It has been a busy and eventful few weeks!

The directory of community service providers that I had been working on is now finished. Because all staff have access to it, they can help you find services and support when you need it. The directory covers:

• Children’s and youth activities
• Cultural diversity
• Disability employment services
• Disability support
• Disaster management and support
• Family and domestic violence
• General family support
• General support
• General child and youth support
• Grief and bereavement
• Health and wellbeing (including mental health
• Homelessness and accommodation support
• Indigenous support
• LGBTIQ+ and transgender support
• Parent and carer support
• Separation and divorce support
• Sexual abuse and assault
• Things to do and see in the Gympie region.

There are many people who can help you find out information or give you a bit of help when times are difficult, so please don’t hesitate to reach out when you need to.

Secondary Girls’ Group was able to meet again a couple of weeks back. After a period where we couldn’t get together because of staff absences and school events, it was nice. The girls made magnetic washi tape peg note holders to give as gifts for Mother’s Day. They also stamped their own note paper to include in their presents. As well as being fun to do, making gifts reminds us of the positive relationships that we have and helps us to learn how we can demonstrate to others that we care for them. 

Last week I got to go with the secondary classes to the Gympie Show.  It was a wonderful morning, wandering around looking at machinery alley, very large vehicles, tractor-pulling, and pig-racing. I especially enjoyed looking at the prize-winning fruit and vegetables. The kids were great to be with, and were curious about what was going on and well-mannered to everyone they met.

Speaking of the show, I spent Saturday morning manning a gate as a chaplaincy fundraiser. Scripture Union chappies fundraise to support our work in schools and, in the Gympie region, all school chappies band together to do this. So, through giving our time, the Show Society donated money to chaplaincy. Because of where the gate was, the bonus for me was watching horses come and go. Not a bad way to spend the time!

Finally, last week I planted out the school’s new sensory garden. Such gardens are wonderful because they get kids out in the sun and fresh air, where they can develop curiosity and communication skills that can help with their classroom learning. Gardens can also be great spaces to go when we’re feeling stressed and need time to calm down. I’ll let you know more about this project over the next few weeks!

My role is to support the wellbeing of staff, students, parents, and others in our school community. If you ever need to have a chat or help with something, please contact me. I’m at school on Tuesday (8.30-12.35) and Thursday (9.30-1.35), and can also be contacted via email – rsdri0@eq.edu.au.

Chappy Rachel