Kinross Wolaroi Family Bulletin

Counselling & Psychological Services

Bec Campey and Amy Newsom

As we approach the end of Term, it is timely to reflect on the challenges of the past term, which have impacted us all differently. For some students and families, this period of remote learning and lockdown has meant more family time, less time commuting, more free time and the opportunity to perhaps try some new things (sourdough baking anyone?).  However, for many of us, the last term has presented challenges which have impacted our wellbeing. Lockdown and the move to remote learning has significantly impacted our usual routines, and our young people have missed out on a range of activities such as sport, music, co-curricular and social activities. For our Year 12 students, important and much-anticipated rites of passage and milestone events have had to be postponed. For us all there remains uncertainty about how the future, and specifically Term 4, will look. When normal routines change and daily structure is changed, along with missing regular contact with friends or uncertainty about the future, it can cause additional pressure, and may leave young people feeling disengaged, unsupported, upset and anxious.

 

As we approach the school holidays, this is how parents can support their children:

  • Be aware of signs and symptoms that your child might be struggling – some changes to look out for include being withdrawn, not doing the things they would normally enjoy, ongoing worry or irritability
  • Take the time to check in with your child - regardless of how your child is feeling, remind them that it is normal to feel a mixture of emotions in the context of so much recent change
  • Support your child to connect and seek help as needed - refer them to a health professional, direct them to some helpful websites for young people, or just arrange to check in another time soon
  • Teach coping skills - help your child to identify the differences between helpful or sustainable coping strategies and unhelpful choices during isolation, encourage self-care and let them know that you’re there to support them

During the holidays, if you notice changes in your child or become worried, we encourage you to please seek support. Amy and Bec will be available from the start of Term 4, with MSTeams appointments for as long as school continues in a remote format. 

 

There are a range of supports available during the term break, including: