Hi Guys!

We had a great week last week handing out chocolates for random acts of kindness day and teaching grade 3B & 3D about our brand-new BRAVE BOX located in my office. The new Brave Box initiative is to help kids prevent mental health issues by teaching them to think about what they are thinking about. Instead of storing all of those thoughts in their mind (which can weigh us down) we are encouraging kids to write them down and put them in the BRAVE Box. This helps kids to begin to recognise their own thoughts and what could be getting in the way of concentrating in the classroom.

WHAT IS A CHAPPY AND WHAT DOES A CHAPPY DO?

I have had a lot of questions recently asking what do I do? A Chaplain plays the role of a support worker. This means depending upon your family’s needs I can support you emotionally, physically or spiritually to help your child receive the best education possible. Currently I am involved in one on one sessions with kids who just need a listening ear and a word of encouragement, I am also helping to build successful relationships through friendship groups and this term I am beginning a program called Seasons for Growth to help kids navigate significant loss or change in their lives. At lunchtime you will see me playing handball or hanging out in my office with kids who love to come to the green zone for lunchtime activities. If there is anyway I can support your family please reach out and I will endeavour to be of assistance.  I am here on Monday’s, Tuesdays and Fridays this term and you can contact me via email sjarm17@eq.edu.au.

CAN YOU HELP?

Calliope State School Staff have worked so hard this year to educate and support our kids and as a community we would like to give back. On the last Friday of every month we will be organising a Gratitude Brunch to say Thank You to all staff. If you would like to contribute please email me at sjarm17@eq.edu.au to let me know what you would like to donate (gifts or food) and please bring it into the office before 10.30am on the following dates. Thank you for your consideration.

1. 29th October Friday – 11am – 11.45am
2. 26th November Friday – 11am – 11.45am

THIS IS THE LAST WEEK YOU CAN SIGN UP FOR SEASONS FOR GROWTH!

This term I will be starting a program called Seasons for Growth. This program offers children and young people a safe space to come together, and share their experiences of change and loss. Children will learn that they are not alone in their experience and are able to build their communication, resilience, decision making and problem-solving skills within the context of a safe and supportive peer group learning environment. This program is suitable for children who have suffered change or loss from parents divorcing or separating, step families, foster care, loss of loved ones or other significant changes that have affected their ability to concentrate in a learning environment. If a child has recently lost a loved one this program is not recommended until 12 months after the loss has occurred. The program runs for 8 sessions and is about 30-45 minutes a session. If you think your child is experiencing difficulty concentrating at school due to a significant loss or change in their lives please email me to determine if they would be suitable for this program.

Have a great week!!

Chappy Sheree