Thornbury Primary School Mental Health and Wellbeing Update

Welcoming Jayson Patterson

This month we welcome Jayson Patterson to the wellbeing team, a Master of Social Work student from The University of Melbourne. Jayson is thrilled to begin a three-month placement at Thornbury Primary School. His goal is to positively impact the school by initiating activities, providing whole-school assistance, and engaging with families. Jayson's particular interest lies in social and emotional learning, as well as understanding the school through community development. He eagerly looks forward to contributing to Thornbury Primary School's vibrant diversity and environment, seizing the opportunity to be part of the team and enhance the overall wellbeing of the school community.

Wellbeing and Mental Health: Curiosity and Community Engagement

At TPS, we believe a mentally healthy community is crucial for children and young people to achieve their optimal mental health, regardless of their developmental stage. It plays a significant role in cultivating a mentally healthy generation for the future. To foster curiosity and community engagement among our children, there are several strategies that parents can easily implement. By encouraging our children to explore and actively participate in their communities, we can promote positive mental health and help build a strong foundation for their overall well-being. Here are four strategies that parents can consider:

Encourage Volunteering: Volunteering not only benefits the community but also has numerous positive effects on mental health. Parents can encourage their children to get involved in local charitable organizations or community service projects. This could include activities such as helping at a food bank, participating in environmental clean-up initiatives, or assisting in local fundraising events.

Foster Curiosity through Exploratory Activities: Parents can actively foster curiosity in their children by encouraging them to explore their surroundings and engage with their community. This can involve taking trips to local museums, libraries, or cultural events, as well as participating in community workshops or classes.
Facilitate Interactions with Community Members: Parents can promote community engagement by facilitating interactions between their children and local community members. This can include encouraging them to join clubs or organizations in their neighbourhoods, participating in local sports teams, or attending community gatherings and events.
Support Independent Projects: Parents can empower their children to pursue independent projects that align with their interests and passions. This could involve supporting their children in initiating their own community-based initiatives, such as starting a small business, organizing a neighbourhood clean-up campaign, or creating a community garden.

By implementing these strategies, parents can actively contribute to their children's overall well-being and promote positive mental health. Encouraging curiosity and community engagement from a young age lays the foundation for a lifelong habit of active participation and a deeper connection to the world around them. Together, let's build a mentally healthy community where our children can thrive and grow into resilient individuals who positively impact the future.

Jayson Patterson School Social Work Student

Human Sexuality and Consent Education

Our school proudly partners with Talking The Talk Healthy Sexuality Education by subscribing to their Virtual Classroom Resource

This is your monthly reminder to educate yourself and keep up the conversations with your children.

Access the Talking The Talk Virtual Classroom parent platform:
- Our School’s Initial sign up link: · https://www.talkingthetalksexed.com.au/offers/WtuoqU2w?coupon_code=THORPAR038
- Subsequent Logins: https://www.talkingthetalksexed.com.au/login
This month’s free resource link(s):
- Download your free parent conversations Guide Ebook from the parent platform (link above) and then listen to Vanessa explain it to you on her Healthy Sexuality Conversations Podcast: https://www.talkingthetalksexed.com.au/blog/talking-the-talk-healthy-conversations-episode-14

In the community