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Seasons for Growth Program | Learning to live with change and loss

Click here for 2023 Seasons Application

Dear Parents/Carers,

Change and loss are issues that affect all of us at some stage in our lives. At Sacred Heart we recognise that when changes occur in families through death, separation, divorce or 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. This program is facilitated in small groups and is based on research that highlights the importance of social support and the need to practise new skills to cope effectively with change and loss. Please note that Seasons for Growth is not counselling, but an education program that uses a wide range of creative activities to help your child learn how to manage well in times of change, with a small group of peers who have experienced similar changes.

Not available for children in Foundation or have experienced grief 6- 12 months previously.

Seasons for Growth runs for eight weeks and each weekly session is approximately 50 minutes. It will commence in Term 3 and will be facilitated by Julie Leonard and Sue Bath (Cathcare) who have specialised training in the use of this program.

Later in the year, each group will have the opportunity to meet for another one/two sessions to build on earlier learning. If you think your child would benefit from Seasons for Growth we encourage you to first have a conversation with them about this. It is important that your child actively wants to participate in the program - it is more beneficial for themselves and other students if they want to be a part of it.

If you are interested in having your child/children take part in this program, please fill out the Registration Form found below to register your interest by Friday 21 July 2023. You will need to complete a separate form for each child. This program is very popular and we would love to be able to provide this opportunity for every student; however, due to the limited small group sizes, it may not be possible to cater for everyone and preference will be given to children who have not had the opportunity to participate in previous years.

Sacred Heart is pleased to be able to offer this important program, and we are confident that it will be a valuable learning experience for those who are involved. If you require any further information or would like to discuss this program regarding your child, please don’t hesitate to contact me through the school on 03 5231 5292.

Registration form link: 2023 Seasons Application

Thank you to the families that have completed the VOCAL survey shared in last week’s newsletter. It would be great if more families could find the time to complete this survey as it will provide specific information to guide our school’s actions within the ReLATE Program.

Created by Monash University; The VOCAL-21 collects student views regarding their engagement, safety, and environment at school. Responses are completely non-identifiable.

This is Timepoint 2 for this survey.

Qualtrics link to VOCAL survey:

https://monash.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dm09zVaJwShhEhw online :

QR code: (also on flyer)

PARENTING TIP FROM

No one sets out to raise unkind children.

But whether it’s snatching toys, calling names, or excluding peers on the playground, we’ve all seen kids (likely even our own) treat others unkindly.

Why?

It’s not because they’re naturally unkind, or because we’ve messed up as parents.

It’s simply because kids are still learning.

They’re still learning how to appropriately solve problems, make friends, and show empathy.

As parents, we can coach our children on responsible and respectful ways to get what they need.

We can also show positive examples of kind behaviour by modelling it and by discussing kind actions in the stories we read together.

This week’s printable Kindness Matters: A Goat Story on Choosing Kindness is an adorable illustrated story that will help you teach your child the value of kind words and generous actions.

The printable also includes:

★ an audio story so you can both listen to it together

★ a guided activity to help kids connect the story to their own actions

★ a cute ‘Kindness’ poster to go with it

And finally before you go, if you are struggling to be kind to yourself, I’d like to offer you a helpful resource- a free audio affirmation

"I Am Proud of Myself” available on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Let it guide you towards a more compassionate relationship with yourself.

Julie Leonard - Wellbeing Leader/Religious Education Leader