Year 9 Pastoral Guardian
It is hard to believe that we are already nearly the end of Week 2 of Term 4. Year 9 students have shown an enormous amount of courage, resilience, and determination this year to complete Year 9 in a positive way, even with the unpredicted challenges of COVID-19 and living in a global pandemic. It was pleasing to see Year 9 students during our first year level assembly last week – all feeling energised and relaxed after their two-week break, ready for their last term in Year 9.
You would have read, in the introduction to this week's Parent Corner, an article on Cortisol, Dopamine and Melatonin – effect and regulation regarding optimal academic performance. This article emphasised reducing exam stress. Although students will be discussing this in Home Room, I would encourage Year 9 students to also discuss with you what they plan to do to help maintain good levels of dopamine, cortisol, and melatonin. You could start by answering the following questions together:
Cortisol:
- What is cortisol?
- How many hours of quality sleep do you have per night?
- How many hours of exercise do you do daily?
- Do you actively participate in ways to cope with stress (eg mindfulness and breathing exercises)? If no, do you know any stress relief strategies?
- Do you need to make any lifestyle changes to reduce your cortisol levels?
- How do you take time out to relax and have down time?
Dopamine:
- What is dopamine and how does it make you feel?
- How can you increase your dopamine levels naturally?
- What are some activities that make you feel good and will also raise dopamine?
Melatonin:
- What is melatonin and how it is produced?
- What happens when you have too little melatonin in your body?
- What is the best way to boost your melatonin levels naturally?
Together you should be able to gauge if any lifestyle changes need to be made, or acknowledge what has been done well and can continue to remain the same.
Looking forward to a great Term 4 together with the Year 9 cohort.
Teena Christofis
