What is Anxiety?

Occasional anxiety and stress are normal human experiences. Both stress and anxiety lie on a continuum and can affect our thoughts, emotions, bodily functioning and behaviours. However, stress is a reaction to challenges or demands in our environment whereas anxiety is an internal emotional state that is often experienced when stressed. Anxiety typically involves anticipation of future threats, such as worries about losing a loved one or having to speak in public. Feeling anxious can be an adaptive response to situations which are perceived as threatening, and can lead an individual to take action or to avoid the perceived threat. However, while brief transient anxiety is normal, persistent, heightened anxiety is not and students may need targeted support.

Children are likely to experience anxiety in three ways. First, anxiety affects the way children think. Anxious children will have thoughts that centre around a perceived threat. For example, they may worry that they will be laughed at or may get hurt. Second, children experience anxiety in their body. Bodily symptoms may include a racing heart, shaky hands, restlessness, muscle tension, headaches, difficulty concentrating and/or sleeping. Third, anxiety affects children’s behaviour. When children are anxious, there is a related behavioural response (typically avoidance of anxiety-provoking situations). For example, refusing to go to school on the day of a test, avoiding asking questions/seeking help in class, not joining in with peers.

If you have any concerns around your child and them displaying signs of anxiety please reach out to your child’s classroom teacher of one of the Wellbeing Team Members (Scott Bartlett, Emma Stott, Donna Payton or Sharon Kenshole)

BULLYING NO WAY WEEK – 11 to 15 August 2025’

Bullying No Way Week: National week of action.

The week of 11 to 15 August 2025, is Bullying No Way Week and is about the important roles school, family and community play in helping young people feel accepted, respected and a sense of belonging.

The theme for 2025 is Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up.

It takes courage to spark change.

Bullying is everyone’s responsibility.  It takes a community to be brave and address bullying behaviours, within and beyond the school gate.

Students can be bold, kind and speak up to support others being bullied. Trusted adults are there to support children and young people as they learn how to be kind to each other and report bullying.

This Bullying No Way Week, we’re asking students, schools, families and communities to be bold and say something, be kind and support someone, and be proud to speak up against bullying.

Everyone has a role in preventing bullying. This year we’re encouraging students and school staff to speak up and foster safe spaces where everyone feels supported, respected and all voices are heard and valued.

For more information about Bullying No Way Week and bullying prevention, visit the Bullying No Way website Bullying No Way

Also see Kids Helpline school resources and eSafety’s cyberbullying hub.