Hello Families

This Week’s Focus: Building Confidence in Children

Confidence helps children try new things, build friendships, and cope with challenges. It doesn’t appear overnight. It grows slowly through everyday experiences, encouragement, and opportunities to practise new skills. 

At school, we support students by creating a safe and encouraging environment where they can learn, make mistakes, and celebrate progress. When children feel supported, they are more willing to try new activities and challenges.

How Parents Can Help Build Confidence:

Encourage children to have a go
Confidence grows when children try new things and practise skills. Even if something feels difficult, encouraging them to “have a go” helps them develop resilience and belief in themselves. 

Praise effort, not just results
Notice the effort your child puts into tasks. For example, you might say, “I noticed how hard you worked on that.” Specific praise helps children understand what they are doing well and motivates them to keep trying. 

Give age-appropriate responsibilities
Small tasks such as packing their school bag, helping with simple chores, or tidying their room help children feel capable and trusted. Completing achievable tasks builds independence and confidence. 

Let children try solving problems
It can be tempting to step in quickly when children struggle. Giving them time to think through challenges and try solutions helps develop independence and problem-solving skills. 

Celebrate small successes
Confidence builds through small achievements. Recognising progress, even small steps, helps children feel proud of their efforts and encourages them to keep learning. 

Building confidence takes time. With encouragement, patience, and opportunities to practise new skills, children develop the belief that they can try, learn, and succeed.

Helpful Resources for Families

• Be You – Building confidence in children Building confidence in children - Be You 

• Science of People – Childhood confidence guide 10 Science-Backed Ways to Build Childhood Confidence

• Aussie Childcare Network – Building confidence in children Building Confidence In Children - Aussie Childcare Network

• Raising Children Network – Parenting and child development resources
  Raising Children Network

Working together at school and home, we can help children build the confidence they need to learn, grow, and face new challenges.

Warmly,

Pema Tshomo

WinS Social Worker

School Psychology Service – 2026 Parent Programs

The School Psychology Service’s Early Intervention Team delivers information sessions and 7-week groups for parents of children in ACT Public Education Schools. 

These programs are delivered during the school term at the Hedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning in Stirling. 

• Information Sessions – Tuesday 9.30-11.00am

• 7-week Parent Groups – Wednesdays 9.30-11.30am or 12.30-2.30pm

Overcoming Anxious School Avoidance (OASA)

Take positive action to increase your child’s ability to cope with anxiety related to school attendance and learn skills to communicate effectively without escalating strong emotions.

Boundaries Without Conflict (BwC)

Take positive action to address your child's challenging behaviours, learn skills to de-escalate conflict, and make positive changes in your family's interactions.

Addressing Your Child’s Anxious Avoidance (AYCAA)

Take positive action to increase your child’s ability to cope with anxiety and learn skills to communicate effectively without escalating strong emotions.

Find out more!

Please use the QR code to learn more and to register your interest to attend. A member of the Early Intervention Team will then contact you to discuss the group in more detail and confirm your enrolment.

Expression of Interest for PACE 

What is PACE?

PACE stands for Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy and is an attachment-based parenting approach. PACE is not a step-by-step model or process, but rather a way of thinking, feeling, communicating and behaving that aims to make children and young people feel safe, connected and understood.

KKAAYYAAKKSS** GGrroouupp PPrrooggrraamm 

Post-separation support for children and young people aged 6 to 18 years affected by or exposed to family and domestic violence. 

KAYAKS Group Program is a fun and engaging 8-week group for children and young people to connect with peers and explore emotions in a safe place. 

Location: Marymead CatholicCare, 255 Goyder Street, Narrabundah 

When: Wednesdays 7 / 14 / 21 / 28 March 

Group Size: Max. 10 Participants 

We are now accepting EOIs for Term 2, 2026: 

Time: 9am - 10am Group 1: 9 - 12 years old Group 2: 13 - 15 years old 

This is a FREE program, and suitability will be assessed during screening. Consent required from both parents, but exceptions may apply. Please contact us to discuss. 

To register or make a referral, please contact Intake at intake@mccg.org.au. *KAYAKS – Kids and Youth Are Kool Post-separation