“I just wanted to say thanks so much for yesterday. It was so wonderful and we loved it. I was sent photos and so much positive feedback from several families last night of children going home and blissfully using their meditation crystals straight away. I also personally loved the Phys Zen session. We are looking forward to having you back next week. Thank you so much. You did a wonderful job and run a wonderful program!”
Olive Monte – Teacher, Doubleview Primary
“I genuinely think that the Phys Zen Yoga Sessions have been one of the best things for my Year 4 cohort. It is making such a positive difference. If there was a way of extending these yoga sessions for another term, I think it would be so beneficial. Could we find a secret budget somewhere??!”
Joanna Morrison Mayo – Scotch College Junior School
“The benefits that I have witnessed in my classroom after the Phys Zen sessions are increased concentration, feelings of calmness and improved behaviour from students. I believe that yoga and meditation in schools is hugely underestimated. If more opportunity was given to practice it, schools may find an overall positive behaviour change within their classroom and therefore a larger improvement in student learning. I found my lessons ran smoother with less interruption and off task behaviour after our Phys Zen lessons. My students also used their breathing techniques in class to practicing a sense of calmness. This is a skill that they can use in real life situations.”
Rebecca Lane –Teacher, Wembley Downs Primary School
“Our first Phys Zen session is one of the best experiences I have had with my boys this year. Paula, the instructor, was absolutely phenomenal. The boys instantly calmed their bodies and settled into their session. I have never seen them so still before. Paula gave the boys strategies to use if they are feeling frustrated, sad or upset and gave me some great ideas to take back to the classroom. I genuinely almost cried and wanted to hug Paula at the end. Thank you for providing us with opportunities like these. Looking after the boy’s mental wellness is so important, and it is essential that we give them these early childhood experiences.”
Rebecca Sayers – Scotch College Junior School
“Thank you for bringing the Phys Zen Yoga sessions to us. The kids were so engaged and felt empowered by their physical abilities. They loved the opportunity to have time to focus on themselves. I believe that Phys Zen would benefit future Kindy kids and I hope to see you again next year. Thank you.”
Helen Fairclough – Hillarys Primary School
“I particularly noticed how calm the students were during their Phys Zen sessions and they were much calmer afterwards in the classroom. A number of students commented on the way up to their session how much they really enjoyed the incursion.”
Catherine Brennan – Teacher, Connolly Primary School
“Thank you so much for coming to WDPS and running your Phys Zen program. My Kindy students loved it! The sessions allowed the students to relax and calm their mind and body. My Kindy’s loved going to Phys Zen each week.”
Kelsee Palmer – Teacher, Wembley Downs Primary
“Phys Zen worked with our Year 6 students in term 4. It was great to see the students become more centered and focused with each passing week. We believe the program provided an opportunity to help teach the students the importance of having quiet time by developing calm focused moments. The program also helped to build balance and strength.”
Tricia Paskett – Teacher, Connolly Primary School
“We have loved our Phys Zen Yoga series. The sessions have allowed my students a chance to clear the mind, centre one’s thoughts and strengthen the body. Phys Zen is an oasis from the hustle and bustle of our busy school day.”
Lisa Gorman – Teacher, Hillarys Primary School
“I wish to express my thanks to Phys Zen for an extremely successful incursion at Hillarys. The feedback I’ve received from teachers has been very positive, with regard to not only the students’ enjoyment of the sessions and eagerness to participate each week, but also the positive effects the sessions are having on the students as they return to the classroom. The Phys Zen lessons have enriched our health and wellbeing program. I would highly recommend this incursion as I believe other schools would benefit from the Phys Zen program.”
Jennifer Baynham- Principal, Hillarys Primary School
“Thank you for teaching my Year Four children this term. From the initial onset I was able to observe the positive impact each Phys Zen session had on my class. Not only were the children excited and eager to attend each week, but it was immediately obvious that on their return to class, they were relaxed, settled and increasingly focused on the work at hand. The calmness and tone of the classroom following each session has been by far one of the most visible outcomes of your sessions. In addition, Phys Zen has been a fantastic tool by which I could support my health and wellbeing program by practically implementing some of the relaxation and breathing strategies highlighted within the curriculum focus topics. We will all be truly disappointed when our sessions cease as this weekly session has become such a valuable and beneficial inclusion into our timetable.”
Nola Gibson- Primary School Teacher
“Phys Zen is definitely one of the highlights of the school week for our students. They eagerly look forward to the sessions where they can spend 30 minutes just focusing on themselves as they go through various yoga, mindfulness and meditation exercises. Their weekly reflection writing overflows with the love for what they are experiencing and learning in each of the Phys Zen sessions. It has been truly magical to witness.”
Tracey Sheriff- Teacher
“I have a lively, busy Year 4 class who are on the go all day. It has been wonderful to observe them being calm, focused and mindful during their Phys Zen sessions and I know that all of them have loved having that time to themselves.”
Sue Hambleton – Primary School Teacher
Feedback from students
“It was so relaxing being able to think about ourselves. I enjoyed focussing on me because I usually focus on other people. I can’t wait to learn new poses next week” – Poppy.
“This week’s session on Phys Zen I liked the music, the eagle pose, the savasana. I also liked that Mrs Sheriff did the yoga as well” – Raymond.
“For today’s session I loved the new moves that we did, it was challenging but amazing at the same time! My favourite pose today was the dancer. I think Phys Zen helps me relax more about all my worries, it helps me think about calmness and love. I wish we could have it every day” – Eva.
“From Phys Zen I have leant about calming poses that are really fun. The quietness just makes me so relaxed for the rest of the day. The meditation is just so good it allows me to think, it’s just so special being able to focus on one thing, breathing in the silent. It is such a good feeling looking up and thinking…this is my space” – Maxen.
“Yoga has calmed me down from a lot of things. The best thing I like is the personal space I get on my mat. I get to stay away from my friends for a bit and just think about myself. I think yoga should be taught in every school because it helps kids” – Harrison.