Compassion, Confidence and Conversations That Matter
Peer Support Begins
Term 3 sees our Peer Support Program begin, and our Year 5 students are embracing their leadership roles with enthusiasm and care. Each week, they guide younger students from Kindergarten to Year 4 through engaging activities based on the “Friendology” program, which promotes positive relationships and emotional wellbeing across the Junior School. This initiative not only strengthens connections between students of different year levels but also fosters a caring culture and provides valuable leadership experience for our Year 5 students.
Compassion Child Grade Sponsorship
We have also adopted a Compassion sponsor child for each grade this year and we thank our families for supporting this initiative. Sponsoring a child through Compassion offers our students a meaningful way to develop empathy and understand the challenges faced by children in other parts of the world. It nurtures a sense of responsibility and generosity, helping students see how their collective efforts can positively impact someone else’s life. Through regular updates and correspondence, students also gain insight into different cultures, encouraging curiosity and global awareness.
In Week 6 this term, we will be having a Compassion Chapel Concert, where Ben Pakula will be joining us and performing for our students some of his amazing songs. We will also devote this chapel to understanding more about the work of Compassion and how our support makes a difference in the lives of our sponsor children. We would love our families to join us for this combined Junior School Chapel. Our students will be able to wear mufti this day, with the theme being to wear a colour or colours from their child’s country’s flag. A gold coin donation on this day is being asked to help support the children we sponsor.
Student Wellbeing Survey
Our students will also be participating in the My Mind Check wellbeing survey. This is a free, evidence-based digital check-in tool developed by Macquarie University and funded by the Australian Government. It allows students from Kindergarten to Year 12 to reflect on their mental health and wellbeing through short, 10–15 minute surveys. The program provides schools and families with real-time insights directly from students, helping identify those who may need support and guiding proactive wellbeing decisions.
Student Wellbeing Survey
Our students will also be participating in the My Mind Check wellbeing survey. This is a free, evidence-based digital check-in tool developed by Macquarie University and funded by the Australian Government. It allows students from Kindergarten to Year 12 to reflect on their mental health and wellbeing through short, 10–15 minute surveys. The program provides schools and families with real-time insights directly from students, helping identify those who may need support and guiding proactive wellbeing decisions.
‘Amazing Me’ Parent Session
We are excited to welcome Rowena Thomas from Amazing Me on Monday 11 August from 6pm to present a special parent and child session titled “Bodies, Babies and Puberty”. This engaging and informative session is designed to support the Stage 3 Personal Development and Health curriculum being explored this term. It offers a valuable opportunity for families to learn together and open up important conversations around growing bodies and changes during puberty. We encourage all Stage 3 families to attend and be part of this supportive learning experience
SchoolTV: Wellbeing Resources at Your Fingertips
We would like to remind our community that School.TV is a valuable resource available to all our families through our College website, offering expert advice and practical strategies to support your child’s wellbeing. We encourage parents to explore the wide range of topics—from managing anxiety to building resilience—anytime, anywhere. You can access it through the OPAC website on the current families page – Just scroll down and open the learning resources tab to see the link.
eSafety Webinars
In addition to SchoolTV, the eSafety Commissioner has a series of webinars for parents and carers that provide a wealth of information that will help keep our community informed about risks associated with technology use and strategies for keeping our children safe. Below are the seminars that are on offer this term and there are instructions where you can register for the different webinars.
We have another busy and exciting term ahead of us and we look forward to partnering with our families again.
God bless,
Mr Luke Przydacz
Deputy Head of Junior School – Health and Wellbeing
