KidsMatter

Welcome to 2010!

KidsMatter — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:13:55 +0000

2010 promises to be another exciting year for KidsMatter Primary as the initiative continues to roll-out across Australia.

New for 2010! The Full Report of the comprehensive evaluation of KidsMatter Primary conducted by Flinders University (South Australia) is available here. The findings show that KidsMatter Primary has a positive impact on schools, children, parents and carers.

Introducing our new schools for 2009!

KidsMatter — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:17:53 +0000

KidsMatter Primary is very excited to welcome 62 new schools so far to the Initiative in 2009. These include four schools from Alice Springs in NT, 14 schools from Queensland, five schools from South Australia, 11 schools from Tasmania, nine from Victoria and 19 schools from different regions in Western Australia. Click here to view the complete list of new schools.

Funding announced for KidsMatter

KidsMatter — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 05:03:04 +0000

The Hon Nicola Roxon MP – Minister for Health and Ageing has today announced that the Australian Government will provide $12.2 million over the next three years to support the expansion of the KidsMatter Primary mental health initiative to more primary schools across Australia. The Minister also announced funding of $6.5 million to pilot the KidsMatter Early Childhood Initiative. Speaking at the Monmia Primary School, a KidsMatter pilot school, Ms Roxon highlighted the positive impacts of KidsMatter on children’s mental health. See the Minister’s press release here.

The Australian Psychological Society and beyondblue, partners in KidsMatter, have also issued statements to the media. Read the Australian Psychological Society release and the beyondblue release.

A comprehensive evaluation of the KidsMatter Primary pilot was conducted by Flinders University of South Australia. Results show many positive impacts for schools, children, parents and carers. The Executive Summary is now available online.

Changes to the Programs Guide!

KidsMatter — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 05:57:48 +0000

KidsMatter Primary has updated the Programs Guide on the web! The KidsMatter Primary Programs Guide provides schools with information on over 70 school-based programs that can be used to target children’s mental health and wellbeing. Where available, it outlines the documented effectiveness of each program to enable schools to select quality programs that address the particular needs of their school community. Find a program for your school, compare the effectiveness of two programs or check whether the program you’re using is already in the Guide at: http://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/programs-guide/. Just follow the prompts to narrow down your search. KidsMatter welcomes your feedback about using the Programs Guide on the web at http://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/feedback/ or enquiries@kidsmatter.edu.au.

Calling for KidsMatter Early Childhood pilot sites

KidsMatter — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:45:46 +0000

Applications for the KidsMatter Early Childhood pilot are now open! Over 100 Australian early childhood services, including preschools and long day care centres, will be recruited to be involved in the trial that aims to strengthen children’s mental health and wellbeing. Click here for information on how to apply.

New KidsMatter Resources!

KidsMatter — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 02:25:19 +0000

KidsMatter Primary is excited to announce the development of two new Resource Packs. The new Packs provide information on the mental health and wellbeing of children from culturally diverse backgrounds and children with additional needs. They complement the About KidsMatter Primary pack already developed for Component 1. Both packs are now available online! Click here to access these new resources.

Positive feedback from Action Team Briefing!

KidsMatter — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 06:31:28 +0000

Representatives from the School Action Teams of nine schools in North-West Tasmania attended the first KidsMatter Primary Action Team Briefing for 2009 on Monday 24th August. Participants reported that overall the day was informative and particularly enjoyed the chance to explore and take home the KidsMatter Primary resources. Thanks to everyone that was involved in making this day a success!

Welcome to our new KidsMatter Primary schools in 2009!

KidsMatter — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 03:07:24 +0000

KidsMatter Primary is excited to announce that School Action Teams from nine schools in North West Tasmania will be participating in the first Action Team Briefing for 2009. The 1-day Briefing will provide School Action Teams with all the information needed to get the KidsMatter Primary Initiative started in their schools and will be lead by Tasmania Project Officer Helen Barrett and South Australia Project Officer Lana Jankowiak. Good luck to everyone involved in this fantastic next step!

KidsMatter Early Childhood is coming soon!

KidsMatter — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 06:23:58 +0000

KidsMatter Early Childhood will be piloted in over 100 preschools and long day care centres in 2010 and 2011. You can now register your interest in participating in the pilot at enquiries@kidsmatter.edu.au Information on how to apply will be available on this site in August 2009. Click here for more information about the KidsMatter Early Childhood Initiative.

Supporting your child’s concerns about swine flu

KidsMatter — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 07:09:35 +0000

Many children are aware of the threat of the swine flu outbreak due to overhearing discussions of parents, media updates, and conversations with peers in the school ground. Some children may even be facing school closure. It is typical for children to develop fears or worries about threats such as swine flu and these can become difficult for children of all ages to deal with. To find out how to support your child in managing his or her worries about the recent outbreak of swine flu, read the article by Professor Bob Montgomery, available at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/152989.php. Visit your state or territory’s Department of Education website to find out how an outbreak will be managed in your child’s school.