MHiPS
We are a Happy Families School!
Our school is subscribed to the Happy Families School Membership! Owned and run by Dr Justin Coulson, one of Australia’s leading parenting experts, the membership offers a wealth of parenting education and resources. We will regularly share resources available through our membership with you, including Insight Articles and Webinars. You can also access your resources at any time using the below URL (unique to our school) and password.
Unique URL - https://schools.happyfamilies.com.au/login/mmnwn
Password - happymmnwn
We recommend bookmarking this link. You should only need to put the password in once and the site will remember you.
Dr Justin Coulson is a dad to 6 daughters and grandfather to 1 granddaughter. He is the parenting expert and co-host of Channel Nine’s Parental Guidance, and he and his wife host Australia’s #1 podcast for parents and family: The Happy Families Podcast. He has written 9 books about families and parenting. For further details visit happyfamilies.com.au.
Here is his next Insight article, The 7 habits of Happy Families
Dr. Justin Coulson outlines seven key habits that contribute to a happy family life, based on his experience working with thousands of families. Each habit is supported by a principle, practical strategies, and a thought-provoking reflection.
- Assume Positive Intent – Children aren’t deliberately misbehaving; they are learning. Parents should pause before reacting, understand the need behind the behavior, and respond with empathy.
- Laugh Together – Shared joy strengthens family bonds. Families should prioritise fun through jokes, games, and storytelling instead of getting lost in daily logistics.
- Fix Things Fast – Conflict happens, but prolonged disconnection can be avoided. Parents should take the lead in apologising, acknowledging issues, and reconnecting through physical gestures like hugs or high-fives.
- Stay Close – Children need connection at every stage. Simple daily rituals like bedtime chats, car rides, and after-school check-ins help maintain closeness without being overbearing.
- Listen Fully – Being heard builds trust. Parents should put away distractions, make eye contact, and engage in conversations without jumping to solutions.
- Create Meaningful Traditions – Family rituals provide stability. Simple but consistent traditions, such as weekly family nights or Sunday dinners, help children feel a strong sense of belonging.
- Have the Hard Conversations – Kids need guidance on difficult topics. Parents should create an open environment where no subject is off-limits, ensuring children receive accurate, age-appropriate information from a trusted source.
Dr. Coulson emphasises that these habits help strengthen family relationships and create a supportive, connected home environment.
School TV
https://marymacnarre.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news
Seasons for Growth: Learning to Live with Change and Loss
At Mary MacKillop School, we are committed to fostering mental health and wellbeing as part of our school culture. Aligned with the Mental Health in Primary Schools initiative, our approach integrates well being into teaching and learning while also providing referrals to support services when needed.
We implement The Resilience Project, an evidence-based program that equips students with practical wellbeing strategies to build resilience. Additionally, Seasons for Growth helps students understand and manage grief. Both programs have been externally assessed to ensure they effectively support student mental health and wellbeing, providing a range of evidence-based strategies to meet their needs.
Change and loss are experiences that affect everyone at some stage in life. We recognise that when families go through transitions such as death, separation, or divorce, children may benefit from learning how to navigate these changes. To support them, we are offering Seasons for Growth, a highly regarded education program designed for students in Years 1-6.
Commencing next term, this small-group program is based on research highlighting the importance of social support and the development of skills to cope with change and loss. It focuses on self-esteem, managing emotions, problem-solving, decision-making, effective communication, and building support networks.
Seasons for Growth is recognised as an evidence-based program in education wellbeing directories across Australia. MacKillop Seasons Services collaborates with schools to strengthen the emotional wellbeing and resilience of children and young people facing change, loss, and grief.
A letter with further details about the program will be shared via PAM. The program consists of eight sessions, delivered in small groups of 4-7 students, and is facilitated by our trained teachers, known as ‘Companions.’ If you believe your child would benefit from participating, we encourage you to discuss the opportunity with them.
Mary MacKillop School is proud to offer this valuable program, and we are confident it will be a meaningful experience for those involved. For further information, please contact Lize Privitera.
