Pastoral Care

Beyond the Haze of ADHD

More than 80 parents attended our Term Two Parent Guest Speaker series on Wednesday night, hearing from Andy Hayes, founder of Beyond the Haze of ADHD.

Andy’s deep dive into the world of ADHD included how ADHD affects relationships, learning and daily life at home and school was fantastic. Topics included ‘What’s Going on Inside a Child’s Brain?’, ‘What ADHD really looks like in children and teenagers’, ‘ADHD and girls’, and resource recommendations, such as documentaries and podcasts. An informative Q and A followed. 

A big thank you to all parents and carers who braved the wet weather for an evening out and to Andy, a former teacher with lived experience of ADHD who previously presented to St George’s teachers. I hope those in attendance gained much from the presentation. 

Respectful relationships

Student wellbeing is a constantly expanding field of study. As a consequence, the pastoral care team are always reading new research, and attending professional development courses, to help develop our understanding of best practice.

I recently attended a professional learning meeting with Dr Jacqui Hendricks on Respectful Relationships. This is a topic that is often challenging in its content but essential to the wellbeing of our students as we acknowledge, and attempt to navigate, the domestic violence crisis in Australia. Our best hope for the future is the effective education of the younger generations.

At this time of the year, I am always mindful of the fact that winter can also affect mood and wellbeing:

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Winter can lead to depression linked to changes in seasons due to shorter days and less sunlight.
• Reduced Serotonin Levels: Less sunlight can reduce serotonin levels, affecting mood stability.
• Disrupted Circadian Rhythm: Our internal body clocks rely on light to stay in sync, and winter's reduced daylight can disrupt this rhythm.
• More Time Indoors: Spending more time indoors during winter can lead to less movement and potentially affect mood.

Please look out for those closest to you over the darkest months of the year.

Also, as part of our ongoing support for students and families, I draw your attention to the information attached.  

This is a free event that gives parents the chance to hear from two acknowledged experts in their field.

Please take the opportunity to upskill. I know we all fear our children just know more than us in cyber space but here is a chance to correct the balance.

Please do not forget that the SchoolTV resources are available to all our families. It contains well researched and authenticated articles covering a wide range of topics that cover all years from 7 to 12. 

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr Adam Edwards on being awarded the position of the inaugural Head of Cowan House. I will leave it to Adam to introduce himself, but I welcome him to the Pastoral Care Team from the start of Semester Two.

Mr Ian Thompson

Dean of Students & Wellbeing