Wellbeing News

As we prepare for the children in Prep to Grade 2 to return to onsite learning and with the Grade 3-6's the following week there is bound to be mixed feelings for lots of children, parents and teachers! Excitement about seeing friends and getting back into a routine, but also some anxiety which is only natural.

This week, staff and I have attended a variety of webinars that have focused on students return to onsite learning. One of the webinars was with the Royal Children's Hospital and it covered topics such as anxiety, mask wearing and what we can do to reassure our children as we learn to live with Covid and head back to onsite learning.

They have made it available for anyone to view on their YouTube channel and I highly recommend watching it if you can. 

Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQvh3Wmk4Zc

Some of the ways you can help prepare your children for the return to school are:                       

• Ask your child to get their school bag ready by tidying it out & having their lunchbox & drink bottle ready,
• Check if your child has their summer uniform & shoes,
• If bed time has been later than usual, try to start getting back into a routine so getting ready in the morning is a little easier for everyone,
• If your child is going to wear a mask to school - have a few practice runs with wearing it out so they become more familiar with it,
• Students might like to bring a small toy or something from home that they like to play with or to reassure them if feeling anxious.

One of the things we know as educators is that our students need predictability, clear communication, empathy and structure for them to feel safe at all times and particularly as we return to school after another extended break. 

As a staff we are really looking forward to seeing your children in person and enjoying the  time we have together for the remainder of Term 4.  Please let me know if you have any concerns about your child's wellbeing as we head back to school.

Kate Harris 

Wellbeing Leader

kharris@shpreston.catholic.edu.au