Wellbeing MATTERS!

Wellbeing MATTERS!

Dear Families,

Week 4 already ….. and already we have had some exciting and educational events that promote a “healthy mind and body” for students, parents and staff. Week one, day one saw the 5/6s meet with the Australian School of Performing Arts (ASPA) representatives, Mrs Nihill and classroom teachers as they guide the students to prepare song and dance items for a concert meeting with other students across the Diocese later this term.  Week two got off the mark with cross country running. All students F-6 and some staff who completed the course around the school. Followed by the 3/4s camp to Billabong Ranch and the 5/6s excursion to the Memorial in town to learn more about ANZAC day and attendance at the launch of “Zero Carbon Tatura” at Stuart Mock Place. We’ve had our Steps in Faith programs kicking off with Miss Simpson and our PPR (Promoting Positive Relationships ) day for Mother's Day with cross age groups working together!  And this week, our grade 3 & 5 students are participating in the NAPLAN program over three days!  “BIG” things are always happening at SH to help keep us all healthy in mind and body!

So our theme for term 2 is RESPECT as outlined in the last newsletter.  Don’t miss our PBIS student team on Friday at assembly letting our school know all about it! 

We talked about “What does respect look like?” today I want to expand a bit on this with some ideas and tips to help build more respectful and positive relationships. Sometimes it is just a matter of changing the way we say things that makes a difference. 

Yes, I’m going to share some thoughts on MANNERS!  I found some great information and tips with Amy McCreadie (Founder of Positive Parenting Solutions) that apply not only to home but at school and just about anywhere in our community.

Have you ever heard yourself saying …  What’s the magic word? Do you ever feel like a parrot in your attempts to get our children to use their manners? ….  I have!   We’ve worked on “please” and “thank you” since they were two—so why do they sometimes seem to need a refresher course on a daily basis? Trust me, we’re not alone. In parenting education circles, it is often said, “A child who always forgets has a Parent (or teacher, or grandparent) who always remembers.”

The reality is that constant reminders aren’t likely to change our children’s behaviour long-term. Fortunately, it’s entirely within our reach to raise children who say “excuse me” even when you’re not around.

5 Steps to Better Manners

Help your kids brush up on their manners once and for all:

1. Practice what you preach. Make certain you always remember the “magic word.” Our children will learn more by what you do than by what you constantly say.
2. Teach what you preach. Remember that good manners don’t come naturally—our children won’t “grow into” them. You can, however, take time for teaching on anything from table manners to respect for elders and effectively prepare our children to handle any social situation with polite ease.
3. Say what you like. Once we’ve taught good manners, encourage it by catching your kids “in the right.” Tell them, “You really made the meal pleasant with your good manners,” or, “Grandma really appreciated being able to tell her story without being interrupted.”
4. Don't take "Yes" for an answer. Let our children know that we expect to hear “No, thank you,” “Yes, please,” and all the rest—and will not respond to requests that are not accompanied by appropriate manners. Make it clear the answer will be a NO unless he can ask using proper manners. 
5. Don't say "What do you say?" Once you have trained your kids to say “thank you,” do not embarrass them with constant reminders—let them shine on their own. On the other hand, do talk about the consequences of being rude - disrespectful: people will not want to be around them or do nice things for them. If they continue to forget their manners.

As a school community we are always working together to build and promote respectful relationships with one another, focusing on the fact that respect begins with the way we behave and treat others. Students will be talking about this in class and actively engaging in activities that promote this.

Why not continue this conversation at home with the family and maybe talk about what this looks like and sounds like in your household.  Happy conversations!

Please feel free to contact me if you have any concerns or queries.

Debbie Turvey

Pastoral Wellbeing & Learning Diversity Leader

dturvey@shtatura.catholic.edu.au

(03) 5824 1841

Stay tuned in our school newsletter for more ideas and conversations around promoting wellbeing and learning in our school community.

Have a great week, make the choice, be your best!