Beginning mid Term 3, we will be implementing our ‘Seasons for Growth’ program. Staff who are formally trained as Companions spend time with a small group of students who are dealing with some aspect of change, separation, loss or grief. The sessions do not provide counselling or therapy. Instead, they:

• aim to support young people to understand and manage the grief that is experienced because of change, the loss of a parent or significant other through death, separation or divorce.
• assist in normalising the emotions associated with the loss
• encourage the expression of thoughts and emotions
• educate about the grief process
• develop a peer support network
• help restore self-confidence and self esteem
• draw on extensive research in developing a sound educative response to loss and grief.

There are three stages to suit the developmental needs of students. The Good Grief Organisation recommends:

• children should only complete the program once in each of the three stages.
• the program is for students in Years 1-6.
• the young person completes the program six to twelve months after the loss, as they are in a better position to cope with the program.

The program is strictly confidential and implemented with discretion and sensitivity. Please feel free to talk to me if you have any concerns or issues you would like to further discuss regarding this nomination. If you think that this program is something that your child or children would benefit from, please complete the attached nomination by Week 6, Friday 5 June.

After nominations are made and numbers are ascertained, a permission slip and further information will be sent home via your child.

Mrs Karen Haines

Religious Education Coordinator