Grade 6 Health Program
With the combined experience and expertise of Sara Harris (First Aid & Well-being Officer) and Jennifer White (PE Teacher/Coordinator) in the area of health and well-being, we will be implementing extra support for the students in this area. Sara has particular experience in working with young people’s health, especially in bringing more awareness to young women’s health, currently completing a Masters in Women’s Health Medicine. As part of the Health/PE curriculum TPS will be taking advantage of this and incorporating an extra health program in Grade 6 to support girls by providing a space to talk, ask questions and to learn about their menstrual and reproductive health in a positive and empowering way. Boys will also be included and presented with a modified program.
We will work over 3 sessions per group and will be covering the following topics:
- What is menstruation?
- When do changes start happening?
- Understanding the ebb and flow of the menstrual cycle – how can we work with it rather than against it?
- Debunking the myths and misconceptions about menstruation.
- What is ovulation and when does it happen?
- Appreciating the intricate nature of hormones and how they work.
- Exploring self-care and how to listen to your body.
- Being practical – how to support yourself in difficult, challenging & potentially painful times/situations.
- Understanding emotions and PMS and practical ways to deal with this.
For the boys:
We will also present a modified version to the boys, for them to gain a deeper respect, understanding and appreciation for the intricate and delicate nature of a girls/woman’s body. This in turn, allows them to reflect on the wonder of their own bodies and the changes that also occur for them but in different ways. Space will be provided for the boys to ask lots of questions and to share some of the challenges they may feel growing up from a boy to a man.
From Sara:
Menstruation is a topic that is unfortunately still very taboo and studies show there is a relationship between a girls/woman’s sense of themselves/self-esteem and the quality of relationship they have with their periods. The long-held veil of shame, humiliation, uncleanliness or even just uncomfortableness is still ingrained in the threads of society. Through these open and empowering discussions we can support young people to break down these falsities and see a girl’s development into becoming a woman, as the very real, normal, natural and beautiful progression that it is and that it is something for her to embrace and understand rather than hide and be ashamed or inconvenienced by. When both girls and boys understand and value how their bodies work, there is much more space for basic decency and respect for themselves and each other.
We are looking forward to bringing that extra level of support to the students as part of an essential foundation to support them in life, well beyond their time here at Toorak Primary.
By Sara Harris
First Aid and Well-being