Your Teacher, Joelene Lavrick
About Me
I have a passion for emotional wellbeing and social skills. I have always wanted children to be kind to each other and to have confidence in themselves. I understand that children make mistakes and, at times, they need to learn how to be kind to others. I am patient with kids and I believe we must show unconditional respect and forgiveness.
My three year old daughter, Dawn, asked me the other day “You don’t love me when I’m being a mean girl, do you?” and I said “Yes, I love you even when you are being mean.” Then she asked “…but you love me more when I’m being a nice girl, don’t you?” and I said “I love you just the same whatever you do but sometimes I don’t like what you are doing.” I apply the same policy when teaching other people’s children. WE MAY NOT LIKE WHAT A CHILD DOES AT TIMES BUT WE STILL LIKE THE CHILD!
Strategies for mood management
Mission Statement
My mission, should you choose to accept it… is to:
- Support children to manage their emotions/moods
- Improve self-esteem and confidence
- Assist children to feel calm and safe, reducing anxiety
- Support children to form healthy friendships
- Foster positive thinking and a growth mindset
- Help children understand that they are unique and very special, everyone has special qualities, talents and abilities
Positive self-talk and strategies for creating calm
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)
- Graduate Diploma of Education (Primary)
- Over 20 years as a Primary School teacher
- Helen O’Grady Drama Academy-Drama Teacher
I have taught at several Primary Schools including:
- Amaroo Primary School
- Brunswick Primary School
- Dardanup Primary School
- Djidi Djidi Primary School
- East Victoria Park Primary School
- Kingston Primary School
Developing Emotional Fitness