Newsletter 27 - August 26th 2021
Prayer of the Week:
A Prayer for Uncertain Times
God of infinite mercy, hear our prayer!
In the midst of our own anxiety we ask you to give us the courage to support one another as you would. For those who are unexpectedly unemployed, for employers who share what they can, for our government and financial institutions and those who lead them,
In the midst of our struggle to ensure a healthy future for all who live on this planet, we ask you to give us the hope that surpasses our current understanding. For healthcare workers, spiritual leaders and our faith communities, for artists and poets, for prophets and teachers,
In the midst of our growing awareness that all life on Earth is connected, we ask for the heart to respect and cherish all life. That all peoples recognise that we are all your children,
We trust in you and your power working in us. Please hear and answer our prayers.
Amen!
Principal's Report:
Wellbeing
As we enter yet another lockdown the school is focussing on the wellbeing of all members of our school community. During this period of remote learning we have introduced Class Meets. These optional online class meetings offer a way for students to stay connected to their classmates and teachers. I was able to witness a few of these meetings take place already this week. It seemed to really bring some joy to both students and teachers.
Our Wellbeing Officer, Lillie Comitti, is also available for extra wellbeing check ins and support for students and families. You can contact Lillie on ClassDojo or via email - lcomitti@spstawell.catholic.edu.au
Lockdown Events
This week the school has also been running a few fun events to keep everyone entertained during lockdown. Mr. Moloney has brought back his very popular Trick Shot Challenge. If you haven't yet had a chance I urge you to have a look at the ‘Trick Shot Challenge 2021’ page on ClassDojo. You may even see an entry from yours truly!
This week is Book Week, which usually means we celebrate by dressing up as our favourite book character. This year due to the lockdown, the dress-up day has gone online. We encourage everyone to dress up and post some pictures on ‘Book Week Dress Up 2021’ ClassDojo page.
Upcoming Events
The current COVID situation makes it very difficult to plan for any future events and a number of upcoming events have been put on hold for now as we see how things play out. One thing I can confirm is that our planned school closure day on September 3rd will not go ahead. If we are out of lockdown by then I think we can all agree that the last thing the students need is to miss another day of school.
Take care and stay safe!
With Faith in our Future
Chris McAloon
Teaching and Learning:
In Grade 3/4 the students have been learning about writing letters. Jayde decided she would write a letter to the Police to thank them for keeping everyone safe. She hand delivered the letter to the Police Station and not only recieved a reply but also a visit from the Police and a gift bag!
Thankyou for sharing your kindness Jayde.
Wellbeing:
Dear Parents and Carers,
At St Patrick’s Primary School, we believe that mental health and wellbeing is the basis for a happy and successful life at school and beyond. Wellbeing plays a key role in our school ethos, and shapes our policies and procedures implicitly and explicitly. We strive to improve the wellbeing of our students and staff in everything we do, seeking to build resilience, identify and monitor concerns, and support students and families who face challenges.
Throughout lockdown 6.2 I will be providing extra wellbeing check ins and support for our students and families. To book a session you are welcome to email me on:
lcomitti@spstawell.catholic.edu.au
When I am not on-site supervising I will be available form 9.00am - 3.15pm. These meetings can be done via Google Meet or Phone Call. Within this sessions I will do things like play a game with your child, have a general chat etc.
Frequently asked questions
What is wellbeing and why is it important?
There are several definitions of wellbeing, but most are based on health and happiness. It is important because this is what we truly want for our children. Research has proven that without emotional and physical wellbeing, students will not be able to reach their full potential.
How does the school provide a healthy and welcoming environment?
Hopefully the above letter has made it clear how seriously we take the wellbeing of your child. The health and happiness of our students is a consideration at every level of decision making, and is part of the success criteria by which we judge our performance as an organisation.
How can we support our child’s wellbeing at home?
By encouraging your child to engage with the school’s wellbeing program, and getting involved yourself, we believe there is a significant amount to gain. Simply by being there for them and spending time talking with them you will be helping them develop the skills they need to overcome challenges in later life. By working together, we can support our children more effectively.
You can access further information on how to support mental health and wellbeing via Supporting students' mental health and wellbeing.
Who can we speak to if we’re concerned about our child’s wellbeing at school?
For any concerns about a child's wellbeing, please contact Lillie Comitti St Patrick’s Primary School Wellbeing Coordinator.
Take care of yourself and don’t forget to reach out if you need anything.
