An invitation from Project Gen Z

This year’s been a wild and unexpected one. With bushfires still on our hearts, we’re now dealing with a global pandemic and seeing the rise of a major global movement for equality. School and work has shifted home and back again, sports and creative arts put on hold alongside so many live events we’ve all been waiting for, and we’ve spent the longest time away from friends and loved ones than possibly ever before.

There’s been a lot of challenges. Yet amongst this, we’ve seen a sense of opportunity and hope, with this unique moment in time offering a chance for us all to re-imagine the future.

On Sunday, 16th August from 11:30am-1:30pm, we invite all young people aged 15-25 years old to join us at Speak Up 2020, our first nation-wide virtual youth event that aims to amplify the voices of the next generation, and understand what’s most important to youth right now.

For more information, and to register your interest, please go to this website.

If you are registering, would you please also let Mrs Luecke know, as she will join the Speak Up session if there are any Killester girls who are signing up.

Ms Trelene Luecke

Year 10 Student Development Leader

Introducing #MeTime for students working remotely.

This week Year 7 to 10 students began the second remote learning experience. We had sought feed back from students, staff and parents and have made every effort to develop and improve the remote learning experience. To support student wellbeing we have included a new resource for students within the KOOL remote learning website - #MeTime. There is a dedicated time each week – Wednesday mornings, for students to focus on their wellbeing. Students can access links to a wide range of wellbeing/fun activities according to their interests in the areas of spirituality, creativity and physical activity. Learning remotely involves a lot of screen time, and time in front of a computer needs to be balanced with some form a physical and/or creative activity. Homeroom Teachers and Student Development Leaders will be directing students to engage in these activities. Students are also asked to complete a weekly check-in form for their Homeroom Teacher so that student’s overall wellbeing can be monitored. Homeroom Teachers will be able to follow up any student concerns with parents.

We invite parents to view the KOOL website and the #MeTime page and encourage your daughters to allocate sometime during the day to focus on their wellbeing.

Regards

Luana Doko

Student Wellbeing Leader

There are many helpful resources available to support families during this time. The advice and links from VicHealth below can assist families:

VicHealth presents important information about mental wellbeing and coronavirus

Coronavirus is having a concerning impact on the mental health of Victorians.
Many people will be feeling lonely as they physically isolate from others in a bid to help slow the spread of the virus.
We also know many in our community are feeling anxious about coronavirus and the risk it poses to our physical health and that of our friends and loved ones.
Coronavirus is impacting people’s livelihoods, our jobs and our way of life so it’s crucial that we look after our mental health and take care of each other as best we can.
During this challenging time, it’s important to pay attention to our mental health and not completely cut ourselves off from our loved ones and our community.

Tips for staying mentally healthy

Keep socially connected to others via phone, social media, email or Skype if you can’t visit them in person.* If you’re feeling lonely or anxious, visit family or friends, or invite a friend or family member to your home.
(Unless, of course, you reside in a lockdown area; in which case you could maybe pick up the phone and give them a call)
If the news is bothering you, take a break from it.
Create a routine to maintain a sense of normalcy, such as regular physical activity, cooking healthy meals and continuing to work or study if you feel well enough and can do so from home.
Focus on what you can control – for example washing your hands frequently, following physical distancing guidelines – instead of what you can’t control ie what other people do.
To avoid panic, get your information from reliable sources such as the federal and
Victorian health departments.
Practice mindfulness: focus on the moment you’re in. Meditation and breathing exercises can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety.
Take stock of your emotions: it’s completely normal to feel concerned or upset about what is happening. If you feel anxious, talk to a trusted friend or family member or seek professional help: Phone Lifeline: 13 11 14, BeyondBlue: 1300 224 636 or Headspace: 1800 650 890.

Useful Tools

Head to Health	Australian Government	General mental health website with a dedicated COVID-19 mental health support page.
Coronavirus and mental health fact sheets	Australian Psychological Society	Tips and resources on coping with COVID-19 anxiety.
Looking after your mental health during coronavirus	Superfriend	Tips to help you maintain mental wellbeing, and offers a COVID-19 support kit.
Coronavirus mental wellbeing support service	Beyond Blue	Information, advice and strategies to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health during this time.
Coping during the coronavirus outbreak	Beyond Blue	Interactive forum post with information on how to look after your mental health.
Coronavirus: Resources for anxiety, stress & wellbeing	Black Dog Institute	Comprehensive advice on managing anxiety and wellbeing and access to online support.
Information, preparation, and maintaining mental and physical wellbeing	MindSpot	A government-funded online service which has information on maintaining mental and physical wellbeing during the pandemic.
Guided meditations	Insight Timer	A free library of guided meditations.

Library

Bagabook