e-news

Parenting brings so many moments that matter. Some are joyful, some are challenging, and many can leave us wondering what to do next. From big emotions and friendships to screen time, mental health and the changes that come with adolescence, these experiences can feel overwhelming at times, not just for children, but for the whole family.

Across our school communities, parents and carers often tell us they are looking for clear, trusted guidance to support their child’s wellbeing, without feeling overloaded. In response, Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle is pleased to introduce Family Matters, a new wellbeing website created especially for you.

Family Matters has been designed to support you in your role as your child’s first and most important educator. It brings together practical, easy-to-understand information about how our schools support student wellbeing, along with short videos and resources from leading Australian experts across a range of topics.

As both a parent and an educator, I understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to raising children. Having supported my own children through to adulthood, and walked alongside many families as a teacher and principal, I know that even with experience, there are times when we all need reassurance, clarity or a place to turn for guidance.

This work has been shaped in partnership with the Federation of Parents & Friends Association, reflecting our shared commitment to strengthening the partnership between home and school for the benefit of every child.

Family Matters is available whenever you need it and can be accessed via the website https://mn.catholic.edu.au/family-matters, or through your child’s school website. A few times each term, you will also receive this Family Matters e-newsletter via Compass, highlighting helpful topics, new resources and opportunities to connect with leading wellbeing and parenting experts such as Dr Justin Coulson, Karen Young and Professor Tony Attwood through exclusive webinars hosted for parents and carers across our diocese.

We hope you find the Family Matters site supportive, practical and easy to navigate. It will continue to grow over time, and we warmly invite you to share your ideas on ways we could do this, through the short survey linked in this newsletter.

For now, I encourage you to explore the articles in this first edition by scrolling down and following the links below.

Thank you for the important role you play in your child’s life. We are privileged to partner with you.

Warm regards,
Jacqueline Wilkinson
Director of Catholic Schools
Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle