Head of Primary P-4
This term has been a very busy term!
Dr Dan Siegel and David Rock describe seven daily essential mental activities necessary for optimum mental health. They refer to these seven essential activities as The Healthy Mind Platter.
The Healthy Mind Platter has these essential mental activities to strengthen your brain’s internal connections and your connections with other people and the world around you.
The idea around The Healthy Mind Platter is to become aware of the full range of essential mental activities, and as with essential nutrients, make sure that at least every day we are bringing the right ingredients into our mental diet, even if for just a bit of time!
One way to use the platter idea is to map out an average day and see what amount of time you spend on each essential mental activity.
Like a balanced diet, there are many combinations that can work well.
Here is a list of the seven essential mental activities according to Dr Dan Siegel and David Rock:
1. SLEEP TIME: When we give the brain the rest it needs to consolidate learning and recover from experiences of the day.
2. PHYSICAL TIME: When we move our bodies, aerobically if possible, which strengthens our brain and contributes to our wellbeing.
3. FOCUS TIME: When we focus closely on tasks in a goal-oriented way minimising distractions.
4. CONNECTION TIME: When we connect with other people, ideally in person, or take time to appreciate the natural world around us. This activates the brain’s relational circuitry.
5. PLAYTIME: When we allow ourselves to be spontaneous or creative, enjoying new experiences which helps make new connections in the brain.
6. DOWNTIME: When we are not focused. Without a specific goal in mind and let our mind wander or rest, which helps the brain recharge.
7. TIME-IN: When we quietly reflect on our inner-world of thoughts, feelings, images helps better integrate the brain and bring calm and relaxation.
How much time each day do you give to these essential mental activities?
On the Primary campus we aim to provide these daily essentials.
In the Primary Campus section of this newsletter are snapshots of what has been happening in each of our grades.
Prep learning moments
We are delighted to share with you the introduction of ‘Prep Learning Moments’ on Veritas Online. This exciting new addition will allow for teachers to collect data about student learning and engagement in a variety of forms, ensuring that our students have a range of modes to communicate their understanding. Having our families connected will allow us to better engage families as active partners in their child’s learning.
Families will gain a snapshot into what your child is learning in the classroom across a range of learning areas through viewing work samples, images, video recordings and other relevant learning materials. Through gaining an insight into your child’s learning moments, you will have the opportunity to leave a comment and engage in conversations about their learning in the home environment.
To access your child’s learning moments you will need to log into Veritas Online, via the app or using an internet browser. If you would like to receive notifications when a new learning moment is posted, you will need to visit your settings after logging in. From here, you will be able to choose how you would like to receive notifications, for example pop-up notifications or email. Please see a screenshot below of how this appears in your settings.
If you are having difficulties accessing your child’s learning moments, please contact IT Support on itsupport@ssc.nsw.edu.au or 9745 7104.
Metal drink bottles
There have been a number of children bringing to school metal drink bottles. These are very heavy when full and can cause injuries if dropped. It would be fantastic if metal drink bottles could not be brought to school from Term 2.
Religious Education resource making
Friday 12 May 2023 9:00-11:00am
On Friday 12 May 2023 we will be having a Religious Education resource-making morning. All families are warmly invited and morning tea will be provided. Come along for a chat with some other parents while making resources that all of the children from P-4 will be using in their classrooms. We look forward to seeing you on 12 May!
Winter uniform next term
REMINDER: We return to commence Term 2 in Full School Winter uniform on Wednesday 26 April 2023.
Joanne Gianinni
Head of Primary P-4