Hello Winters Flat Primary School community :) 

March is a pretty appropriate time of the year to take a breath and consider how you and your family are feeling. Summer is almost over (but I’m sure there’re some more warm days ahead!) and we are only a month away from school holidays. This time of the year can feel busy for families as the momentum and pressure of working, school and other commitments increase. These pressures effect young people in our society in various ways. One in three young Australians are experiencing high or very high levels of psychological distress which is triple the number since 2007. One in four secondary students are experiencing mental health problems and one in  three primary students are experiencing mental health problems.

A simple and effective way of slowing things down and giving yourself a chance to reflect on the wellbeing of yourself and your family is to bring some form of mindfulness into your lives. This is often easier said than done but can also be as easy as playing a mindfulness meditation recording to your kids or setting the kids up to do some yoga using a video on Youtube. Here are some useful links:

• Smiling Minds Guide for Parents and Carers: https://info.smilingmind.com.au/parentsguide
• 5 minute guided meditation for kids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZ_wdeog5Ek
• Yoga for kids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhYtcadR9nw

Remember, if you are concerned about the wellbeing of your child for any reason please let the school know so we can support you and your family. Reasons can included changes to your family or living arrangements, emotionally intense events or experiences, mental health concerns such as anxiety, and peer related challenges at school or home.

If you or anyone you know needs support call Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636. Raising Children is also an excellent resource for families: https://raisingchildren.net.au/

Stay well and stay connected.

.

Hannah O'Keefe

Wellbeing Officer, Winters Flat Primary School

(Tuesdays and Fridays 9:30-2:30)

Hannah.Okeefe@education.vic.gov.au

.

*If you wish for your child/ren to participate in sessions with Hannah, please ensure you provide permission on XUNO or sign a hard copy of the permission form available at the office.