From the Assistant Principal
SPECIAL REPORT: The Wellbeing Barometer - 2025
The Wellbeing Barometer survey has become an essential resource for schools, providing valuable insights into youth mental health and wellbeing. By capturing community concerns and understanding the nature of these challenges, schools are better positioned to support families, foster meaningful conversations, and strengthen relationships.
As part of an ongoing longitudinal study, this survey plays a pivotal role in tailoring support for students and their families. It offers a comprehensive view of students’ experiences, challenges, and achievements over a 12 month period.
By participating in this survey, your school can identify areas of strength, uncover potential concerns, and pinpoint opportunities for early intervention. The survey’s findings enable a deeper understanding of young people’s lives, supporting a more tailored approach to improving mental and emotional wellbeing.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to complete either one or both surveys below, depending on the age of your son or daughter and the school they attend.
We encourage you to complete one survey for each child. There is no limit to how many times you can complete the survey. This will enable you to provide more accurate responses based on individual children.
Please remember, all responses remain anonymous and should reflect observations made over the last 12 months. Survey results are only reported on an aggregated basis.
The link to access the surveys is below;
https://kotarasouth.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-wellbeing-barometer-2025-au
3 Way Conversations
Thank you to all the staff, students and families who participated in these meetings last week. It was lovely to meet new parents and to reconnect with existing families. Students have worked hard to articulate their goals and will work towards achieving these.
NAPLAN
Next week NAPLAN starts for years 3 and 5. We wish all our students the very best and know they will try their hardest. This is all we ask of them. Please ensure all year 3 and 5 students have earphones and year 5 students have their devices fully charged. The timetable for NAPLAN is:
Wednesday 12th March – Writing and Reading
Thursday 13th March – Conventions of Language
Friday 14th March – catch up assessments
Monday 17th March – Numeracy
GYM
Throughout the remainder of the term classes will learn about the “Grow Your Mind” (GYM) program. At St James’, we believe that education is about academic achievement AND about developing well-rounded individuals who can navigate the complexities of life. We know that when children have the skills of resilience, emotional regulation and perspective, they will do better socially, academically and physically. With the Grow Your Mind program, we aim to provide our students with the tools and resources they need to thrive in all areas of their lives.
Through ‘Grow Your Mind’ we apply an understanding of neuroscience with storytelling to teach students about their brain.
We use animal characters to represent the 5 key parts of the brain to make some basic brain
science accessible, relatable & playful to children. This can help them understand their emotions, behaviours, and learning processes. The animals provide purpose to the Grow Your Mind wellbeing content.
This week we introduced “The GUARD dog” (AMYGDALA)
Its function: keeping us safe, noticing threats & acting as an alarm system
Main Role: The amygdala can detect important changes such as challenges, opportunities, and threats. It is through to trigger the body's fight, flight, freeze or fawn response. It processes emotions such as fear and anger. But also joy too!
The animals are a playful and engaging way to teach children about their brain and some of the core functions. Linking social and emotional wellbeing habits to the brain provides purpose and sparks a child’s interest in topics.
To help implement the GYM program at St James we have given our families access to the Podcasts. In just 15 minutes, each episode combines storytelling, interviews, and humor to help kids understand their mental health and build resilience. This season’s goal is to inspire kindness, create a sense of belonging, and promote positive, respectful relationships. Episode 1 focuses on extending kindness and curiosity beyond your usual friend group. It encourages students to embrace inclusivity and be upstanders in their communities. By fostering emotional regulation and self-control, this podcast empowers kids to make meaningful, real-world connections to their mental fitness and self-worth.
Listening to this podcast with your child can spark valuable conversations about kindness, inclusion, and resilience. It’s a great way to guide your child in understanding the power of empathy and how they can contribute to making the world a more compassionate place.
Enjoy the weekend.
Mrs Debra Petersen
Assistant Principal