Wellbeing

Start-Up Week

Prep Self- Portraits based on the illustrations of Todd Parr the author

Years 1-4 Self Portraits based on the artist Henri Matisse

Year 5-6 Self Portraits based on the monochromatic perod of Pablo Picasso

During Week 1, children participated in a range of "Welcome back to school" activities throughout the school. One of the essential elements of start-up week is developing a list of learning behaviours and expectations that set the scene for how teachers and students want the classroom to look and feel.

Our focus has been on "Belonging," so children understand that each of them is a valued member of our school community. An activity we did across the school was the construction of self-portraits which we will hang in our gallery—using a picture storybook as a catalyst for students at different year levels; they focused on the artwork of various artists. We would love parents to come in and enjoy this fantastic display and see the influences of Todd Parr (illustrator) and that of the artists Matisse and Picasso.

Student Leaders

Our Year 6 students began their leadership journey by participating in a few different activities. Before Ian and Nathaniel had time to finish telling their friends about what they did in the holidays, they led Assembly. Stefan and Nathaniel supported teachers with a lesson on Mindfulness. Due to restrictions, Stefan had to support the juniors via Zoom, which was novel. He was self-assured through his questioning, and his ability to lead a visualisation was great.

On Thursday, the school leaders held a games afternoon for Years 3-5. All I can say is that if this is what they are capable of in Week 1, I can't wait to see what unfolds throughout the year. They were calm and confident. I'm sure I saw one student use a couple of teacher techniques in there too! A big thanks to all the students who participated in the games. Your respect for the Year 6's by listening and playing fairly and with enjoyment was commendable.

Wellbeing Unit

This term we are using the Stop! Think! Do! program to help children take the emotions out of a problem and redirect their energy into problem-solving.

The units covered this term are:

Unit 1: Getting to know people (relationship building)

Unit 2: Look and listen for feelings

Unit 3: Communicating feelings.

Connie Drossaert

Wellbeing Leader