2022 has begun with a sense of optimism to the year ahead as we become more use to the new ‘normal’. As a wellbeing team we have enjoyed seeing the sense of joy and reengagement of our students both in and out of the classroom as they re-establish existing friendships and form new friendships.

Of course, with this comes the usual ups and downs of these relationships, with times of being best friends one day and ‘frenemies’ the next. While this can be hard to watch your children go through, it is one of the normal parts of growing up – something that has been lacking in the last couple of years. As a parent we encourage you to listen to your child and assist them in developing their own strategies to work through these moments within relationships. With this they will build resilience which will take them well beyond 2022 and is the best help you can offer.

Resilience is something that we build on year after year and is also one of our School Values. Resilience is developed by facing, working through and overcoming challenges. Mr Friend spoke about the story of the Butterfly during the recent Parent Information Evening. In the story, the butterfly was not allowed to struggle and therefore, did not fully grow. Just like the butterfly, if we do not allow our children to face challenges and develop their skills, then resilience will be much harder to achieve.

Celebrate the strategies that your child has developed, to overcome challenges that they face. Have conversations that acknowledge the challenges but focus on the positive skills and choices your child has made. Encourage them to continue to develop and work on skills to grow their relationships, support as a side guide and your child will be stronger for it.

We look forward to watching our children continue to blossom in their relationships this year through the support of both school and home.

Sarah Shatford - Head of Student Wellbeing 3 - 6 (Mt Ridley)