Wellbeing &

        Diversity 

Seasons for Growth

Learning to live with change and loss.

 

Change and loss are issues that affect all of us at some stage in our lives. At Galilee we recognise that when changes occur in families through death, separation, divorce and related circumstances, young people may benefit from learning how to manage these changes effectively. We are therefore offering a very successful education program called Seasons for Growth.

 

Seasons for Growth is an evidence-based change, loss and grief education program that uses the imagery of the seasons to illustrate the experience of grief. Children and young people can experience grief following significant changes and losses:

- Someone they love dies

- Family changes

- Separation and divorce

- Illness impacts their life

- Relocation

- Moving school or house

- Natural disasters

 

Seasons for Growth aims to strengthen the social and emotional wellbeing of children and young people who have experienced major loss and changes by:

-  Exploring the impact of change and loss on every-day life

- Learning new ways to respond to these changes

The program provides a safe space for children and young people where they can give voice to their experiences, understand their feelings, learn problem solving skills and decision making skills, develop friendships, and recognise they are not alone. 

Program Structure

The Seasons for Growth program is a small group program that offers four age appropriate levels with tailored, developmentally appropriate activities and discussions. 

 

Level 1: 6 - 8 years

Level 2: 9 - 10 years

Level 3: 11 - 12 years

Level 4: 13 - 18 years

 

Each level includes eight weekly sessions. Each sessions explores a theme using the seasons imagery:

- Life is like the Seasons

- Change is Part of Life

- Valuing my Story

- Caring for my Feelings

- Make Good Choices

Program Outcomes 

Seasons for Growth provides a safe space for children and young people to:

- Learn about how different people respond to change, loss and grief

- Understand that it is normal to experience a range of grief reactions

- Explore new approaches to dealing with change and loss in their lives 

- Build communication, decision making and problem solving skills

- Participate in a supportive network of peers and adults

- Integrate their new learning into relationships with family, friends and others.

Seasons at Galilee 

Galilee offers this important program and we are confident that it  is a valuable learning experience for those who request to be involved. If you would like your child to be part of the program please contact Carlo Martello or Jane Ferris. 

MEET OUR THERAPISTS!

We would like to invite you to meet our new therapists, Occupational Therapist, Tanya Borg and Speech Therapist, Jessica Matov. Tanya and Jessica will present to parents a brief description of their roles in the school - how they can work with children, teachers, Learning Support Officers and parents to support us all in growing our children at school and at home.

WHEN:  Friday, May 24 at 8.40am-9.20am.

WHERE: In the staffroom at school. 

Come in at 8.35am if you'd like a tea or coffee!  Looking forward to seeing you there!

Speech Therapy at Galilee

Our Speech Therapist, Jessica Matov, is off to a wonderful start at Galilee!  Jessica has met with all teachers and will begin to work with children this week. Thank you to the many parents who have responded so positively to our new programmes! Please return consent forms as soon as possible, or contact me at jferris@gsmelbournesth.catholic.edu.au if you would like your child to be considered for therapy.

 

Jessica is a part of Speech Pathology for Schools (SPS). Below is a 'Speech Box' about vocabulary extension, provided by SPS for families to work on together at home. Enjoy!