Welcome to Term 3

We have moved across to a new online platform for our newsletter, we hope you like it!

In this edition you will find information on Fruit and Veg month which takes place in Term 3. We have also included support for schools planning their Kindergarten Orientation, including a video and PowerPoint presentation you can tailor to your school. To help integrate healthy eating into the classroom we are running a free Garden Network in August (read on for more information and how to register). 

Wishing you a term of wellness,

Northern Sydney Live Life Well @ School team

Calling all kindergarten teachers - we want to hear from you!

We want to hear from kindergarten teachers, or those who work closely with kindergarten students, in regards to the physical ‘preparedness’ of children when commencing school.

Please complete this short survey to help shape a pilot program designed to improve children’s transition to school. 

All teachers who complete the survey will go in the draw to win one of two $100 Kmart gift vouchers for your school. 

How to breathe yourself calm 

The way we breathe is one of the quickest ways to promote relaxation and calm the mind.

Deep breathing, also known as diaphragmatic or belly breathing, is a simple tool you and your students can use as a way of calming the body and mind.  Diaphragmatic breathing involves the contraction of the diaphragm, expansion of the belly, and deepening of inhalation and exhalation.

Tips to add breathing into your classroom:

1. Add a breath focus after lunch or recess. Students can focus on belly breathing either at their desks or laying on the floor. Afterwards you should notice a big difference in classroom energy!
2. Play calming music to help set the tone in your classroom. 
3. Access the free Headspace for Educators or the Smiling Minds training for educators to help bring mindfulness to your classroom. 

Wellbeing and sustainability garden network - Term 3 registrations now open! 

Topic: Grow and prepare edible native plans and Aboriginal spirituality

Date: Mon 9 August 2021

Time: 3:30 - 5:15pm

Location: Attend online or face to face

Download the flyer to find out more or click here to register.

Term 2 garden network recap and resources 

The term 2 garden network hosted by Northern Beaches Council was a great success.

The topic: Could your school be wilder? covered the benefits of bushland in schools, how connecting with nature and outdoor learning has been linked to improved student mental wellbeing.

Resources:

How to make a Possum Drey, Bee Hive and Lizard Lounge.

Birds in Backyards Autumn survey - Keep track of the feathered friends that visit your school.

Healthy Wholesome Pancakes

Short for time? Need a breakfast on the go? Or a mid-morning snack? We’ve got you covered. Make a batch of these healthy pancakes the night before to take with you on the go. You may want to double the batch if you have children! This would be a great healthy recipe to share with your class or staff.

Why we like this recipe:

Fibre and carbohydrates – Oats are a wholegrain and a source of complex carbohydrates and fibre. This will help you to feel fuller for longer.

Protein – Greek yoghurt and eggs are a good source of protein. You also get the added goodness of calcium.

Vitamins and Minerals – Bananas are a great source of They also naturally sweeten the pancakes!