St Pius X College Newsletter

From the Counselling Team 

  • Transitioning back to school after learning from home
  • Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing Activities at St Pius X College
  • Counselling Team Information

Transitioning back to school after learning from home

As we move towards a return to school it may be helpful to begin to think about how your child may adjust to returning to a normal school day, and what, if any, support they may require.

It is important to remember that children and young people have had hugely different experiences during lockdown. Some children who experience anxiety normally, may have found a break from going to school a break from triggers for their anxiety. For them going back to school is going to be very anxiety provoking. There are other children who have had a great time with their families and don’t want to return to school. And then of course there are many young people who have been missing the social connection of their peers and teachers and can’t wait to get back into the school routine. 

Some parents may have concerns about whether to send children back to school, and others may be keen to ship them off as soon as possible. Either way, it is important to be aware of how you model your own anxiety when speaking to your child about returning to school. Speak to your child when you feel calm yourself.

Things you can do now to prepare your child;

  • Re-establish normal routines in the lead up to school e.g., positive sleep routine with same bedtime and wake up each day, consistent eating routine similar to school times.
  • Begin conversations about returning to school and what this may feel like.
  • Provide some reassurance around safety protocols being out in place at the College
  • Link up with your son’s class teacher or Year Coordinator to clarify any questions regarding the return to school.
  • Re-connect with the Diverse Learning Team or Counselling Team to discuss any specific learning, social and or emotional concerns you may have about your son’s return to school.
  • If they are not already doing so, help them to reconnect with friends to make the transition easier. They can meet with one friend in a park or via Zoom etc.
  • Wake up early and practice the school walk/ cycle/ drive to school again. Younger students could do some practice runs to school in the week or so beforehand.
  • Support your child to focus on possible strategies to ensure the transition is positive. Ask them how they adapted to the lockdown. What helped? What might help them now adapt to going back to school?

To help your child feel safe, have a conversation with them explaining that;

  • The decision to return to school is based on medical advice
  • Everyone at the College is working hard to make sure that students are safe
  • Anyone who is unwell will stay at home
  • Discuss what they are looking forward to and what they are worrying about
  • Reinforce good hygiene practices

If you have any concerns about your child transitioning back to school, please reach out to the Counselling Team who can talk things through with you.

Ms Joe McCarthy - College Counsellor

Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing Activities at St Pius X College

Just a reminder that all are welcome to our Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing Activities mornings.

 

We have three Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing before school activities to consider attending during lock-down:  

  • Mindfulness Monday Mornings at 8.00 am
  • Boxercise Thursday mornings at 8.00 am 
  • Boxercise Friday mornings at 8.00 am

Mums, Dads and all family members are welcome to join in the Boxercise fun and fitness on Thursday and Friday mornings at 8.00 am

 

Please email Mr Russo at rrusso@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au to be included in the teams.

SPX  Well-being Team​

College Counselling Team

The College Counselling Team are available to provide confidential emotional and social support and guidance for your son and family.  For reference our College Counselling Team contact details are shown below.

 

Mr Rick Russo

Counsellor (Full time Monday to Friday) working with students across all year groups.

Email:  rrusso@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au 

Direct Phone:  9414 4359

School Mobile (in case of emergency):  0418 438 325

 

Ms Joe McCarthy

Psychologist (2 days per week:  Tuesday and Thursday) working with students across all year groups.

Email:  jmccarthy@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au 

Direct Phone:  9414 4322

 

Mrs Judy Gill

Psychologist (2 days per week:  Wednesday and Friday) working with students across all year groups.

Email:  jgill@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au 

Direct Phone:  9414 4315

 

The Counselling Team, together with the Diverse Learning Team, look forward to providing CONFIDENTIAL support to assist your son to build his SELF CONFIDENCE / SELF ESTEEM AND RESILIENCE within a caring, supportive Catholic school community.  Please do not hesitate to make contact with any of the above team should the need arise.

Mr Rick Russo - College Counsellor/Chaplaincy Services