principal's message

Dear Parents/Carers, 

I hope that Remote Learning 2.0 is going as well as possible in your family. During these times, we have endeavoured to provide considerable support to you all. This support has come in all different shapes and sizes including:

Here are some additional supports:

• INVITATION:

On Tuesday 25 August, 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 25 August
• Time: 7:30pm
• Duration: 45-minute presentation followed by 15-minute questions and answers session
• Format: online via Webex
• Cost: free

How to register

To register and for more information visit the Managing the Coronacoaster – Tips for building resilient families in the coronavirus era eventbrite page.

• READINGS:

We share important readings, some are gained through research such as:

• “Managing your anxiety through COVID”. (See attached)

Others we create based on family queries and concerns. They provide additional, specific information which we hope will be helpful. Three such documents created by our Junior and Middle teams include:

• Secrets to successful learning (see attached)
• Work flow chart – designed to show children what to do if they get stuck (see attached) 
• Assessment at BNWPS – written by Alice Hamilton

Everything we offer is done so to provide support! We share our expertise to try to reduce some of the stress that you may be experiencing! You are not obliged to read them, view them, nor participate, and we really don’t want to contribute to any feelings of guilt if you don’t have time.  

When help is needed!

While this information can be very helpful there are definitely times when families need morespecific and specialised help! At times like this, please know that support is available, including:

• Merri Health - Outreach / counselling: 9350 4000 – from 1.30pm – 3.00pm there is a duty worker available to talk to and get some advice.
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• Parent Line: 13 22 89

Yarra Me, Parent Helpline:  In response to COVID-19, Yarra Me has established a Help Desk for parents and carers to assist in supporting children with complex needs who are learning from home. The help desk can assist with: 

• understanding your child’s behaviours
• providing personalised one to one telephone consultation with a special education teacher (see registration link below)
• discussion of a pathway for the family to seek formal diagnosis of learning disabilities
• discussion about behavioural support strategies
• advice on setting up learning environments
• providing targeted resources
• referral to external services

These are hard times, please go gently, and get help where required! We ALL need it sometimes.

Take care and stay safe,

Wendy