“Since we know happiness motivates individual activities, raises awareness, strengthens creativity and facilitates social relationships” (Talebzadeh, F. & Samkan, M. 2011) it is therefore an important key to not only educational success but happiness in general.

The author of the book, The Origins of Happiness – The Science Of Wellbeing Over The Course of a Life, Professor Richard Layard et al (2019) drew a number of key factors that affect wellbeing from a longitudinal study they conducted. They studied happy adults and then traced back to their youth to find the answer to the key question – “In childhood, what best predicts happiness in later life?” They found that a child’s emotional health was the best predictor of an enjoyable adult life.

Wellbeing is an important aspect of education at Barbreck and we invest in the girls’ mental health and well-being. Our staff work hard to ensure our girls are happy and learn strategies for a positive growth mindset, build resilience and independence, and develop appreciation and gratitude. Employing an educational psychologist supports staff in this endeavour and helps students deal with emotional and social upsets. Ms Fiona Ganino-Day works one day a week in Barbreck in this capacity.

Shankland and Rosset (2017) believe that “Teachers and researchers in positive psychology are natural allies. At its core, education is about nurturing strengths, about growth and learning”. They agree that the key concern for teachers is the psychological and social well-being of their students. While the debate around whether happiness can be taught continues, some researchers are looking at the things we can do to live happier lives. Schools are in the prefect position to help instil some of these actions in the lives of the children they teach – a wonderful example of how research and schools and combine to have long term positive effects on children.

In her book, 10 Keys to happier Living – A Practical Handbook for Happiness, author Vanessa King (2017) identifies actions we can include that promote happiness. They are:

Outside: Our daily activities

1. Giving – doing things for others
2. Relating – connect with people
3. Exercising – take care of your body
4. Awareness – Live life mindfully
5. Trying out – keep learning new things

Outside: Our attitude to life

6. Direction – have goals to look forward to
7. Resilience – find ways to bounce back
8. Emotions – look for what’s good
9. Acceptance – be comfortable with who you are
10. Meaning – be part of something bigger

Many of the keys listed above are evident in the programs, experiences and activities we provide at Barbreck. Our girls are happy; they are always smiling, giggling, having a good time with friends. They want to come to School and be involved, and they are well on their way to demonstrating a growth mindset and gratitude. The result is that Barbreck is a happy School!

—

EASTER SERVICE

The Junior School are very fortunate in being able to attend the Easter Service at St John’s Anglican Church on Thursday 1 April, 2.00 – 2.45pm.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions the church has a capacity limit and the Barbreck students and staff just squeeze into it.

As this will be at the very end of our day, we ask that girls bring everything to school in their small sports bag. This will allow girls to easily walk to the church. As usual, there will be a collection plate upon exiting the service that will support a worthy charity. Your generosity in supporting worthy causes is greatly appreciated.

Parents may collect their daughters directly following the service. We ask that you kindly send an email to your daughter’s teacher to notify her of your intentions to do so. Girls not collected from the church will be walked back to school for the usual end of day pick up.

Take a look at some of the amazing highlights from the 2020 School year.

References:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042811028539

https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691196336/the-origins-of-happiness

https://www.actionforhappiness.org/10-keys

https://positivepsychology.com/positive-education-happy-students/

https://www.actionforhappiness.org/10-keys

—

Out of School Hours Care

St Catherine’s School offers an Out of School Hours Care program to all ELC and Junior School families. The program is implemented by our provider ‘After the Bell’, and operates within the ELC building. Parents are reminded that if you need to use the Before School Care or After School Care service, registrations need to be made in advance with ‘After the Bell’. Please allow up to five business days for your registration to be processed before your child can begin attending the program. Registration is free. All families are encouraged to register so that you can use this service in the event that you are unable to pick up your child.

Before School Care – 7.00am to 8.45am

After School Care – 3.00pm to 6.00pm

Registrations can be completed via the ‘After the Bell’ website https://afterthebell.com.au/register-now/

Please phone 9758 6744 for all enquiries