What Is PERMA? PERMA is a special word made up of five letters, each representing a different key to happiness and wellbeing. Think of them as ingredients that, when combined, create the perfect recipe for a happy and fulfilling life.

1. Positive Emotions (P): Positive emotions are like little bursts of happiness that make our hearts sing. They can be as simple as feeling joyful when you see a rainbow or sharing a laugh with friends. To boost positive emotions, try to focus on the good things in life, like your favourite activities, fun times with family, or even a delicious ice cream cone on a sunny day.
2. Engagement (E): Engagement means being fully involved and absorbed in what you’re doing. It’s that feeling when time flies by because you’re having so much fun. Whether you’re painting, playing a game, or reading a fascinating book, getting lost in an activity you love can bring you lots of happiness.
3. Relationships (R): Having good friends and a loving family is like having treasures beyond measure. Building strong and positive relationships with the people around you is a key part of wellbeing. Spend time with your loved ones, share your feelings, and lend a helping hand when they need it.
4. Meaning (M): Finding meaning in life is like discovering a special mission just for you. It could be something as simple as taking care of your pets or helping others in need. When you feel like you’re making a positive difference in the world, it fills your heart with happiness and satisfaction.
5. Accomplishment (A): Achieving goals, no matter how big or small, gives us a sense of accomplishment. Think of it as earning stars in your adventure journal. Set goals for yourself, like learning a new skill or doing well in school, and celebrate your successes along the way.

Putting It All Together: Imagine PERMA as five colorful puzzle pieces that fit together to create a beautiful picture of happiness. Just like a puzzle, it may take some time to figure out how to make each piece fit perfectly in your life. But don’t worry; everyone’s puzzle looks different, and that’s what makes life exciting!

Here is the BHPS break down of the PERMA

Remember, happiness isn’t about having everything perfect all the time. It’s about enjoying the journey, learning from challenges, and embracing the little moments that make life wonderful.

The PERMA formula is like a treasure map to happiness, guiding you through the magical world of positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. You can choose just one statement from our PERMA model as a goal. We can use this map to find happiness and live our lives to their fullest potential.

This Beautiful Day

Happy Dreamer by Peter Reynolds

There is a saying that “Kindness makes the world go around!” and do you know what? I agree. One of the best things about kindness is that when you do something kind for someone else, it makes you feel really good.

The character strength of kindness sits within the “Positive Emotions” arm of our PERMA model.

Kindness is my favourite character strength and when classes are surveyed, guess which character strength is usually the most popular? You guessed right – kindness.

We never forget when someone has shown kindness towards us, but research has shown that the wellbeing benefits of being kind to others is far greater than receiving kindness!

Kindness can be as easy as smiling at someone and saying hello.

Here are a few reasons for being kind:

 Being kind feels good.  Doing something for someone else really does make us feel good.  Just as running releases endorphins, so does kindness.   Make someone smile and you’ll feel better for having done so.

Kindness broadens our perspective.  In order to be kind, we have to pay attention to what is happening around us.  As we notice more things and help others, we get a glimpse of other ways of looking at things.  A broader perspective helps us to keep things in context.

Kindness softens our heart.  When we look for kind deeds, beauty, and the opportunity for kindness, we’ll find that we are more compassionate and more tolerant.  As we practice empathy, it opens our heart to others.  

Kindness brightens our world.  When we are kind to people, it makes them happy.  The more people who experience kindness from us, the more happy people will be in our lives.  When those around us are happier, our world becomes a brighter, lighter place to live.

Kindness helps people feel respected and less alone.  By recognising someone’s need for help and acting on it in a compassionate manner, it makes the recipient feel valued.  It also makes the giver feel better about themselves and more connected.

Kindness makes people want to be around us.  One of the most common responses to kindness is gratitude.  People appreciate what we’ve done for them.  Our kindness is very attractive, so they want to be around us and actually seek us out.  

Kindness bears wonderful fruit.  Kindness begets kindness, openness, health and reduces the effects of stress on our bodies and our hearts

Kindness begets kindness.  When you are kind to others, the impact of your action doesn’t stop there.  Many times the recipient of your kindness and others who see or hear about your kindness are inspired to be kinder.  The ripples of kindness are truly endless.

One of my favourite quotes is: “In a world where you can be anything, choose kind.”

Random Acts of Kindness

All about Kindness

Kid President Kindness

The Science of Kindness

People who are strong in the character strength “appreciation of beauty and excellence”  notice and enjoy the beauty, skill and excellence involved in things around them including nature, art and architecture.

