Sally Cheah - Johnson
Assistant Principal
Dear Parents and Students,
I hope this newsletter finds you well, healthy and safe. The last few weeks were challenging because of the COVID-19 situation. The challenges will continue but I know we will prevail over this coronavirus situation.
As a community we have shown our deepest values of support for each other. This has indeed come to the forefront in an enormous way. Our community has come even closer than ever. I see our staff helping each other in professional learning in preparation for online teaching and learning practice. The camaraderie shown is most heart-warming. It really shows that the uncertainties of the coronavirus situation does not dampen the spirit of us working together in seeking the best teaching and learning practices. Whilst online teaching practices are different from how we do our teaching thus far, our staff are prepared to embrace new and innovative ways to teach online.
We are going through ‘unchartered waters with this coronavirus situation. However, our staff are prepared to do their best to ensure that the learning of our students is not compromised.
I would also like to acknowledge the support of our students and parents. Many parents have written to the school showering us with great support. Thank you for the encouragements. I would also like to acknowledge the commitment of our students to their studies. Our students are a great source of inspirational to us. They are supportive of each other and their teachers. Last week, a group of Year 12 students initiated a ‘Thank-You’ card-writing project which resulted in every member of staff receiving a personalised ‘Thank-You’ card.
To our students:
Everyone reacts in their own way to challenging events and uncertainty. You may feel anxious, frustrated or being bored at home. It is OK to feel like this. It is important that you remember that whilst staying at home may be difficult, you are helping to protect yourself and others by doing it.
Below are some suggestions for you:
1. Communicate and Connect: Stay in touch with your friends and teachers while you are at home by emails. Maintaining healthy relationships with people is important for your mental wellbeing. It is quite common to feel worried or helpless about the current situation. Remember, it is OK to share your concerns with others. Below are some contact details of key staff at school:
1.1 Student Empowerment (matters relating to Student Wellbeing & Advocacy, Student Leadership, Co-Curricular Program, Diploma, House):
student-empowerment@jmss.vic.edu.au
1.2 House Leaders (Attendance, Academic Progress):
- doherty-leaders@jmss.vic.edu.au
- flannery-leaders@jmss.vic.edu.au
- blackburn-leaders@jmss.vic.edu.au
- wood-leaders@jmss.vic.edu.au
-
- Transition issues: transition@jmss.vic.edu.au
- CANVAS (continuous feedback and reporting): canvas@jmss.vic.edu.au
- VCE (information): vce@jmss.vic.edu.au
- Student Counselling: counselling@jmss.vic.edu.au
- Special needs – Support: integration-support@jmss.vic.edu.au
2. Maintain a strong physical and mental health:
Try to exercise as much as you can. Our physical health does impact on how we feel. Make sure that you have adequate sleep and monitor your screen time so that it doesn’t take over your day when you could be exercising to maintain your physical health.
Take time to relax. Make an effort to focus on your favourite hobby if it is something you can still do at home. We speak a lot about Mindfulness and reflection. There are some useful resources such as: Smiling Mind App; Headspace –how to cope with stress related to COVID19.
3. Daily Routine:
Try to organize a daily routine which includes waking up and getting ready in the same way as normal. Keep to the same hours you would normally work and stick to the same sleeping schedule.
Do remember that we are only an email way. Please reach-out if you have queries or need some support.
I wish you a very safe and healthy break.
With kind regards,
Sally Cheah-Johnson
Assistant Principal