Lillie Comitti - Wellbeing coordinator
Helpful links for parents/carers and students:
Resources for young people to support them with anxiety
- https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/what-we-do/coronavirus/resources/learning-at-home/relaxation-exercises-to-do-at-home-with-your-kids - Relaxation activities for young people
- https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/media/2001/emotion-wheel.pdf – Emotional wheel to help children of all ages to talk about their feelings
- http://www.moodcafe.co.uk/media/26930/Relaxleaflet.pdf – Guided relaxation
- https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/media/2003/emotional-check-in.pdf – Emotional check in
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/joinin/seven-techniques-for-helping-kids-keep-calm – techniques to help younger children to keep calm
- https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/media/2013/self-care-kit-covid-19.pdf – self care kit
- https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/childrens-mental-health/depression-anxiety-mental-health/- advice on depression, anxiety and mental health
- https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/media/2022/anxiety-thermometer.pdf – anxiety thermometer
- https://www.elsa-support.co.uk/coronavirus-14-day-self-isolation-activities/ - a 14 day calendar of activities
- https://teammentalhealth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/The-complete-6-week-Wellbeing-Through-Sport-Activity-Programme.pdf – wellbeing through sport activity programme
- https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/media/2005/sentence-starters.pdf – sentence starters to help young people talk about how they are feeling
Resources for adults to support their children and themselves with anxiety
- https://www.annafreud.org/media/11465/helping-cyp-manage-anxiety-apr2020-v3.pdf – resource for adults to help young people to manage anxiety
- https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/mental-health-self-help-guides/anxiety-self-help-guide -a self help guide for adults to work through anxieties
- https://www.facebook.com/AFNCCF/videos/556309118348880/ - videos to help children and young people deal with anxiety
- https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/for-parents/parents-guide-to-support-a-z/parents-guide-to-support-anxiety/ - helping your child with anxiety
Loneliness
- https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/how-to-help/support-our-campaigns/jo-cox-commission-on-loneliness/tips-for-parents/ - tips if your child is lonely
Sleep
- https://www.evelinalondon.nhs.uk/our-services/hospital/sleep-medicine-department/coronavirus-sleep-tips.aspx - sleep tips for families
- https://www.sleepscotland.org/support/gateway-to-good-sleep/how-to-get-a-good-nights-sleep/ - advice on how to get a good night’s sleep
- https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Good-Sleep-Hygiene-Checklist.pdf - checklist for how to get a good night’s sleep
Online safety guidance
- https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
- https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/bullying-and-cyberbullying/#cyberbullying
- https://www.net-aware.org.uk/networks/?page=2&order=title
Other helpful links
- https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/media/2028/brain-breaks.pdf - can be used to break up periods of concentration
- https://www.partnershipforchildren.org.uk/uploads/Files/PDFs/Resilience%20Activities/Creating%20a%20Routine.pdf– creating a routine
- https://www.childline.org.uk/toolbox/ - activities to encourage young people to talk
- https://youngminds.org.uk/starting-a-conversation-with-your-child/activities-and-conversation-starters-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/ - conversation starts about coronavirus
Classroom News - Grade 5/6 F
In 5/6F students have had a fabulous Term 3 considering the rollercoaster that it has been so far. The positive attitude and resilience of all students has been so inspiring to see and something that we should all be so proud of. Some of the photos below capture the real life skills and creativity our students have been producing.
Before entering remote learning students were working in writing groups across both 5/6 classes to create a News Report on our very own school concert. Students had been exploring what made a good news story, open and closed questions, interviewing techniques as well as strengthening their abilities to work within a team. The work that students had been producing was incredible, hopefully students get a chance to complete their reports in the future.
In Religion students have been looking at symbols that are important to the catholic identity. From this students were able to find symbols that were essential to them, students found that some of their peers shared these same symbols and interests. From this students made a paper chain using their symbols to connect to other people that had the same or similar symbol, this represented how we are all connected within our learning community.
During this remote learning period students had a task of creating their very own cartoon drawing. The creativity and effort that students put into their work was fantastic to see and shows their engagement with the online content.
Our school community:
Upcoming Events
August 27 - Book Week - Friday will be book character dress-up day - please upload a photo
September 17th - End of term
October 4th - Start Term 4
Around the town:
Stawell Leasure complex:
We are putting the call out to all junior soccer players with the recent success of the Australian Matildas and Socceroos success at the Tokyo Olympics. SSAC is looking to bring indoor soccer back bigger than it’s ever been. 
If you have any questions send your name, date of birth, contact phone number through to Matt via email along with any questions you might have.
Acknowledgement of County
We acknowledge Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land on which our school stands.
We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
We thank them for sharing their cultures, spiritualities and ways of
living with the land in this place we all now call home.