Last Wednesday we had a RRIPO afternoon. As many of you are aware the RRIPO program is a cross-age peer mentoring program where students from Prep - Grade 6 get to spend time with students from across the school and their RRIPO teacher. The RRIPO program allows students to form relationships with other students from different year levels and one particular teacher. During these sessions we participate in fun and engaging discussions and activities where we learn about our school values and how we can work together to make Templestowe Park a safe and happy school.
This week our focus for RRIPO was being grateful for everything we have. Gratefulness is one of the essential elements to mental health and wellbeing. There has been considerable research on how being grateful can lead to greater levels of wellbeing. During my recent studies I undertook a course in Positive Psychology. One of the research papers I studied found that if you think about the things you are grateful for before you go to bed your sleep can significantly be improved. I trialled this in my own life and found an immediate improvement. I then started doing this with my four year old son. Before he goes to bed every night we share our favourite things that happened during the day and list what we are grateful for. This has been one of the greatest things I have done with him. It is so special to spend that close time with him talking about the amazing things that have happened and why we are so very lucky. Almost every night we mention how grateful we are for our family.
Another interesting exercise I undertook recently was to write a gratitude letter to someone who has had a significant impact on my life. I wrote to the husband and wife who inspired me to follow a teaching career. Writing that letter made me feel so amazing and thankful. When I received a response from this couple I saw what a significant impact it had on them and the joy that it brought to their life. This feeling lasted for days and I realised the impact that little things like this can have. I encourage you to try this as it can bring such joy to you and the recipient. I know I will be writing some more letters in the near future.
My RRIPO group decided to record what they are grateful for in a podcast. I have attached it below and I encourage you to take a listen. It makes me smile every time I hear it and I love hearing such young students articulate what they are grateful for. So I hope you can be grateful in April/May and tell someone what they mean to you. We have a fantastic and caring community and I am so grateful to be a part of Templestowe Park PS.
Mr Roberts' RRIPO Group Grateful in April Podcast
Yours sincerely
Mr Roberts