Associate Principals' Report
Focus on Positive Thoughts
A big thank you to all those students and families who were able to find the time on Thursday to meet with their teachers and discuss progress for the semester. We had planned to go back to face to face interviews this term but obviously the lockdown put paid to those plans. Fortunately, we are now much better equipped to be able to meet with each other virtually. Interestingly the feedback we received as part of that original planning was that on the whole parents prefer to meet in person with their student’s teachers.
The discussion with the families I met during parent-teacher interviews centered on the need to continue to try and engage each student, maintain their focus and keep them positive about their learning. This last point is obviously one of the key issues we all continue to deal with during these lockdown situations. Building positivity into our lives is seen as a key factor in maintaining mental and physical health. Studies have also shown that being positive enhanced a student’s abilities to solve problems and increased their memories.
Psychological research links positive thinking to a range of health benefits for us all (not just students). Looking at things from a positive point of view helps us to better manage stress, develops better coping skills, lowers rates of depression, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease-related death and helps to increase our lifespan. Maintaining a level of optimism helps us to deal with issues in our lives in a more balanced way with a greater likelihood of achievement and success.
It is easy to say that we should be optimistic all the time, especially when life can become difficult, but the benefits of developing a more positive outlook are clear. At Fairhills we are continuing to try and develop the resilience of our students and to support them to be positive about their learning and our school. The Wellbeing Team continue to do a fantastic job in supporting our students and families during these difficult times.
Some suggestions about how to increase positive thinking in your life include:
- Regularly doing things that create a sense of joy and happiness in your daily life. It is important to actually schedule and plan for time in our lives to experience contentment, to enjoy something just for ourselves, to laugh and be happy. Think about what works well for you and that lift your spirits up. It could be spending time doing the hobbies you enjoy, it could be reading a book, doing something creative or spending time with the people who are important to you (and help to increase your positive energy and feelings).
- Develop a focus on “positive self-talk” – rather than telling yourself “I can’t” or “I’m not good at this” give yourself positive message like “I can”, “I am capable” or “I am worthy”. Try not to let the negative ideas take hold, and make sure you reach out to someone if you a feeling like you need help to deal with negative thoughts.
- Research says that spending time each day meditating can help to create a more positive outlook. Investigate and try different meditation techniques that help to increase your mindfulness and relaxation levels.
- Take regular breaks from work and screen time – the importance of maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle cannot be under-estimated. Take the dog for a walk, ride your bike, shoot some baskets, whatever it is include some regular physical activity in your day and maintain a regular, healthy sleep pattern.
- Writing your thoughts down in a journal is seen as a good way to record our positive thoughts and experiences, express gratitude for the good things in our lives and help cleanse your mind.
Stay positive and look after yourself and each other.
Paul Donaldson
Associate Principal
Helpful Tips for Parents and Carers During Lockdown
I hope our community are managing during lockdown #6. I am aware that some of our families and students have found this lockdown to be particularly stressful. I am acutely aware of our Year 12 students who have missed out on many of the social aspects of being a Year 12 student.
Given that COVID cases are on the increase, the school is limiting the number of people coming onto the premises. If you have any questions, contact the school via email: fairhills.hs@education.vic.gov.au; contact staff via Compass or ring the school during business hours.
Below are a few hints from Vikki Ryall, Headspace Executive Director of Clinical Practice that might help parents and carers during lockdown:
It is important to maintain routines during lockdown such as: exercising, going to bed and getting up at the same times, and sharing family meal-times together. Headspace has developed a three-step process which is designed to assist parents and their children:
Notice – Be aware of signs that might indicate that you or your children are feeling out-of-sorts and take action if the need arises.
Inquire – Take the time to check in on your children even if they are reluctant to talk to you.
Provide Reassurance – Your children need to understand that this situation is short-term, that it is okay to feel a bit down and not their usual selves. Everyone needs to understand that everyone’s lives will be back to normal soon.
For COVID-19 Support go to: headspace.org.au
Beyond Blue Coronavirus Support Service
Headspace Support for Young People
Karen Dean
Associate Principal