Pretty Beach completes mental health component

Pretty Beach Public School has completed the second component of the KidsMatter Program which looked at social and emotional learning for students.

KidsMatter is a national mental health program specifically developed for Australian primary schools by the Australian Principals' Association Professional Development Council, the Australian Psychological Society, the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, and Beyond Blue and is supported by the Australian Rotary Health Research Fund.

"As a staff, we have been fortunate to be involved in the training of the KidsMatter Program," said Pretty Beach Public School KidsMatter coordinator Ms Louise Hoyle.

"We have identified how best we can further enhance our school in order to support student health and well-being.

"Our training has had particular emphasis on ensuring that our students, staff and parents feel connected to each other and the broader school community.

"Learning how to manage feelings and get on with others is an important part of children's development that helps them learn and feel good about themselves.

"Teaching children social and emotional skills as part of the school curriculum gives them the tools for coping with emotions, solving problems and learning more effectively.

"As part of the KidsMatter program, future school newsletters will feature regular information and tips for parents and carers on social and emotional learning."

Newsletter, 25 Jul 2013

Deborah Callender, Pretty Beach Public School