Student Wellbeing
Wellbeing support for our students and our families
As I sit and write this for the Marian News the government have just announced that our time in remote learning will not end early in September but perhaps could be extended beyond this week.
With this in mind, I have become very aware of the need for all of our students and families to have material that will support them through this time until we return to onsite learning and a level of normality, whatever that may be.
The Catholic Education Office have been very good at forwarding support material such as the information that I distributed last week from the Royal Children’s Hospital focusing on the ways to support our young people at this time.
Last week I, and other members of our community, attended a webinar with Dr. Michael Carr- Gregg about the ways we can support our young people through the Coronavirus Rollercoaster. The webinar promoted a number of really clear messages to all families at this time.
Michael Carr- Gregg identified 7 Key Factors that we need to focus on for our students specifically:
- Resilience
- Diet – eating healthy foods that give energy
- Exercise – to keep our body, soul and mind positive
- Sleep – ensuring that we all have enough sleep to sustain us
- Technological Detox – that we all have time away from the technology to rejuvenate and do other things
- Friends – stay in touch with our friends in a variety of ways even if we cannot be physically together
- Plan/Structure your day – having routines and organising our time helps to ensure that we meet the other expectations for the day, keep up to date with our work expectations and ensure that we have down time to exercise and rejuvenate.
It also encouraged all of us to reflect on:
- A GOOD Day
- What were 3 GOOD things we did today?
- How to include our young people in house activities such as cooking to keep them involved and to give them a focus that offers learning in a different way
- How to find a routine at home even, if we are working from home, that offers structure and organisation
- Always speaking positively about the news – whatever that maybe as young people pick up on our vibes and negativity. So stay optimistic.
- If problems arise – solve them together – a solution is always possible.
As Families/Parents/Teachers we need to always try to do the following:
- Always keep lines of communication open and say it is okay to feel this way?
- Answer questions as honestly and calmly as possible
- Keep to regular routines and plan for these routines
- And as the adults we need to look after ourselves so we can look after our young people.
For me one of the key ideas from the WEBINAR was for us to continue to stay positive and offer our young people HOPE. That we will get through this and come out the other side.
I would also encourage all of our families to reach out to Homeroom/Mentor teachers and Year Level Leaders if you feel that you need any extra help or just someone to talk to at this time. We are here to listen and support you.
Student Leadership Process for 2022 begins.
Over the next couple of weeks, we will begin the process of organising our Student Leadership team for 2022. We will have a Leadership Day towards the end of this term or beginning of next term as we start the process of the selection of our Student Leaders – Lamp Bearers, Student Representative Council, Student Participation Group and House Captains for our Year 12 – 2022.
We have 25 students who have submitted their Leadership Booklet and who will be part of the process moving forward.
We look forward in further editions of the Marian to keep you informed about where we are at in the process.
Stay Safe and Look out for yourself and each other.
Kerrie Williams
Assistant to the Principal - Student Wellbeing