Pastoral Care Day
Last Friday was our first Pastoral Care Day for 2023. This was an important day for our whole school in setting up our year ahead. Our goal is to make our beautiful school a happy and safe place for everyone.
We spent time in the morning re-familiarising ourselves with the Zones of Regulation and for the Prep’s this was brand new learning for most. The Zone colours are such a simple way of identifying your emotions and allows for consistent language across the whole school.
Through resources such as online yoga, picture story books, slideshows and tactile practice, children had time discussing emotions and emotional regulation before experiencing a number of “tools” they could access when they are feeling overwhelmed, ultimately trying to get back into the green zone. Some of these tools included:
- breathing techniques
- squishy balls
- fidget toys
- actions
- drawing
- stretching
- counting
- drinking water
All children now have their own Safety Plan to refer to when they are trying to get back into the Green zone. Ask your child to share their strategies with you as this is a plan they can use anywhere, anytime.
During the middle block, the concept of trust was explored. While doing this, important characteristics of what makes a person trustworthy was discussed. Students then had to choose four adults within the school they trust and know they can go to for help whenever they need it. They completed the My Circle of Trust at School poster.
Check out all our great photos from this amazing day at St Pius X. Thanks to Mr Bacon for helping us explore, experience and share this day of fun and for giving us time to learn about how we can regulate our emotions, trust others and seek help to keep everyone safe.
