Wellbeing 

As the school holidays approach I wish to start by acknowledging the incredible work that parents and carers are doing every day with their young people.  As I spend my days talking with young people here at VSC and with their parents on the phone or in person I am frequently touched by both the challenges young people are facing as they grow and develop but also the incredible care and attention we also are able to show each other and in particular parents are showing to their children.

Whilst we assume that our young people are looking forward to the break it is also not unusual for a number of students to be anxious before holidays.  This may be around separation from friends, fear of missing out on something, loneliness and struggles in their friendships or the absence of the school routine leaving them floundering. Many of our families also face the pressure of work life continuing whilst our young people are on break or an increase in stress and tension with everyone home and in each other’s space.  Regardless of our circumstances holidays are an important chance for young people to reset and for families to try and create some small moments of connection.

Whilst I have fallen out of the habit I have started the majority of school holidays over the years asking everyone in my house to say three (realistic) things they hope to have happen over the holidays, without any filtering from myself about what they should say.  It has been a nice chance for me to just listen to what is important to them and to then have the opportunity to be able to support them to make those things happen if they are important to them.  I hope you are each in your own ways able to create a small moment of connection these holidays and are able to trust in the importance you each play for your children.

As always, please reach out to Student Managers or the Well Being team with any concerns around how your young people are going.  Leesa.Moar@education.vic.gov.au

For anyone looking for inspiration, I hope you find this Topic Resources page on parenting on SchoolTV helpful:

https://vermontsc.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter-resources/92/62