These people notice and enjoy beauty in many places and they notice and enjoy watching people who are talented or very skilled in what they do. An example of this is when you admire a classmate who is awesome at drawing or writing.

Personally, I like to take photos to capture the beauty of nature, like the one above which I took when hiking in Europe last year. I find that Barwon Heads, especially the beachs, has no end of natural beauty – where is your favourite spot?

Hope you enjoy this clip which we recorded in 2021!

An inspirational person who I would say posesses this strength is David Attenborough. He shares his love of the natural environment through his films. I love this quote by David Attenborough:

“People must feel that the natural world is important and valuable and beautiful and wonderful and an amazement and a pleasure”.

A message of hope and celebration of nature from David Attenborough

The Curious Garden by Peter Brown

The Dot by Peter Reynolds

Henri Matisse was a famous French artist who painted and made collages. Maybe you will feel inspired to make your own colour block collage after watching this!

The beauty of nature

Draw, or describe a time when you were in nature and felt a sense of wonder because of your surroundings.

Have you ever wondered why a good laugh can make you feel so amazing? Humour is a strength that’s not just about giggles and chuckles, but also about building strong character traits. Get ready to discover why humour is more than just a funny face!

What is Humour?: Humor is like a magical potion that can make people laugh, smile, and feel happier. It’s like a secret code that helps us find the funny side of things, even in tough times. Imagine being able to turn a frown into a smile just by telling a funny joke or making a silly face. That’s the power of humour!

Humour comes within the Positive Emotions arm of our PosEd model and is a great tool to use to improve how you are feeling.

Why is Humor a Superpower?:

1. Building Friendships: Imagine meeting someone new and making them laugh. It’s like a friendship spell that instantly makes you friends! People love to be around those who make them laugh, so humor helps you connect with others.
2. Spreading Joy: Have you ever seen someone’s face light up when you tell a funny story? That’s because humor spreads happiness like sunshine. When you make someone laugh, you’re sharing a special gift with them.
3. Problem Solver: Humor isn’t just about jokes; it can also help you solve problems. When you face a tricky situation, finding something funny about it can help you think creatively and find solutions.

The Power of Smiles: When you laugh, your brain releases a magical potion called endorphins. These endorphins are like tiny happiness boosters that make you feel good inside. Have you noticed that after a hearty laugh, your whole body feels relaxed? That’s because humor is like a mini-vacation for your mind!

Different Ways to Use Humor:

1. Jokes: Knock-knock jokes, riddles, and puns are all great ways to spread a little laughter. Want to hear a joke? Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field!
2. Silly Stories: Create your own funny stories with characters like talking animals or wacky wizards. Make them as silly as possible and watch your friends giggle!
3. Funny Faces: Sometimes, a goofy expression can make everyone burst into laughter. Experiment with funny faces in front of the mirror – you might discover a hilarious talent!

Using Humor Wisely: While humor is a fantastic superpower, remember to use it kindly and thoughtfully. Not everyone might find the same things funny, so be considerate of other people’s feelings. The best superheroes use their powers for good, and the same goes for the power of humour!

You’ve just unlocked the secrets of humor, a superpower that can make you a friend-magnet, a joy-spreader, and a creative problem-solver. With a funny joke or a silly face, you can brighten someone’s day and make the world a happier place. So, keep those giggles coming and remember, a smile is the best accessory you can wear every day!

Babies Laughing (8 mins)

The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors. (10.08)

Cute Pandas Doing Funny Things (2.05)

Walter the Farting Dog (7.49)

Share something that has made you laugh! It could be a book or something else that you have read, something

Self-control is a character strength that we all possess! Just like your favourite heroes, you have the power to harness self-control and use it to achieve amazing things in your life. So, let’s explore what self-control is and why it’s such a fantastic superpower to have.

What is Self-Control?

Imagine having your very own magic wand that helps you make better choices, stay focussed, and overcome challenges. That’s what self-control is – it’s like a superpower that lets you manage your thoughts, emotions, and actions, even when faced with tempting situations or difficult tasks.

