PRESCHOOL VISITS

As part of my engagement role, I have been visiting a number of our local preschools to talk to the children about getting ready for ‘big school’. There have been lots of questions and much excitement during these visits. I read the picture book story “The Starting School List” by Kitty Black and we looked at photographs of big school. We discussed things such as: where we keep our bags, where we play on the playground, what’s inside the classrooms and the types of activities we do at school. 

The transition to school is a big step for all and it is vital we support the children and their families in tackling this big step together! We can’t wait to welcome all the new kinders next year. If you know of any families joining us in 2025 please encourage them to come along to our school open day on Tuesday March 5.

GROW YOUR MIND WELLBEING PROGRAM

This week during my classroom visits, we have been practising mindfulness and using the Breathe, Think, Act traffic light strategy to help calm our ‘guard dog’ down (the amygdala part of our brain) during times of stress. 

I have been reminding the children that all feelings are valid. The point of emotional regulation is NOT to get rid of the feeling. That feeling may be an important signal for a child that something is wrong, needs changing, or needs help. Instead, the purpose of emotional regulation is for us to learn and practise the skills necessary to experience our feelings AND make a choice that is helpful not harmful with how we respond. Practising the traffic light regularly will help the children next time they feel overwhelmed by their big feelings such as frustration, anger, or sadness, with a way to calm and self-soothe themselves. There is always power in learning to pause before they REACT. This is a strategy you could practise with your children at home.

Have a wonderful week and remember to keep refilling that cup.

Amanda Macourt

Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement