Dress Code

We have noticed that the school dress code has been slipping this term which is disappointing as the code is very clear. There are always legitimate reasons for not wearing full uniform, such as items being in the wash, etc. but if this is the case, the office should be notified, either with a note, email or a phone call.

We will be more vigilant next term on students wearing school uniform and also tying their hair back. If your child’s hair is past their shoulders, it should be tied back. This is purely for health reasons as it does restrict the spread of nits and lice. It should also be noted that school sports shirts are not part of the daily school uniform and should only be worn if your child is representing the school in a sporting event.

Why do we have a dress code?

The Student Dress Code aims to:

• foster a sense of community and belonging and encourages students to develop pride in their appearance
• support Bonbeach Primary School’s commitment to ensuring that our students feel equal and are dressed safely and appropriately for school activities.
• reduce student competition on the basis of clothing
• enhance the profile and identity of the school and its students within the wider community.

If a student is out of school uniform or otherwise breaches the Student Dress Code on a recurring basis, a note will be provided to the student and parents by the classroom teacher. If non-compliance with the dress code becomes a continued occurrence, the Principal will be informed and a phone call home may be required. In this event, the school will continue to work with the student and family to support compliance.

The full list of Bonbeach Primary School’s compulsory school uniform items are available on our web site under student dress code via this link:- https://www.bonbeachps.vic.edu.au/uploaded_files/media/1662594662student_dress_code

We need to talk about Parent Wellbeing

 by Dr Justin Coulson

Mental Health is on everyone’s lips. With 44% of Australian adults having experienced a mental disorder over the course of their lives, and 1 in 5 having experienced symptoms of a mental disorder over the last 12 months, it’s no surprise that Google searches for mental health queries reached an all-time high in 2021. 

Additionally, across Australia there are 102 days dedicated every year to raising awareness of important mental health and wellbeing related topics, including Neurodiversity Week in March, World Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Day in May, and R U OK? Day in September. A growing number of Australian states and territories are also promoting Mental Health Month in October. 

With all the talk about mental health and wellbeing, it’s valuable to understand that mental illness and mental health are actually different things. On the one hand, we have mental illness. Low mental illness means you aren’t experiencing symptoms of mental illness (such as depression and anxiety), high mental illness means you are. And on the other hand, we have mental health. If you have high mental health, you have a generally positive mood and outlook on life and are functionally optimally. You are said to be ‘flourishing’. If you have low mental health, you may feel hollow or empty, and have a generally low mood. You are said to be ‘languishing’. 

For most people experiencing mental illness, interventions such as therapy and medications are both valuable and necessary. However, to improve mental health and lead a flourishing life, there are simple changes that anyone can make even if they are struggling with mental illness. 

Let me ask you a simple question.

What makes life most worth living for you? 

The simplest way to experience improved mental health and wellbeing is to identify the answer to that question and then find a way to do a little more of those things each day. Let me outline a few things science points us to that can help: 

Sleep

This might be the most boring thing I can put on the list of ideas to bolster wellbeing (for you and your kids). But it might also be the most valuable item on the list. 

Have you noticed what a difference it makes when you feel well rested? Have you noticed how much better you behave (not to mention the kids) when you’ve had a full night’s sleep? It’s no surprise that sleep loss is associated with negative moods and impacts emotional regulation. Sleep makes you a better parent. It makes you a better partner, employee… it makes you a better person. Prioritising a solid 8 hours of sleep per night is just about the best thing you can do to be happier. 

Build Connection

Relationships are at the core of our wellbeing. Find ways that you and your children can connect with one another and with others regularly and in healthy, positive ways. Simple ways to build connection are smiling at each other (even fake smiles can amplify and initiate feelings of happiness), spending quality time together, and telling the people around you that you love them. 

Get Active

A recent study from the University of South Australia found that exercise is 1.5 times more effective than counselling or the leading medications at improving symptoms of depression, anxiety, and distress. Physical activity also keeps our brains healthy, increases positive mood and increases self-esteem, as well as reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, and increasing bone health. The World Health Organisation recommends that children and adults aim for about 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity daily, but if you’re just starting out, replacing sedentary time with physical activity of any intensity will offer health benefits. 

Slow Down and Smell the Roses

Nature is fuel for the soul. Spending time interacting with nature has a long list of benefits (including improved academic and task performance, stress reduction, reduced violence, increased inspiration, and improved mood), which can be achieved in as little as 120 minutes a week. You can boost your nature time by shifting the route of your walk to go through your nearest green space, taking your lunch break outside, or planning a weekly family trip to the forest, beach, or botanic gardens. 

Have Fun

It might seem like a simple thing, but having a once-a-week family adventure can build connection, encourage physical activity, and get us out into nature, plus it is fun! Having fun can be free, take the soccer ball to the park, do a scavenger hunt, or take a bucket and spade to the beach. 

On the road to flourishing 

Work, school, homework, cleaning the house, finances… these are all important things, but they’re not the things that make life worth living. If we want to get on the road to flourishing, we may need to re-prioritise our time, making sure that we build in opportunities for sleep, connection, movement, nature, and fun. Simple swaps are all it takes to bring greater positivity into your life.  

regards

Ken & Jayne

Next term will be holding a Prep- Grade 2 House Athletics Day on Friday October 13^th (Week 2 of Term 4). Students will stay with their classroom teacher and rotate around to seven different fun athletics events, with house points to win for every event.

The day will take place on the oval and basketball/netball courts. Students are encouraged to wear their house colours on the day. Parents are also welcome to come and cheer on the students competing.  

-Mr Mac.