Chaplain's Corner
Hi Everyone,
‘IT TAKES A VILLAGE’
I know that I often use this quote, but it once again came home to me this week as I supported a family in need.
This week I was talking with a lady originally from Senegal in Northwest Africa. She is a single Mum with three daughters and has no family support here. Her daughters have grown up here. She outlined her struggles with raising her girls in an ‘individualistic’ culture such as Australia. She has concerns for her oldest daughter (late teens) who does not join the family for meals, remaining in her room on her computer.
This woman was raised in a culture in which the extended family and the immediate family supported and cared for each other, including children caring for siblings.
Last year HIGHLIGHTED how much our community can PULL TOGETHER! Let’s not forget teaching our precious children to ALWAYS reach out to family, friends and others in love and care and to remember with GRATITUDE all the good things we have.
CYBER SAFETY
Lockdown increases social media use. We all know that. Cyber safety is paramount at ALL TIMES. While social media can provide good, positive communication, there are also the VERY REAL negative consequences. Mental Health problems often increase with social media use, for both girls and boys. This week tennis player, Naomi Osaka and Brooke Cotchin, the wife of Richmond footballer, Trent Cotchin, have highlight the negative impact social media has had on their mental health.
So please oversee the social media contact your children are having. It you have any concerns I urge you to visit the esafety website and make contact with them with your concerns. They have fantastic advice on many issues, including currently ‘TIPS for how to stay safe online during the COVID pandemic’. Also they currently have a free webinar on a guide for parenting controls on apps.
So, to my ‘village’ take care! Robyn Mulholland (School Chaplain)
robyn.mulholland@education.vic.gov.au