Seasons for Growth

Grief is our response to significant loss and/or change. It is a normal and natural response and can affect every part of our life, including our thoughts, feelings, behaviours, beliefs, physical health and our relationships with others.

Some examples of loss and/or change that a child may have experienced include: death of a family member, friend or pet; divorce or separation; moving locations; parental absence; family illness; and natural disaster.

Seasons for Growth is an education program for children which explores the effects of grief and specifically develops skills in communication, managing feelings, decision making and problem solving. The program aims to teach ways of understanding and coping skills that children and young people can apply to any change and loss experience in their lives.

It involves eight 45-minute sessions that occur once a week in the second half of Term 2 and first half of Term 3. Children will be organised into small groups and guided by trained companions. Please note it is an education program, not therapy.

St Thomas More’s will be providing the opportunity for children in Years 1-6 to partake in this program. If your son or daughter has experienced grief and you think they would benefit from the Seasons for Growth Program, you are encouraged to talk to him/her first about this as it is important that the child is ready and willing to participate. To nominate your child/ren for the program, please send an email to sonja.mingay@cg.catholic.edu.au by Friday, 10 May 2019 (Week 2). If you require further information please contact Sonja Mingay who is coordinating the program.

Kind regards,

Sonja Mingay
School Chaplain

Work hours: Thu 11am-3pm, Fri 9am-3pm