Rhia Fenech Early Intervention Specialist

29/11/2021

Activating your P&C to promote the inclusion of your child at school - SAVE THE DATE

We're super pleased to hear that at least seven P & C Inclusion Subcommittees focused on inclusive education have already been set up, with more in the pipeline. Way to go!

Remember we are here to help. If you are planning to set up a group before the end of the school year or early next year - good on you.

Please do get in touch - sometimes a quick phone chat may be all the motivation you need to take the next step.

SAVE THE DATES!

Next year we are holding some more online sessions to keep the momentum going - so pop the dates in your diaries, and let others know too.

For people who want to set a group up -
17 February 2021 - 12.30 or 7pm - Introduction session

For people who have already set a group up -
24 February 2022 - 12.30 or 7pm - Networking session for sharing ideas, plans for the year

Registrations will open early in the New Year, watch this space for the link.

10/11/2021

FEELING OVERWHELMED?

Hi 👋 Is anyone having a particularly hard time dealing with their emotions lately ?

Some mental health practitioners have asked we share news of a free program being delivered to help people improve their emotional well-being.

It’s funded by the Sydney North Health Network and called the Anglicare Emotional Wellbeing Space program. (Note, it is not a space program 🚀)

It’s free, no doctor referral is needed and is run as group sessions over six weeks but with various other options including individual support options and in person or phone.
The programs will focus on strategies to help you respond to feelings of anxiety, depression and stress.

More information here: https://www.anglicare.org.au/what-we-offer/mental-health/emotional-wellbeing-space/ #!%23:~:text=Emotional%20Wellbeing%20Space%20Sydney%20North%20Primary%20Health%20Network,health%20symptoms,%20we%20are%20here%20to%20help%20you.

06/11/2021

02/11/2021

If you live with disability or care for someone with disability, we want to hear from you!

Your stories and experiences can shape our Disability Inclusion Action Plan which aims to break down barriers and support you better. Submissions closing this Sun 7 Nov: https://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/diap-2022-2026

01/11/2021

FREE Webinar: Advocacy Tips and Tools - How to advocate for your child living with disability

Tuesday 16 November 10am OR
Wednesday 17 November 7pm

Join us for a conversation about the importance of family members knowing how important advocacy is for their children living with disability. Learn tips and tools to use everyday. After the presentation there will be a Q & A session, and following the webinar participants will receive an email with information shared and further resources.

We're running morning and evening sessions to suit your availability. Each session stands alone and you only need to attend one session.

Register: https://www.family-advocacy.com/events/advocacy-tips-and-tools/

18/10/2021

The time is fast approaching when students will go back to school face-to-face.

Here are some tips to make the transition smoother for your teenager. For more tips, check out our "Transition back to school after lockdown guide" : https://bit.ly/transition_school

Going back to school - the night before:

• Get back into good routine – encourage your teenager to get ready the night before, good sleep routines of waking up early, eat a healthy breakfast.

• Check their school timetable to know which lessons they have the following day and make sure they have all equipment ready. If unsure, ask their teacher.

• Pack school bags the night before, including a face mask and hand sanitiser.

12/10/2021

The beneficial effects of a good night sleep for both physical and mental well-being are well-known. We know, for example, that sleep is the body’s natural restorative, where much physical and mental healing occurs during the sleep process. For example, anxiety and stress are processed during slee...

02/08/2021

More does not equal quality nor does it result in better outcomes.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gXDF30ImxHc&feature=youtu.be

17/04/2021

23/02/2021

An amazing video to reflect on in our busy world and how important it is to make time for and encourage imagination and play.

https://vimeo.com/194276412

"Alike" is an animated short film directed by Daniel Martínez Lara & Rafa Cano Méndez www.alike.es SYNOPSIS: In a busy life,Copi…

17/02/2021

Reading and talking to your child around a book can be a great way to encourage back and forth conversation as well as early literacy skills.

Book reading can be a great time to encourage back and forth conversation. In fact, it’s through conversations about the book that children can learn all of the early literacy skills that prepare them to learn to read and write on their own later. In this Book Nook, we’ll look at how you can turn book reading into a conversation with your child, and what your child can learn about in the process.

http://www.hanen.org/Helpful-Info/Book-Nook/The-Pout-Pout-Fish.aspx

05/02/2021

A great resource for parents with a child with a new diagnosis

28 Experts on Autism and Parenting Reveal Their Top Insights and Strategies for Effectively Raising a Child with Autism

29/01/2021

https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2021/01/28/childrens-books-honored-for-disability-narratives/29169/

Tales about a girl with autism and a boy who's nonverbal are among the books being honored for portraying the disability experience alongside the famed Newbery and Caldecott Medals.

29/01/2021

To understand the full meaning of a story, children must go beyond the words and pictures on the page and figure things out that aren't specifically stated in the book. Here are some tips for encouraging this deeper understanding to prepare your child for literacy success.

http://www.hanen.org/Helpful-Info/Book-Nook/The-Berenstain-Bears%E2%80%99-Moving-Day.aspx

10/01/2021

05/01/2021

Wishing you all a Happy New Year in 2021

Remeber to take the time to look after your own mental health and the mental health of your child/ren. Isolation has been very tough for all members of the family and we can help our children by talking to them about it. We can model for them how to manage difficult times and provide them with strategies that will build their resilience.