Wellbeing

Words from Well Being. Liz Nelson

A few thoughts on Children and Grief:

As our school community has recently been touched by a very sad bereavement our children have naturally been impacted by this in both direct and indirect ways- I thought I would write a few suggestions for parents.

The classes that were directly impacted were extremely well cared for and supported in the last week of term and will continue to be supported.

It is likely that your children have had many questions during this time and it is important to answer questions about death and bereavement as openly and honestly as possible.

It is also normal for children to have feelings of anxiety and insecurity about the potential loss of their own parents and extended family- this may be an ongoing issue for some time and we will also be aware of this at school.

Your children will require ongoing reassurance and the need for safety and security and the predictability of normal routines within their own family.

In my Well Being role I will continue to provide support to children, teachers and families as needed.

I have particular expertise and previous experience working in specialist ‘Grief, Loss & Trauma’ Social Work roles- although I am unable to provide ongoing Grief counselling to families in this role I am more than happy to provide advice or suggest other suitable resources  to support families.

I can be contacted through the front office, your child’s teacher or my email-enelson@sbwangaratta.catholic.edu.au

I have included a specific link to Grief Australia: Children and Grief resource. (Refer below) Go Gently with yourselves and your children.

Liz Nelson ,Well being Support(Social Worker)

 - My work days are Mon, Wed, Thurs.

https://www.grief.org.au/ga/Content/Information-Sheets/Grief_and_Children__Primary_School__Aged_6_12_.aspx