhythm. I hope this is useful. Thinking of you!'

While we are not in lockdown there is certainly some useful advice that can be applied over the school holidays. Setting up plans for the day or week are great ideas so that the days don’t just slide away with the kids potentially getting into lazy routines or having too much technology time.

Making time for exercise, fun and planning many other activities can bring lots of excitement to the holidays. Asking the children to come up with ideas will also help and ensure they have a say in what they want to do.

Whatever it is you decide, I hope that you all have a fantastic holiday break no matter what you do.

Happy holidays.

Tim Kriewaldt

Deputy Principal