Wellbeing Report
Andre Campbell
This extended lockdown has been extremely stressful for so many people. We don’t know how long this lockdown will go on and we will continue to offer great learning and support to all our families. Our teachers and ES staff are passionate to deliver the best quality education. Our staff are spectacular and they are all working hard to support you. We see that our families are doing their best to help their children learn from home. Showing gratitude to others can help others feel good but it can help you feel good, too. For our dedicated staff, could I ask you to write a short letter of appreciation? Getting a thank you note is a great feeling. Your thoughtfulness and gratitude will really bring a smile to our staffs faces.
Please email through to the school email at: woori.yallock.ps@education.vic.gov.au
While parents are not able to come into school all parents can call the school Welfare Team for advice and support.
Our Welfare Team are working to help with any enquires or welfare supports. If at any time you require support please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher via email. They will do their very best to contact you as soon as possible. At school we are conducting welfare checks with families and this may be to offer of wellbeing strategies/resources, food hampers, possible learning packs or just a phone call to hear how you are coping. We feel privileged that parents have been honest with their concerns and we appreciate the difficulties families are going through. It’s okay not to be okay. Please don’t suffer in silence and stay in touch and connected. Every day, reach out to one person and a have a chat. You don’t know what they may be going through and your phone call may make all the difference. Stick to your routine and make sure you get outside for some fresh air. It’s tough and we will get through this together.
During the lockdown there are many organisations across Yarra Ranges offering support and assistance. For community relief and support agencies, click on the link at
https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Council/Coronavirus-Updates/Community-relief-and-support-agencies
CIRE at the Yarra Junction hub, have food parcels for people looking for food relief and they have free bread on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The Yarra Junction hub is open during lockdown for essential services only; food relief and they are a Centrelink Access Point. This service is accessed by appointment where the school Welfare Team can refer families. If you are interested or know of anyone you would like to recommend please contact me.
Don’t forget to connect with the Resilience Project resources online for parents. There are some fantastic resources to promote wellbeing in families
https://theresilienceproject.com.au/at-home/parent-carer-information/
During these times, many reputable services including Beyond Blue are regularly updating their websites
https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/
Last year our Wellbeing Toolbox kits were popular and we are aiming to add more ideas to help families. We are planning to add to all the fantastic things our families have been doing at home to create that sense of happiness and security for everyone’s wellbeing. If you are interested in getting a pack please call the office.
Many families have found our books on the Warburton Trail. If you have not got around to it yet, then check out the Book Treasure Hunt on the Warburton Trail. There are 30 book characters hidden on the Warburton trail beginning at the Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road entrance and going along the trail, finishing just past the Woori Yallock station. More books have been added and we have loved hearing how much joy the Book Treasure Hunt is bringing to families.
Wellbeing Toolbox Tips
Checking in with each other using the Blob Tree-
Use stories to talk about the future after COVID-19.
ACF Resources-
https://www.childhood.org.au/app/uploads/2020/04/Things-to-Look-Forward-to-Resource.pdf
Free Happy Families Membership
Many families have signed up and if you haven’t got around to joining, it’s not too late. The admin team at Happy Families have streamlined some changes to make it less confusing for you. The Happy Families membership gives you access to a number of resources which will help families, staff and students to thrive. Every member will receive a weekly "Lighten the Load" email, which includes a quick, easy to apply tip from Dr. Justin, as well as some updates about other features in the membership. There is a library of parenting resources which offers calm assurance, direction and solutions you can try out on your families.
Click on the link to join
https://members.happyfamilies.com.au/woori-yallock-primary-school
Some of the topics covered-
- Sibling Rivalry
- Managing Screens
- Building Resilience
- Dealing with Anxiety in your Child
Some of the features included in your membership are:
- Live monthly webinars with Dr Justin Coulson
- Video guide library
- Q&A sessions twice monthly
- Family night plans & ideas
- Offers and discounts
- Weekly "Lighten the Load" tips
Headspace Schools Webinars September
Headspace Schools is a national workforce that supports, engages and partners with education and health sectors across Australia. They offer a range of programs which are dedicated to improving the mental health and wellbeing outcomes of children, young people, families, and school communities.
Headspace have free webinars for parents and carers-
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/headspace-national-youth-mental-health-foundation-30549822220
Free Online Parenting Forums
The Shire of Yarra Ranges and Maroondah City Council have a range of services and supports for families. Here are a couple of free events on offer.
Free Body safety education for parents and carers of young children.
Please find a flyer attached for this parenting information session hosted by Maroondah City Council.
Suitable for: Parents and carers Date: Tuesday, 7 September 2021
Time: 7pm to 8.30pm
Cost: Free
Where: Online webinar (This webinar will be recorded and available for a limited time to those who register for the event). Certificates of attendance will be available on request.
Book online here
Other parenting information sessions can be viewed on Council’s website.
Keep safe, keep well and be kind.