Mental Health and Wellbeing
Hawker School uses a whole school approach to meaningfully engage students in learning about mental health and wellbeing. Students are explicitly taught social, emotional and coping skills for wellbeing and resilience.
The evidence-based Bounce Back program forms the basis of our weekly whole school mental health and wellbeing program which is taught from Kindergarten through to Year 6. Students learn about skills and attitudes to help them become more resilient. Literature is used as a starting point for discussions and focused activities.
Ten coping statements are an integral part of the program.
Bad times don’t last. Things always get better. Stay optimistic.
Other people can help if you talk to them. Get a reality check.
Unhelpful thinking makes you feel more upset. Think again.
Nobody is perfect – not you and not others.
Concentrate on the positives (no matter how small) and use laughter.
Everybody experiences sadness, failure, rejection and setbacks sometimes, not just you. They are a normal part of life. Try not to personalise them.
Blame fairly. How much of what happened was due to you, to others and to bad luck or circumstances?
Accept what can’t be changed (but try to change what you can change first).
Catastrophising exaggerates your worries. Don’t believe the worst possible picture.
Keep things in perspective. It’s only one part of your life.
Wellness Warriors
Our mental health and wellbeing program provides leadership opportunities to our senior students. At the beginning of each year, students in Year 6 are encouraged to submit an application to become a Wellness Warrior. This role enables students to plan and lead wellness activities during lunchtimes as well as coming up with new initiatives to promote mental health and wellbeing in our school community.
Useful links:
https://studentwellbeinghub.edu.au/parents/
https://beyou.edu.au/resources/mental-health-services-and-support-helplines