Student Wellbeing

Kerrie Williams

Assistant to the Principal - Student Wellbeing

We just want you to know…

Sadly, as I sit here and begin to write this, we would all now be aware that as of today things are changing again for all of us, in a year that has already presented us with many challenges.

What we do know is that we will all be in remote learning for a little longer, till at least early September. Most of Term 3. We also know that this presents challenges from the last time we had remote learning in Term 2. However, out of that experience we learned things about ourselves and our learning that will help up on the road ahead.

So let me remind you of some of the things we have learned:

If you find being at home challenging – you need to speak to someone at home or let your homeroom/mentor teacher know how you are feeling
Secondly, the counselling department are available – you just need to email them so they can support you and help you through these challenges. If you feel like you need more support, our counselling team will be offering online video/audio/live chat counselling sessions. If you would like a session during school hours please email us on counselling@mariansw.catholic.edu.au and we will get back to you with an appointment time.
Thirdly, listed below are some external support agencies that can also help you, especially over a weekend or you feel they are better able to support you. Many of these services offer differing times over the course of the day.

Beyond blue Coronavirus mental wellbeing line 1800 512 348
Headspace on 1800 650 890 www.eheadspace.org.au
Lifeline on 13 11 14
Beyond blue on 1300 22 4636 www.youthbeyondblue.com
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.

All of these services are free and confidential for young people aged 12-25 and their families.

We need to know if you are struggling to keep up with your work or handing work in on time. You need to let your subject teacher know so we can support you through this. If not your subject teacher you need to let your Year Level Leader know – they are here to help.

Remember, while we are all at home, we need to have some down time and time away from the computer. That means going for a walk, doing some yoga or meditation to reset yourself, doing some cooking or something that you find enjoyable, that could be doing some colouring in, reading your favourite book or even just listening to some music – whatever works for you.

When we say whatever works for you remember that we need to find a balance. Stay connected to your friends.

We also need to know that you are safe…

While you are at home there are some challenges for us at school that include knowing that you are safe. One or our big responsibilities is our duty of care to make sure that you are safe and protected at home. If you were at school, you would have adults such as your homeroom teacher or Year Level Leader to talk to about why you may be feeling unsafe. We can also keep an eye on you and notice if you are quieter than normal or not behaving the way you normally do.

Remember, that even if we don’t see you in the normal way we still wish to look out for your safety and will listen to your concerns if you let us know.

All you need to do is let us know….

Material in coming newsletters…

In future editions of the Marian News we will continue to place information about supporting your wellbeing through the challenges ahead.

Reminder about Attendance

Could we remind all students that attendance for remote learning requires you to connect to the lesson in whatever form your teachers decides – google meet, forum or acknowledging a Direct Message. This may also involve completion of a task that will need to be submitted – the teacher will give you a time frame. A reminder to families as well that if students are unable to participate in the lessons over the course of the day that you need to ring the school attendance line and this will be acknowledged by the attendance officer – who will inform the teachers of the day. This will also mean that teachers will not send messages to the student about not submitting work etc. given that it is listed as an explained absence.