Academic Care and Wellbeing - SchoolTV
Back to school!
There are many strategies that students can implement to help them get through the school years but it is also important for parents to understand how to support their child. Now is a great time to familiarise yourself with the expert information available to the College community through MDCC School TV.
The School Survival Series covers surviving the final year, school transitions and exam jitters. There is also a special report on moving to a new school. Moving to a new school is a big deal! Your child is going to meet lots of new people and be thrown into new situations. That’s bound to make them feel lots of different emotions. They may feel worried and anxious, but also excited and happy – all at the same time! Some children will sail through this period of change, whilst others may need a bit more guidance. It is important to give your child the chance to feel comfortable in their new space. This may take a few months, but ensure you keep the lines of communication open and check in regularly with your child to see how they are settling in.
Bushfires
Children, young people, families, schools, and communities continue to be impacted by an extreme bushfire season. Some may be impacted by the fires directly, having lost their homes and loved ones, some will have been evacuated, while others have been impacted by smoke and ash or hearing about the frightening experiences. We know that exposure to news stories about loss of life and troubling images can be distressing and in some cases, people will have traumatic reactions.
All experiences are valid and a reaction to any of these differing experiences is possible and real. Fortunately, children and young people are remarkably resilient and most will recover with little other intervention needed beyond the support and care of their family and carers.
Please find the below links to some more helpful resources:
- The Australian Childhood Foundation provides suggestions for supporting young people.
- Dr Michael Carr-Greg summaries six key support strategies in this School TV Special Report
- The Australian Psychological Society provides general advice on promoting safety, comfort and help after the fires.
Safer Internet Day
11 February 2020 Safer Internet Day, a worldwide event that raises awareness about online safety and encourages everyone to help create a better internet.
The Australian Government's eSafety Commissioner and Mater Dei School TV also hosts the Cyber Safety Series with invaluable information for everyone. Locally, the Wagga PCYC is running a free Safer Internet awareness session; attended also by NSW Police Officers it's all happening at the PCYC, 228 Gurwood Street, Tuesday 11 February from 7.00pm - 8.00pm.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered. We welcome your feedback and if you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact your child's House Leader or seek medical or professional help.
Ms Anne Hodkinson | College Psychologist