Hello!

One parent’s comments summed up the tone of the Term 2 P&F general meeting well, “I didn’t know the school had so much focus on mental health and wellbeing. They are really onto it. Our boys are in great hands.”

I want to thank all the parents who made the effort to come (and the kids should thank them too, judging by the sound of their laughter they were having a fabulous time on the rooftop playground!). We had nearly 50 people, which is a great turnout. And I especially want to thank our keynote presenters, Mr Jensen-Robilliard, Mrs Bryden and Miss Green.

Wellbeing, positivity, resilience, courage, forgiveness, persistence, service. These are the words that I believe sum up the keynote presentation. Mr Jensen-Robilliard began by talking to us about what it means to be mentally healthy and presented a great deal of valuable information. He has kindly allowed us to publish his notes, which summarise his presentation.

Mrs Bryden and Miss Green followed with a presentation about how the boys’ wellbeing is being fostered at Wyvern. Phrases my boys use in conversation such as ‘filling a bucket’, ‘designing the thankful coat’, ‘great mates’, ‘strength cards’ and ‘three good things’ came together with an outline of all the programs for boys and how the teachers are using different approaches at different stages of the boys’ journey through Wyvern.

In his general update, Mr Holden talked about the school’s approach to bullying and its anti-bullying policy, which is reviewed every two years. Through this, the College endeavours to provide a supportive environment that encourages positive relationships among all members of the College community. ‘No, go, tell’ is established early on at Wyvern (and it also helps the younger boys resolve mild playground squabbles).

In later years, the school regularly surveys the boys, including a variety of questions about how the boys feel as well those relating specifically to bullying. The results of the most recent survey indicate that most of our boys are feeling confident and happy, and the next survey will be conducted soon. More practically, Mr Holden spoke of thorough investigation into incidents and swift action that includes conflict resolution as well as consequences.

We were also presented with drawings and an explanation of the proposed plans for our new pre-School and Year 6 learning zone, which form part of the College’s building plans submitted for DA approval. A number of other building prospects across the College are also having plans submitted for DA approval.  Once approved, projects will then be prioritised, as they cannot all be carried out simultaneously.

Ms Gray spoke about homework at after school care, which she had followed up after it was raised by a parent at our Term 1 P&F meeting. Ms Gray has worked with OSHClub to put arrangements in place, test them and launch them, and they are working well.

There were a number of items raised by parents in our ‘comments, questions and feedback’ agenda item and I’d like to provide an update on one of them: concerns about difficulty and danger of making the left turn out of the driveway when the bus is in the bus zone. Mr Holden has since written to Marrickville Council to request that the bus stop be moved forward 50 meters to solve this problem. We’ll hopefully have a response from Council by the next meeting.

In keeping with the theme of our P&F meeting, I thought I’d let you know that the National Children’s Commissioner, Megan Mitchell, is asking for submissions about how to better protect children and young people under 18 years from intentional self-harm and suicidal behaviour. Individuals are welcome to contribute and the Commissioner especially wants to hear from children and young people themselves, as well as experts and organisations working with them. The closing date for submissions is 2 June 2014 and the results will be reported to Parliament. Find out more

In closing, I’d like to remind you that the P&F Exec brings all Wyvern couples together just twice a year and the second such event, the Christmas in July cocktail party, is coming up. Tickets are now on sale and details are below and on SPACES. We had such a fun night last year and I’m looking forward to it again this year.

Until next time, be well and happy

Natalie Mina
President, Wyvern P&F
natalie.mina@accenture.com; 0414 850 455

Dates for your diary

Special reminder for Year 6 parents: the Year 6 Class Parents would love you to join them for their parents’ event on Friday 13 June 2014 at Vicinity Dining, 90-96 Bourke Rd, 7:30–11:00pm. The $50 ticket price includes substantial finger food and beverages will be served on a cash basis. RSVP by Friday, 6 June 2014 via online payment.

• Christmas in July, the Wyvern parents’ social event is on Friday, 25 July, 7:00pm -11.00pm at ECCO Ristorante, Drummoyne. The $88 ticket price includes four hours of beverages and a substantial cocktail menu. The Funky Do Da’s jazz band will be back to entertain us. RSVP by Thursday, 17 July 2014 via online payment.
• Kindy mums meet at Paper Cup every Wednesday and Friday morning at 8:15am
• Year 3 Parents’ Coffee & Chat is on every Thursday from 8:15am at the Little Treasures Café, 313 Stanmore Rd, Petersham (up the road from the senior school, opposite the fruit market)