Dear Parents and Carers

I hope, through the excitement and joy your children are sharing, you are enjoying the many extra curricula activities happening across the school. This week there are so many wonderful activities happening to celebrate Book Week and the endless benefits of reading are being experienced. If you get a chance come in and see the wonderful displays the students have worked so creatively on in the hubs and ask your children about the adventure story they are sharing as they tour through the displays.

Last Monday we had an amazing Professional Learning Day on staff wellbeing and Strengthening against anxiety in schools with Karen Young from Hey Sigmund. Staff have been excited in their feedback and grateful for the learning and many practical strategies to support all children. The parent session that evening also had an amazing turnout with at least 80 parents attending. As we know, when partnerships are strong and consistent between families, the flourishing and improved outcomes for our students are greater. The parent feedback has also been very positive and grateful. I have captured below some key messages we all were able to take way. You can also visit the Hey Sigmund website for more resources. 

Reframe Anxiety as a "Brave" Feeling: Teach children that anxiety and courage go hand-in-hand. When they feel uncomfortable or nervous, they are in a "brave space." Encourage them to see these feelings as "super body fuel" from their amygdala, a part of the brain that acts as a smoke alarm to keep them safe. Ask questions like, "Is this a time to be safe or brave?" and help them focus on the positive outcome of overcoming the challenge, a "treasure" instead of a "dragon."

Empowerment Through Understanding: Introduce simple neuroscience concepts. Explain that their amygdala can't always tell the difference between "scary dangerous" and "scary safe." This helps them understand that their physical symptoms (fast heart rate, "butterflies" in their stomach) are not a sign that something is wrong, but just their body preparing for action. This knowledge gives them the power to "be the boss of their amygdala."

Practical Coping Strategies: Emphasise that strong, steady breathing is the best way to calm the amygdala. Encourage practicing this skill when they are calm so they can use it during moments of distress. Other co-regulating techniques include rhythm, music, rocking, gentle touch, or using cold water.

Avoidance is the Enemy: The single worst thing for anxiety is avoidance. It reinforces the idea that the threat is real and overwhelming. Instead of accommodating every anxious feeling, parents and staff should hold firm on expectations while providing support. Play a leader along with a caretaker role. Many times as adults we need to make the decision for our children.  By moving through the discomfort, children build their "brave muscles" and learn they can handle challenges. 

Camps Year 3-6: We have all four camps this term from Year 3 to 6. Camps continue to be a significant commitment at Our Lady Star of the Sea. We value all our camps for Year 3-6 students knowing it also takes a significant commitment from staff in the planning and implementation. 

Research shows there are many  benefits of school camps. Some of these include  Peer bonding, being physically active because even just being in an outdoor environment will often inspire children to become more physically active in their day-to-day. Freedom to be responsible and make conscious and positive decisions for themselves, Screen-free time which brings them back down to earth and present in their surroundings. New experiences which become cherished memories for students. Spending time in nature which we know that consistent exposure to nature can be a defining factor in mental health. Spending time outside in the natural environment can decrease stress and anxiety, help us sleep better and regulate emotions in adults and children alike. Not only that, but increased time in nature can stimulate a greater sense of responsibility for the environment and living things. These experiences and skills don’t have to be limited to school camps though. At home, you can follow up on your child’s camp experience by chatting to them about what they learned and enjoyed and try to integrate some of this into your day-to-day. Encourage your children to put down their screens and go for a walk. Support their desire to try new sports or activities. Give them age-appropriate responsibilities within your household. These tools will help shape your child into a well-rounded young adult.

Today our Year 4’s returned from their one night camp to Anglesea. I enjoyed going down for the night last night and can vouch for how wonderfully respectful, safe and responsible your children have been. Credit to you all. We commend the staff and students on enjoying a  great experience with exemplary participation and behaviour.

Wishing you all a week full of kindness on the back of our acknowledgement and inclusive activities around anti bullying week last week

Kerryn