Pastoral Care
Dear Families,
As we once again return to remote learning our emphasis will be on the wellbeing of all our students. We will continue to highlight the importance of good nutrition, sleep, exercise and remaining connected. Our students will be supported through our Pastoral System including Mentors, Heads of House, School Counsellor, Head of Year 12, Head of Middle Years and Head of Senior Years. If you have any concerns or would like to discuss strategies for you child, please contact the mentor as the first port of call.
There are also online services available for support:
- Lifeline (13 11 14)
- Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800)
- Eheadspace (free online telephone and support counselling)
Our students were so resilient and positive through our first remote learning period. I have every faith they can do it again!
9 ways to take care of yourself during coronavirus
1. Stay active
It’s pretty well known that exercise is really good for both our physical and mental health. There’s heaps of different types of exercise you can do from home, thanks to YouTube and apps. Your Physical Education teachers will also be providing you with lots of options.
2. Take 10 to be zen
When we’re stressed about something (such as coronavirus), our thoughts tend to speed up. Taking 10 minutes or so to practise mindfulness can help produce a sense of calmness.
3. Chat with your mates
Even if an in-person meet-up is off the table, try to stay in touch with your mates via text, Messenger, WhatsApp, FaceTime, or (gasp!) a good ol’ fashioned phone call. Ask them how they’re feeling and share your own experience if you feel safe to do so.
4. Make a homemade meal
Good nutrition is always important, but during stressful times there’s nothing better than a tasty, healthy homemade meal – especially if you made it yourself. You could ask a friend or family member for their fave recipe
5. Take a break from the news
Between the news and social media, we’re all feeling saturated by coronavirus updates right now. It’s important to stay informed, but try to limit your media intake to a couple of times a day and use trusted news sources. If you catch yourself turning to social media because you’re feeling isolated, take a break and spend time on another activity, such as those we’ve suggested here.
6. Make a music playlist
Music can make us feel so much better. Hop on Spotify and make a playlist with your fave songs. You could make a group playlist and ask your friends to add five of their favourite songs as well. If you want to get fancy, you could make several playlists for different moods/vibes (e.g. rainy day, feeling happy, etc.).
7. Declutter for five minutes
If you’re suddenly spending a lot more time at home, it can help to have an environment that feels good to you. Instead of getting all Marie Kondo and trying to overhaul your whole space in a day, try decluttering for five mins a day. Pick a shelf to start with, or pick up five things and find a home for them.
8. Watch or read something uplifting
Distraction can be a good thing. Watch something that you find uplifting and allow yourself to zone out from what’s going on in the world. Some suggestions include The Good Place and Brooklyn 99 on Netflix, or The Bold Type and Family Guy on Stan.
9. Learn something new
Have you wanted to get into drawing or learning a musical instrument? Now’s a great time to make a start. If you want to learn a new language, Duolingo is an awesome free language learning program you can access from your computer or phone. YouTube has great free online tutorials for pretty much everything.
Source: Reach Out.Com
Kristen Waldron
Head of Senior Years