Wellbeing

Zones of Regulation

Over the last two weeks, I've been working with classes on what situations could put them into different zones. There was some great discussion around how different situations can affect people differently. For example, sharing something in front of the class might put some people into the Yellow Zone when they get nervous or worried, but for some people they might be in the Green Zone when they stay calm and focused. A lot of students identified that playing competitive games can put them into the Red Zone where they feel out of control. When we're in the Red Zone, sometimes we need a friend or family member to take us out of that situation to help us regulate.

Try asking your child or children what situations put them in different zones. Are there things that stress them out and put them in the Yellow Zone? Are there things that bore them and put them in the Blue Zone? What things put them out of control in the Red Zone? If you know how different situations affect your child, then you can help them to work on strategies to prepare them beforehand, or strategies to respond to the situations as they're happening.

Mental Health Resources

It's OK to not be OK. If you or someone you know is struggling, there are a range of resources available.

If you think you might need the support of a mental health professional, you can ask your GP to organise a Mental Health Treatment Plan. This will provide you with 10 subsidised sessions with a mental health professional. For more information, see the website at Mental Health Treatment Plan | healthdirect or contact me directly.

If you'd rather talk about your concerns over the phone, there are a number of hotlines available. Some of their details are below:

• Lifeline (for anyone having a personal crisis): 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
• Beyond Blue (for anyone feeling anxious or depressed): 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au
• Kids Helpline (counselling for young people aged 5 to 25): 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au
• Mensline Australia (for men with emotional or relationship concerns): 1300 78 99 78 or mensline.org.au
• Open Arms (veterans and families counselling): 1800 011 046 or openarms.gov.au
• Suicide Call Back Service (for anyone thinking about suicide): 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au

If you'd like to explore mindfulness to support your mental health, there are a few easily-accessible options:

• Mindarma is a research-based mindfulness course you can complete online. For more information, check out the "Community News" page. The Beaufort Apex Club is generously sponsoring some subscriptions to this service, so get in quick if you'd like to try it out.
• Smiling Mind is used by many teachers at the school. It's an easy-to-use app with specialised programs for students, parents, teachers and families.
• Calm and Headspace are two other popular apps focusing on mindfulness.
• The Resilience Project combines gratitude, empathy and mindfulness (referred to the GEM principles). Resources available include two books (also available as audiobooks), journals and an app.

Wellbeing Check-ins

The Grade 5/6 classes are trialling a Wellbeing check-in through a program called Pivot. Students have previously used this program to provide feedback about teaching and learning at school.

As part of these check-ins, students will initially complete a 'baseline' survey on belonging, safety and resilience. After that, they will complete a short five-question check-in each week. The data collected from these check-ins will help us work on strategies and tools our students may need to support their wellbeing.

As part of this check-in, students will also have the option to reach out for support. This may be in the form of asking to discuss their concerns with a specific staff member, or needing more information around a particular topic.

Neurodiversity Conference

Last week, the Yellow Ladybugs presented the ADHD and Autistic Minds conference, with a specific focus on neurodiversity in girls. They covered a range of topics including emotional regulation, executive functioning (things like organisation and concentration), building strong social connections, and how to work effectively as a family.

If this is an area of interest for you, the talks have all been recorded and are still available online. Access to these talks is $40 and is available from Yellow Ladybugs ADHD and Autistic Minds Conference 2022 (vfairs.com)