From the Deputy Principal, Wellbeing

Great start to the term

It has been lovely to see all our students back on site last week and this week. I have really appreciated the positive way that students have returned to the College. Our uniform is looking really smart and students are doing a great job of remembering to wear their masks and hats. Thanks to all the parents for supporting our policies regarding this.

Sunsmart

We have been reminding our students that the UV index is well above 3 (the number where skin starts to burn) so sun protection is essential. Please remind your children to wear sunscreen to school and to bring some (especially if they prefer their own) to reapply before breaks. Hats need to be worn during breaks and during any outdoor activities.

Podcasts for parents

There continues to be some really useful material available to assist you to support your children during these times. This link has some really interesting podcasts.

https://theparentswebsite.com.au/parenting-podcasts-you-should-hear/

Take care

Carolyn Goode

Deputy Principal Wellbeing

Some more great resources

Normally this 'channel' is for paid subscribers, but at present it is free for all to access. Have a look at some of these great resources from Dr Micheal Car Gregg.

https://schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-riding-corona-coaster

Support for our students during COVID-19

There is a lot of really helpful material produced to support our students (and families) through COVID-19. Please see below for some links from The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.

Parenting can be challenging at the best of times, but COVID-19 is making things even more difficult. Remember to take time for yourself, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself.

Below are some tips from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute to help with the stressors of COVID-19, remote learning and working from home.

Murdoch Children’s Research Institute have a podcast titled ‘Parenting in the age of coronavirus’. On the podcast, child health experts discuss the challenges parents are facing and they explore how you can best support yourself and your children so they can continue to learn, thrive and develop during this challenging time.

There is also a great podcast from Dr Coulson titled Navigating Covid-19 with Justin Coulson,

Reminders to help keep us safe

Please stay safe by minimising risks to yourself, your family and the community.

Further advice on coronavirus restrictions and information can be accessed through this link.

https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

How coronavirus impacts young people

The infographic below gives us some idea of how coronavirus is impacting our young people.

Our tool which we developed during the last Remote Learning, has some valuable tips and advice for our students.

When you recognise any of the above signs, remind your children to refer to the tool or speak to your community wellbeing leader for support and advice. Please find the link to our tool: http://tiny.cc/wellbeingduringcovid19

Wellbeing advice and support for families during COVID-19

We understand the current situation may bring some tough times. We encourage every family to make mental and emotional wellbeing a priority. Find some time to play games, relax and enjoy some time together - all vital for our mental health (and supportive of our immune systems, too!)

We have put together a list of resources to help in case things get tricky.

Talking about COVID-19 with your children (from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-04/how-to-talk-to-children-about-coronavirus/12020324)

Assess what they know already. Find out what they understand so you know where to start.
Don’t dismiss or minimise your child’s fear – validate their concerns. It is reasonable to be concerned because they have probably never experienced anything like this before.
Make your explanation age-appropriate, provide facts, and keep it positive. Tell them scientists and doctors are working on treatments. Reassure them that right now the risk of getting coronavirus is low and most people only get cold-like symptoms.
Give them some control over what is happening. Teach the importance of handwashing and how to do it properly, remind them of their responsibility to protect others from coughs and sneezing. If they are very young, make a game of having good hygiene.
Make it an opportunity to learn. Talk about how our bodies fight viruses. Understanding the science can alleviate fears. Get them to do their own fact-checking on what they have heard at school.
Remind children that no-one should be ostracised or bullied because they have been associated with the virus.
Do not make it one-time conversation. Keep checking in to see if they need reassurance or if they have any new questions.

Further information:

Use only reputable sources for information, such as government and ABC sites.

Myth-busting COVID-19

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/blog/blogcollectionpage/novel-coronavirus-mythbusting

Talking to kids about COVID-19

https://radio.abc.net.au/programitem/pgd6o3QQq6

Looking after your mental health during a pandemic

https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-a-global-pandemic/12073476

Headspace - how to cope with stress related to COVID-19

https://headspace.org.au/young-people/how-to-cope-with-stress-related-to-covid-19/

Support Services for Kids

Headspace - lot of great information and support for teens https://headspace.org.au/

Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 (for telephone or online counselling for teens and children).

Support services for parents

KCLC Family Support Services Program 5852 0000 - https://www.kclc.com.au/family-services-support

Parentline 13 22 89 – counselling and support for parents and carers of children aged 0-18, 8am-midnight, 7 days a week

Lifeline 13 11 14 (24 Hour telephone counselling)

Centre for Non-Violence (Loddon area) 1800 884 292

Emergencies: Call 000

Visit your GP when open/available for more ideas for mental health support.

Mental Health Regional Triage Service 1300 363 788.(24 hours a day, 7 days per week)

Apps for the family

Calm

Smiling Mind

Clear Fear (for managing worry and anxiety)

Combined Minds (for families of those who need support with their mental health)

Campaspe Emergency Food Relief Services

Let's Get Cooking

Recipe of the Week