Dear Parents and Carers,

What a joy to have some of our junior students demonstrating the yellow pillar, 'Look after each other,' through their initiative to make a 'Friendship Bench.' They've designed the initial poster with a few 'How-to's' to support all students to find social connections at play. Thank you Lincoln, Rivarhni, Aaliyah and Anatsa! Lovely to see 2 friends sitting with you for the photo.

Congratulations Mrs Grant

I am delighted to share that Mrs Grant recently completed a Master of Specialist Inclusive Education. This advanced degree has provided her with the skills and knowledge to better assess the diverse needs of our students and implement effective adjustments to support their learning.

With this new expertise, Mrs Grant is equipped to conduct thorough assessments to identify the specific needs of each student. This allows us to put in place tailored adjustments that ensure all students can access the curriculum and participate fully in school life. These adjustments might include differentiated instruction, specialised resources, or targeted intervention programs.

Finally, this week I thought it might be helpful to share with you some tips for managing your energy levels as life gets busy toward the end of the school year.  Life is busy for our St Pat’s students as we prepare to celebrate our talent at the dance concert next week, and then the junior years commence intensive swimming! As I continue to enjoy the podcasts from Meg Durham's School of Wellbeing, I was reminded of the valuable insights she has on how we can keep our "battery" charged. Here are some practical tips that can benefit everyone, parents and children.

Prioritize Rest: One of the most crucial aspects of maintaining energy is ensuring we get enough rest. Adequate sleep is not just about quantity but also quality. Rest allows our brains to recover and function optimally, especially during challenging times. Encourage your children to establish a consistent sleep routine to help them stay focused and energized throughout the day.

Nutrition and Hydration: What we eat and drink significantly impacts our energy levels. A balanced diet rich in nutrients and staying well-hydrated are fundamental to keeping our bodies and minds in peak condition. We need to make a conscious effort to include a variety of healthy foods in our meals and remember to drink plenty of water.

Physical Activity: Regular physical activity is another key component of maintaining high energy levels. Exercise not only boosts our physical health but also enhances our mental well-being. Encourage your children to participate in sports or any form of physical activity they enjoy. Even a short daily walk can make a big difference. Find something you can do together as a family each day or each week.

Connection: Building and maintaining supportive relationships is vital for our well-being. We thrive better together than alone. Encourage your children to foster positive relationships with their peers and teachers. Have you organised a play date for your child with some friends at a local park? This is a simple way to support your child's social growth and strengthen their connections.

Mindfulness and Reflection: Being mindful of our thoughts and actions can significantly impact our energy and overall life satisfaction. Taking time to reflect on our day, practicing gratitude, and making conscious choices can help us stay grounded and focused. Encourage your children to practice mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or journaling.

By incorporating these tips into our daily routines, we can ensure that we as adults and parents, keep our batteries charged, and we support our children with their battery health too. Let's work together to support each other's well-being! Here is a podcast you may enjoy...

Blessings

Jo