From the Wellness Centre
The Work of Grief
This week it is my solemn and heartfelt privilege to commend an initiative which Mary Witham, one of our Year Twelve leaders has inspired. I hope that you'll be curious and comforted as you read Mary's column in the Secondary School section of this edition of Anchor.
Mary's ideas about how our school might observe, serve and support members of our community who are grieving, include developing a small collection of resources available in the library, having a special, safe and dedicated location at the school, a place for solace and space, such as a garden, a tree, or a dedicated seat, and incorporating some learning around grief, mourning and bereavement, and how we can best support our dear friends and peers who are navigating their world beyond their devastating loss of a loved one.
Apropos the points, for more information about the work of grief, please visit William Worden’s Four Tasks of Grief - The Therapy Centre In short Worden posits that grief work is not passive, but comprises four tasks: accepting the reality of the loss, to process the pain of grief, to adjust to a changed world after the loss, and to find an enduring connection with what has been lost while embarking on a new life.
Seasons for Growth is based upon the belief that change and loss are part of life, and grief is a normal response to these losses. I am trained in delivering this course, and as a companion, can offer this critical and gentle support for families and individuals. Seasons for Growth is built upon the grief theory of J. William Worden.
Children and Young People's Program | MacKillop Seasons
2023_Seasons for Growth CCYP Factsheet_SCREEN.pdf
Roses in the Ocean is an organisation which supports people affected by loss because of suicide or attempted suicide. I cannot recommend this group highly enough. They are going to be in Albany in June.
Roses in the Ocean | Lived Experience of Suicide Organisation
Please make contact with me if you have any questions about Seasons and Roses – as I would happily create contexts and opportunities in these courses for GSG members.
Last Call for Numbers for this Event
WEBINAR: Helping Boys Thrive at School – Overcoming Setbacks, Building Confidence and Cultivating Resilience
As per last week’s column, I am excited to offer this worthwhile opportunity. I have unlimited access to this webinar and would really like to share it with GSG community. Both Maggie Dent and Susan Stiffelman are beacons in the world of child and adolescent well-being and parenting.
If you would like to participate in an afternoon of camaraderie and a little learning, please e-mail me at sheryl.moncur@gsg.wa.edu.au to register your interest for catering and seating purposes. I will send each participant an e-mail closer to the date with details of the venue and also asking for any dietary requirements.
Maggie Dent - Home | Resources for those who live & work with children
When: Friday 31 May 1.00pm to 3.15pm
Where: GSG in a room TBA
Why: Adult learning is fantastic
There has been sparse interest in this offering, so I urge you to get your learning caps on and make a commitment.
Yours sincerely … as we each negotiate and pave our somewhat rocky, potholed paths in service to mental fitness.
Ms Sheryl Moncur | School Counsellor/Teacher