College Counsellor News

As the school year draws to a close I encourage you to reflect back on the year, and what a year it has been! 2020 has been filled with many challenges for us all but through many of these challenges I have seen so many moments of growth, strength, love, and support. 

We have travelled through a very unpredictable year. 2020 has been heavily defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to global social and economic disruption, mass cancellations and postponements of events, worldwide lockdowns and protests. 

Thankfully here in Griffith we were not impacted as much as other areas of Australia or the world, but we were faced with many changes to the way we do things and considerable uncertainty. We experienced the new challenges of teaching and learning from home, the loss of many social and sporting events and activities that make up our usual lives. We were unable to travel or see friends and family as usual. These changes, along with many other challenges we faced throughout the year led to many overwhelming feelings such as loss, isolation, worry, stress, anxiety and disappointment. 

However, often crisis moments like this create opportunities and spark great creativity. We are forced us to think outside the norm. This year has also provided many of us with the opportunity to learn some very important skills to manage uncertainty in order to become more resilient.  We have also been able to demonstrate empathy, care and support for each other. I feel very privileged to have witnessed much creativity, strength and care throughout this year by students, teachers, and families.

Let’s be honest though, although more intense this year, burnout happens every year to some degree. Even the best years we find ourselves tired and depleted towards the end. Students are exhausted from the busy routines, learning, technology, and sometimes too much time with peers. This often comes out in many different ways – misbehaving, breaking boundaries, cranky, withdrawn, quiet, agitated and usually a lot more eye rolling. Teachers, parents and carers are tired too. We all spend the year busy and spreading ourselves so thin. We get tired and then comes the holidays. 

Holidays are an important time to recharge. You don’t need a fancy trip away but what we do need is connection, to replenish ourselves.  Teens will often give the impression that they don’t need connection with parents and carers and turn more towards their peers, but the fact is they do. Young people need parents and carers to help replenish their confidence, sense of self and make them feel that they deserve love and respect. So spend time together, really talk, play some board games, walk in nature and create memories together. It is often these memories that we turn to and recall at times when we are struggling and they help us through the more challenging times. 

So while I have heard many people saying they can’t wait to see the end of 2020 I hope you can all look back on it and not just see the challenges faced but remember all that you have overcome. Remember to reflect on the strength, skills and character you have demonstrated or have seen in others. Be kind to yourself and others and take time to recharge. Spend some time to build or rebuild connections, be creative and have some fun.

I wish you all a well-deserved break.

Karen Surian

College Counsellor/ Social Worker