MConnect with Wellsprings for Women

In term 4, we will continue to meet weekly on Zoom for our parent group. All parents are most welcome to join.

The meeting will be with Robyn from Wellsprings via Zoom on Tuesdays at 2.20pm until 3pm.

The parents are working on a quilt displaying our school values. The squares for the quilt went home this week.

This meeting is also an opportunity to have a chat to other parents and all are welcome to attend. Please use the link below to join the meeting.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85138685427?pwd=TTZyZlRzc1VZTkRLdWVKM3FiOWFYQT09

Meeting ID: 851 3868 5427

Passcode: TL2Kqy

White Ribbon Day

Today Friday 20th November, we celebrated White Ribbon day. Today, communities all over Australia are coming together to say ‘no’ to violence against women. It takes all of us.

Young people from an early age are exposed to information, messaging and behaviours that can support and condone violence against women. Young people are also already exposed to, and influenced by, domestic violence.

We will be sending the children the message that we need to treat everyone with respect regardless of their gender and violence is not tolerated. The children watched a short clip called “A new story” that promotes positives relationships in families. You can watch the clip here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnWHb-V6744&feature=youtu.be

On this day, to promote the message of white ribbon day, the children were allowed to wear a white accessory to school.

BeYou is a resource for educators that promotes the mental health of all members of the school community, children, parents and teachers. This week’s fact sheet from the Beyou website is all about separation and divorce and some tips for families to help children cope during this difficult time.

Children and young people benefit when families:

reassure them often that they’ll not lose the love and care of either parent, and back this up with action
explain what’s happening as it relates to them (for example, where they’ll be living, how they’ll get to school), and let them know clearly what things will change and how, and what will stay the same
try to maintain normal routines as far as possible, as this helps children and young people feel safer
understand and acknowledge that children and young people find it hard, and may react differently to other children in the family
provide extra support before and after contact visits to help children and young people settle
recognise that it’s likely to be difficult for children and young people when either parent starts a new relationship
get support for themselves to help them manage the stress of separation
recognise that if there’s ongoing conflict and hostility between family members, it’s much harder for children and young people – their wellbeing suffers and they’re more likely to experience emotional or behavioural problems.
respect their need to continue their relationship with the other parent (unless it’s unsafe), as well as with extended family such as grandparents, and support them to do so
try to ensure that visits to the other parent are regular and predictable
avoid criticising the other parent to children and young people – conflict with the other parent should be addressed directly with them, and should not involve the child
allow older adolescents a more active role in the decision-making about their living arrangements.

Respectful Relationships

At SFS, we teach the Respectful Relationships program. We commit to implementing a whole-school approach to Respectful Relationships and to help combat family violence in Victoria.

We understand that:

· gender stereotypes and gender inequality are one of the lead contributors to family violence

· our school can generate lasting changes in young people’s attitudes and behaviours and contribute to addressing family violence. We recognise that we have great potential to create change.

Our school is a:

· space for young people to learn

· workplace where all staff, students and families deserve to feel respected, safe and valued

· community hub with the opportunity to lead, influence and contribute to healthy community culture.

If you have any concerns about the Wellbeing of your child please do not hesitate to contact me.

Rachel Lenko

Student Wellbeing Leader

rlenko@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

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