Mental Health and Wellbeing News

Dear Parents and Carers,

This term, our students have been learning about the importance of positive self-talk — the words and thoughts we use when we speak to ourselves. We’ve explored how the way we think can affect how we feel and behave, and how using kind, encouraging words helps us to build confidence and resilience. 

Students have also been identifying their personal strengths and qualities — the things that make them unique and capable. We’ve discussed what we like about ourselves and how important it is to be able to articulate these strengths clearly and feel confident in expressing what we are good at. This can sometimes be difficult for children (and even adults), but learning to be reflective and recognising our own qualities helps us to develop healthy self-esteem and a stronger sense of identity.

You can support this learning at home by:

• Encouraging your child to talk about their strengths (“What’s something you did well today?”).
• Modelling positive self-talk (“I found that tricky, but I can try again.”).
• Celebrating effort as well as results.
• Helping your child reframe negative thoughts (“Instead of ‘I can’t do this,’ try ‘I can’t do this yet’.”).

Together, we can help children develop a strong sense of self-belief, the confidence to recognise and express their strengths, and a positive mindset that will support them in all areas of life.

Next week, on Friday, 24^th October, the Grade 3-6 students will be participating in a lesson run by Kids Helpline via Zoom. Permission notes have been sent home with a flyer attached for your information.

If you would like further information on this or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Deb Owens

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader