From the Wellbeing Team

Remote learning… again! Only a few short weeks ago we had started running lunchtime activities and breakfast programs across our campuses once again.  With the change in restrictions and return to remote learning our fantastic wellbeing team have adapted once again.  We know that this is a challenge for all of us, with changes in work and travel, and learning from home, this will have a big impact on the way that we feel and how we cope with changes.

While we don’t want to dwell in our past experiences, just like it is hard to drive a car while only looking in the rear-view mirror, it is important sometimes to reflect and look back before we can start to look forward. 

During the first period of remote learning we learnt a lot of things about ourselves and our community. A couple of things we learnt were that:

• Community is important.  Whether your community is your family, your neighbours, your school / workplace, or your entire suburb, community is important.  It was hard in the first remote learning, but we learnt that we needed to connect with each other in unique and creative ways.
• We should not be too hard on ourselves.  We need to find balance between work, rest and play; and we need to reach out for support when we need it.  It can be very difficult to ask for help, but there is no shame in doing this.  We must make sure we get help when we need it.

What we are doing to support students and families across at Northern Bay College in remote learning 2.0:

• To support community and connection, we are launching “Digital Drop In’s” across our campuses, where students are able to connect with peers and wellbeing staff outside of the digital classroom to talk about life, play games and connect with each other. You will find the details for these groups in your emails.
• Our wellbeing team will be sharing information and tips on various health and wellbeing topics through the College Facebook page.  We will also be sharing the details for places (either in real life, or digitally) where you can get support if you need it.  Keep an eye on this space for information from food and financial support to mindset and mental wellbeing.

While we continue to refine how we work, we want every person to feel connected and supported through this challenging time.  If you would like additional support, please contact the school so we can connect with you and connect you to the ideal supports.

MANAGING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IDEA FROM BEYOND BLUE