Wellbeing
The Resilience Project Virtual Sessions for Secondary students
Martin Heppell, one of the founders of The Resilience Project presented a Zoom session for our senior students on Thursday 10th September. Funnily enough, this coincided with ‘R U Ok?’ Day, which was very timely, as Heppell discussed a number of key elements of staying on track, keeping in touch with mates and making sure that we are all doing okay during this time of uncertainty and challenge.
His tag line was that while it is all strange and weird at the moment, it won’t last. We will get through this, and for a lot of struggling students, this was incredibly timely, as it is really starting to hurt having to still be missing out on so much.
We were reminded that we have been here before and we came through. We can do it again – we just need to remember that there will be a time that it will get better.
Martin Heppell is an incredibly inspirational speaker and a “real cracker” as one of students put it, as he is very funny and has the unique ability to allow children and young adults to feel included, worthy and valued in his sessions, which is no mean feat with over 200 students from the Wimmera involved in the session.
A number of our senior students at Edenhope College took part in this session that was offered and speaking to them afterwards, they felt as though their spirits were lifted and they all took something unique away from his session. They were incredibly positive and felt as though they could tackle what is left of remote learning, rather than just shutting down.
I, personally, am a huge fan of the work that the team at The Resilience Project do, as I believe they have the ability to foster some important core elements in our children and students that are always hard to teach or measure. Gratitude, empathy, mindfulness, emotional literacy and connection, in order to build resilience, are all elements that we know are hard to teach or instil within our children and students, but are key elements for everyday life.
We would like to thank Wimmera Uniting for allowing our students the opportunity to be involved and I encourage you to check out what The Resilience Project have to offer, if you haven’t seen their great work already.
Jen Altmann
Head of Senior Pathways
Primary Virtual Wellbeing Rooms
Behind the scenes, Mrs Eastwood has been work away creating Virtual Wellbeing Rooms covering the key areas of Self Esteem, Emotions and Mindfulness. Students, staff and parents will soon be able to access these virtual rooms and a wonderful library of wellbeing resources, so watch this space!
RU OK DAY?
There’s more to say after R U OK?’, was the message for R U OK?Day 2020 (on Thursday 10 September). The focus this year was aimed at building confidence and increased skills for people so they know how to navigate a conversation with someone in their life who might be struggling.
You don’t have to be an expert but by knowing what to say when someone says they're not OK you can you can show your care and genuinely help someone access appropriate support long before they’re in crisis. That conversation could change, or even save, their life. By asking, listening without judgement, encouraging action and checking in, you can help someone you care about through a tough time.
Fathers Day SchoolTV Special Report
Last Sunday was a day where many of us celebrated and acknowledged the important father figures in our lives. For many years now, the role of fathers has changed and evolved dramatically over the centuries. During the industrial revolution, fathers were often considered detached and distant due to working long hours in factories. However, today things have changed dramatically with many dads being celebrated for being sensitive, caring and more hands-on.
Recent studies have shown that children benefit greatly from having fathers who are present and interacting in everyday activities. This has transformed the understanding of how fathers shape children’s lives from the start, challenging conventional ideas of parenthood and gender.
Research also suggests that fathers influence their sons and daughters in different ways, which is especially true during their transition to adolescence. Engaging in regular physical activities can play a key role in influencing children to learn self-control, face challenges, regulate emotions and take manageable risks.
In this Special Report, fathers will learn about the positive impact they can have on their child’s mental health and wellbeing, whilst also ensuring they indulge in a little self-care. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Raising Children Network
The Department of Education and Training has funded a 10-episode podcast series through the Raising Children Network called ‘Raising Learners’. It features parenting experts from organisations including the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Career Education Association Victoria, as well as the Australian eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman-Grant.
Raising Learners provides parents with practical advice, tips and ideas for supporting children’s health, wellbeing and engagement at school and at home. Topics include how to connect with your child’s school and community, how to best support your child’s learning, what to expect for VCE and VCAL students and how to keep your child safe online.
These topics were drawn from common questions that parents raised with the Department’s coronavirus (COVID-19) hotline and Parentline.
The first three episodes will be available on 1 September, and the rest throughout terms 3 and 4. Raising Learners can be accessed via podcast apps and Raising Children Network website.
Department of Education - Managing the Coronacoaster Webinar with Dr Michael Carr Gregg
The Department of Education and Training is presenting a free webinar for parents and carers by renowned child psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, on building family resilience during coronavirus (COVID-19).
Parents and carers play a vital role in helping children feel safe through uncertain times.
Dr Carr-Gregg’s webinar is aptly named Managing the Coronacoaster – Tips for building resilient families in the coronavirus era.
In this webinar, Dr Carr-Gregg provides tools and strategies for parents and carers to help manage the lockdown and remote learning. Topics include:
- your supportive role
- setting the emotional tone
- focusing on what you can control
- how to deal with disappointment
- further resources and where to get help.
Dr Carr-Gregg’s presentation will run for 45 minutes. This will be followed by a 15-minute question-and-answer session in which parents and carers can ask Dr Carr-Gregg questions.
Webinar details
- When: Tuesday 15 September
- Time: 7:30pm
- Duration: 45-minute presentation followed by 15-minute questions and answers session
- Format: online via Webex
- Cost: free
To register and for more information visit the Managing the Coronacoaster – Tips for building resilient families in the coronavirus era eventbrite page.
The Parenting Website Webinar
In a recent webinar, now available through The Parents Website, educator, therapist and school counsellor Tim Klein challenged explained how our kids can emerge from the pandemic as stronger and more resilient people. Click here to watch the webinar.