Wellbeing
Pope Francis on facing challenges of the
coronavirus pandemic
"We need to rediscover the concreteness of small things, the small acts of kindness shown to those who are close to us, family, friends.
We need to realize that our treasure lies in small things.
There are tiny gestures that sometimes get lost in the routine of everyday life, gestures of tenderness, affection, compassion, that are nevertheless decisive, important”, he says.
The Pope gives the examples of sharing “a hot plate of food, a caress, a hug, a phone call... These are familiar, attentive gestures regarding everyday details that make life meaningful, and create communion and communication amongst us".
Pope Francis on COVID-19
St Matthew’s strives to continue to support our pupils and their families during these unusual and challenging circumstances. We will do all we can to support one another, to “keep calm and carry on”. We ask that God is with us all during these difficult times.
During this time of school closure and the current period of isolation it is difficult for everyone and even distressing to some. This Pandemic will end and hopefully the world will be a better place because things that we long took for granted (and are, for now, temporarily denied) will be appreciated much more.
We realise it can be difficult to know what to say to children about the global pandemic crisis so here are some activities that may be of some use to you during this period of self isolation.
A LITTLE BOOKLET TO DOWNLOAD (if you want to) THAT CAN HELP PUPILS UNDERSTAND THEIR EMOTIONS REGARDING COVID 19
This is a short book written by Manuela Molina. It has been used to support and reassure children, under the age of 7, regarding COVID-19.
The book is an invitation for families to discuss the full range of emotions arising from the current situation.
It is important to point out that this resource does not seek to be a source of scientific information, but rather a tool based on fantasy. You do not have to use this.
It is the authors recommendation to print this material so children can draw on it and recognise that emotions are processed through repetitive play and stories read multiple times.
This COVIBOOK has helped ease young children’s anxiety all over the world.
With love,
Manuela Molina - the author
ANXIETY /LOW MOOD in young children:
Some children may need particular support to help manage their anxiety or low mood. They may be particularly triggered by events such as seeing supermarket shelves emptying quickly – especially if they have experienced neglect or if particular foods become scarce or unavailable. Remember that a change in behaviour, such as restlessness, being more disruptive than usual or becoming quieter, may be underpinned by stress and anxiety.
The following resources may be helpful:
10 Days of Happiness - activities for parents during Coronavirus.
Boost your wellbeing and create more happiness in the world. Join the free 10 Days of Happiness email-based coaching program.
You'll learn how to create happiness for yourself and others, and you'll develop new, long-lasting skills to boost your everyday well-being.
Government guidelines for corona-virus. Here you will find helplines and websites
At St Matthew’s we appreciate that each person is uniquely created and loved by God. We respect their worth their value and their contributions to school life.
In upholding and developing the distinctive ethos of a Catholic school we embrace the principles of inclusion, equality and diversity. We ensure that every person is treated with respect, fairness and dignity and actively promote the values of tolerance, understanding and justice for all within the school and in the wider world.
At St Matthew’s Catholic Primary School we focus on the well- being and progress of every child and believe that all members of our school community are of equal worth. We are a school of sanctuary and will always offer a welcoming hand of friendship to all who come to our door.
We believe that the Equality Act 2010 provides a framework to support our commitment to valuing diversity, tackling discrimination and promoting equality and fairness. We recognise that these duties reflect international human rights standards such as the UN Convention on the rights of the Child.
PUPPY MIND
This little video helps children to learn how to concentrate and keep their minds focused.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xd7Cr265zgc
Anti Bullying Week
2019
Theme: Change Starts With Us
This week St Matthew’s celebrated National Anti-Bullying week. The theme this year is: Change Starts With Us.
Small changes make a big difference. Whether bullying is verbal, physical, online or in-person, it has a significant impact on a child’s life well into adulthood. By making small, simple changes we can break this cycle and create a safe environment for all.
TOGETHER, we can challenge bullying. Change starts with a conversation. It starts with checking in. It starts when we work together.
This week all pupils have had lots of activities that have promoted the ideas that:
Change starts here.
Change starts now.
Change starts with us.
Our pupils know that it takes a collective responsibility to stop bullying. We have empowered, positive messages addressing the fact that when it comes to bullying
CHANGE STARTS WITH US!
Celebrating our
individuality and
uniqueness!
ODD SOCK DAY
Anti-Bullying Week 2018
Anti- Bullying Week takes place in England from November 12th to the 16th. This nationwide event is organised by the Anti-Bullying Alliance and is intended to raise awareness of the issue of bullying among children, especially in schools.
The theme this year is
Children of all ages are encouraged to get involved in the event and take part in activities in school that will help to shine a lig ht on the problem of bullying and ways to help resolve the issue.
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We are having an Odd Socks day on Monday 12th November. This means that children can come to school in odd socks. We will join many other schools doing the same thing to celebrate pupils’ individuality and uniqueness.
There is no pressure for you to buy or wear the latest fashion socks. All we want is for children to take part and realise that whilst we are all very similar we are all different. The day is designed to be fun!
Thanks for your support
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St Matthew's is now a School of Sanctuary
As part of Liverpool City of Sanctuary, St Matthew’s Catholic Primary School has now gained the status of School of Sanctuary. This recognises our inclusive and welcoming ethos towards all our migrant families from all over the world. We value people for our differences as well as our similarities and support their settling into our community.