The Benefits of Self-Control:

1. A Mindful Mastermind: With self-control, you become the mastermind of your thoughts. You can pause and think before reacting, making sure your decisions are thoughtful and wise. It helps you avoid impulsive actions that you might regret later.
2. Achieve Goals Like a Pro: Setting goals is like having a treasure map to success. Self-control helps you stay on track, even when the journey gets tough. It keeps you disciplined, motivated, and determined to reach those goals, no matter how big or small they may be.
3. Super Study Skills: Sometimes you can’t concentrate – Self-control to the rescue! It helps you focus on your studies and resist distractions, making you a super scholar. This is why Self-control fits within the “Engagement” arm of our PERMA.
4. Friendships Made Easy: Building strong and lasting friendships requires understanding and empathy. Self-control helps you manage conflicts and communicate effectively, making you an excellent friend and a great team player.
5. Superhero Resilience: Life sometimes throws curveballs, but with self-control, you can handle challenges. It enables you to bounce back from setbacks, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth.
6. Health and Wellness Wonder: Self-control extends its magic to your health. It empowers you to make smart choices about what you eat, exercise, and sleep, keeping your body strong and your mind sharp.
7. Empowering Emotions: Emotions can be like a rollercoaster ride, but self-control helps you stay in the driver’s seat. It allows you to understand and manage your feelings, promoting emotional well-being and healthy relationships.

How to Harness Your Self-Control Superpower:

1. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness is like your secret training ground for self-control. Take a few minutes each day to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This practice helps you become more aware of your impulses and empowers you to respond thoughtfully.
2. Set SMART Goals: SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Break your big dreams into smaller, manageable tasks, and use self-control to stay committed to each step.
3. Take Deep Breaths: When you feel overwhelmed or tempted to make a snap decision, take a deep breath. Breathing helps calm your mind and gives you the space to make wiser choices.
4. Seek Support from Others: Talk to your family, teachers, or friends about your goals and challenges. They can provide encouragement and accountability.

The self-control superpower is within you. Embrace it, nurture it, and watch as it transforms you into the best version of yourself. With self-control by your side, you’ll conquer any obstacle and soar to new heights in all areas of life!

Self Control (2 mins)

Read Aloud: The Choices I Make: Self-Regulation Skills by Michael Gordon

Again – Read Aloud

Self-Control (G 5-6)

Title: Believe in Yourself! 🌟

Hey, awesome kids! 👋

Self-belief lies in the Accomplishment section of our PERMA and is a fancy word for how much you believe in yourself and know how amazing you really are!

What Is Self-Belief?

Self-belief is like a superpower. It’s what helps you try new things, keep going when things get tough, and feel good about who you are. It’s the little voice in your head that says, “I can do this!” even when something seems hard.

Imagine you’re learning to ride a bike. If you tell yourself, “I’ll never get it right,” you might give up too soon. But if you say, “I’ll keep trying until I can do it,” you’re using your self-belief to keep going!

Why Is Self-Belief Important?

When you believe in yourself:

• You feel confident in trying new things.
• You bounce back quickly after mistakes.
• You know that you are special just the way you are!

Self-belief helps you chase your dreams and not give up, even when things are tricky.

How Can You Grow Your Self-Belief?

Here are some fun and easy ways to build up your self-belief every day:

1. Celebrate Your Wins 🎉

Remember when you did something great? Maybe you scored a goal in soccer, or helped a friend, or learned a new skill. Celebrate those moments, big or small! Reminding yourself of what you can do boosts your self-belief.

2. Talk Kindly to Yourself 🗣️

Instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” try saying, “I’ll do my best!” Talking kindly to yourself is like giving yourself a big high-five. Positive words help you feel strong and ready for anything.

3. Set Goals and Go for It! 🎯

Start with little goals like reading a new book or practicing a hobby. Each time you reach a goal, it’s proof that you can do awesome things! And guess what? That’s self-belief growing inside of you.

4. Learn from Mistakes and Keep Trying 💪

Everyone makes mistakes—it’s how we learn! Instead of feeling bad when something doesn’t go right, think of it as a chance to learn and get better. Mistakes don’t mean you’re not good enough—they just mean you’re growing!

5. Be Around Supportive People 🤗

Surround yourself with friends, family, and teachers who lift you up and cheer you on. They believe in you, and that helps you believe in yourself too!

Remember, You’re Amazing Just as You Are! 🌟

Self-belief isn’t about being perfect. It’s about knowing that you are special, strong, and capable, no matter what! Every time you try, learn, or show kindness, you’re proving just how incredible you are.

So, next time you’re faced with something new or challenging, remember to say to yourself, “I believe in me!” And watch how you’ll surprise yourself with what you can do.

Go ahead and shine, superstar! You’ve got this! 🌈

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You are worthy, you are strong, and the world is better because you’re in it. 🌟

“Giraffes Can’t Dance” by Giles Andread

“The Most Magnificant Thing” by Ashley Spires

“The Power of Yet” Sesame Street

“The Dot” by Peter H Reynolds

Sefl-Esteem for Kids

Growth Mindset-Class Dojo

Accomplishment means thinking positive thoughts and not giving up. It is about having what we call a “Growth Mindset” which is the belief that if we work hard, we can achieve whatever we want to achieve, regardless of natural talent. Using a growth mindset makes us proud of our efforts.

