Hello parents, students and colleagues.  

My name is Sharon Scouller and for those that don’t already know me I am the School Counsellor at St Clare’s Tully.  

I hope this newsletter finds you safe and dry after our recent extreme weather events. However, I know for some the floods have meant that you have been stranded, and that farms, businesses and homes have been impacted.  

Anxiety increases for families when these events take place, and children can be significantly impacted. I have attached the school counselling brochure to this article so that you are aware of the ways to access counselling support and please don’t hesitate to contact me via class teacher or phone the front office. 

Please be advised the School Counsellor working days are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Mindfulness 

What is Mindfulness? 

Mindfulness is a type of meditation in which you focus on being aware of what you’re sensing and feeling in the moment, without judgment. Practising mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided images, and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress. 

Why should we use mindfulness? 

Mindfulness practices can help us to increase our ability to regulate emotions, decrease stress, anxiety and depression. It can also help us to focus our attention, as well as to observe our thoughts and feelings without judgment. 

How does mindfulness help with anxiety? 

Research has shown that mindfulness helps us reduce anxiety and depression. Mindfulness teaches us how to respond to stress with awareness of what is happening in the present moment, rather than simply acting impulsively, unaware of what emotions or motives may be driving that decision. 

How can parents support their children to learn mindfulness? 

The best way for parents and caregivers to support their children’s learning, on how to be mindful is to model mindfulness by learning about and practising mindfulness themselves. Whilst parents and caregivers have limited time these days, the good news is that engaging with mindfulness not only benefits children, it also supports parents’ and caregivers’ wellbeing, and the wellbeing of the family as a whole. 

During these times of enormous change, such as extreme weather events, and commencing school, our children may feel quite anxious. However, by including mindfulness into your home routine, this may help to reduce anxiety and worry and take away any stress they may feel after a school day. I have included a link to the Smiling Minds website.  On the website you will also find some amazing resources and information. 

Smiling Minds Website:  https://www.smilingmind.com.au/at-home