Accomplishment is also about challenging and believing in yourself, learning from mistakes and making a plan and working to achieve goals.

At Barwon Heads PS Accomplishment means:

Think positive thoughts and not give up

Challenge myself

Always do the best I can

Have a growth Mindset

Learn from my mistakes

Believe in myself

Achieve my personal best and not compare myself to others

Make a plan and work hard to achieve my goals.

This clip expalins the Growth Mindset.

The following books are my favourite Growth Mindset reads.

Flight School

Giraffes Can’t Dance – The Classic Growth Mindset story

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmOCyP4VyP4

Meaning is an important part of our school’s PERMA wellbeing (Starfish) model. Within this area sits “Voice and Agency” which are integral elements of the vision of our school.

When people use their voice, agency and aspirations, they can make a difference and shape the world around them by doing things such as:

Looking after and respecting the environment

Making decisions, asking questions and reflecting on learning

Doing things that make a positive difference and

Confidently voicing ideas

This is a book about a girl called Molly Lou Melon who uses her voice to be true to herself and stand up for what she believes to be right.

Marcenia’s actions and courage ensured that her voice was heard. Her determination, drive and refusal to give up led her to achieve her dream.

“Say Something” by Peter Reynolds, because every voice matters!

In this inspiring 6 minute talk, 10 year old Maddie Cranston shares her experiences and accomplishments to inspire kids to have a voice and speak out about what they believe in. Maddie looks to inspire others to believe in themselves and realize that they have the power to make change happen. Maddie’s message is focused on the importance of children believing in themselves and using their voice and ingenuity to help bring about positive change in the world.

Researchers consider healthy relationships to be the single most important factor in happiness.

“People with strong and broad social relationships are happier, healthier and live longer. Close relationships with family and friends provide love, meaning, support and increase our feelings of self worth. Broader networks bring a sense of belonging. So taking action to strengthen our relationships and build connections is essential for happiness”. 

Our connections with other people are at the heart of happiness – theirs and ours. Whether these connections are with our partners, families, friends, work colleagues, neighbours or people in our broader communities, they all contribute to our happiness. Chris Peterson, one of the founders of positive psychology puts it simply as: “Other people matter”.

https://www.actionforhappiness.org/10-keys-to-happier-living/connect-with-people/details

Martin Seligman who created the PERMA framework for wellbeing rates relationships as one of the keys to wellbeing too.

This week we can reflect on the qualities of (or what makes) a good friend and why our friends are important to us. We can think of the ways we connect with our friends.

Within our BHPS positive statements, Relationships means;  “I can accept, understand and empathise with others”.

We created this video in 2021. (back in the times we had lockdowns!) It is about the ways in which we can nurture our relationships, both during Covid and now. Hope you enjoy watching it!

People who are good friends recognise and understand the emotions of others so that they can figure out how others are feeling. Research has shown that empathy (noticing what other people are feeling) is associated with children who are smarter, nicer, happier and more resilient. Have you reached out to someone who may not be feeling great?

There are many great ways to connect and I bet you can all remember this song by The Wiggles!

Rose Meets Mr Wintergarden is another book about empathy and making connections and being kind.

Stick and Stone

The Little Book of Friendship

Some ideas for connecting include:

Catching up with with family and friends or talking via phone, Facetime or Zoom. You could even do an activity together such as baking or making something.

Write handwritten cards or notes to family and friends. These could be posted or dropped off in people’s mailboxes. Everyone loves receiving these! You could also send messages via text or email.

There are so many examples of people connecting and being kind to friends, family and others in our community. We would love to hear about how you connect – feel free to share on this blog x

At Barwon Heads PS we define Engagement as making the most of learning opportunities. Engagement is the second arm of our PERMA model. This can mean tuning in to instruction and tasks and focussing on schoolwork. Being engaged can also means achieving a state of “flow”. This can happen when doing many activities including maths, playing sport, reading, writing and drawing/painting.

Ways in which students are engaged at school include:

Being enthusiastic towards learning

Tuning in to instruction and tasks

Using the Learning Focus and Success Criteria

Making the most of conferencing time with teachers

Focussing on school-work

Following class and school rules

Thinking before acing or speaking

Acting with self-control in the classroom and in the yard.

Turn and talk to a partner –

Which things on this list do you do best? Which things on this list would you like to do better at?

Some tips and ideas on Engagement

More about Flow

The Boy How Loved Words – How does Felix’s love of words connect to “Engagement”?

The Girl Who Thought In Pictures

Ada Twist Scientist – A very engaged young lady!

The Dot