Learning Hub and Wellbeing Update 

Hub News

We are super excited to have everyone coming back to school tomorrow. We cannot wait to see the students coming through our gates and filling our classrooms and playground with their laughter, learning and happy hearts.

To all of our beautiful parents, grandparents and carers we thank you for your heroic efforts during this latest lockdown. We understand how juggling remote learning during an already stressful time is a tough ‘gig’. 

As we transition, yet again, back to school-based learning it is important to remember that transition times can bring uncertainty for children. There are a number of ways parents and carers can make this transition for their children as smooth and as successful as possible. 

• GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP

Switch off screens, find a calming activity before bed and set a regular bedtime.

It is very common for sleep patterns to change during lockdown. The times children go to bed and get up can be more flexible and there can be rest times integrated into their day. In returning back to school it is important to get sleep patterns back in sync with the school day to improve learning and mental health. Ensure that children are in bed early and get a good night’s sleep tonight so that they are ready and feeling refreshed for their first day back. 

• EAT A NUTRITIOUS BREAKFAST

Wake up a bit earlier to make sure that there’s time to have a healthy breakfast.

Not only do sleep patterns change during lockdown periods, eating habits also change. 

Returning back to school means that flexible eating during the day can no longer happen. It is important that children have a nutritious breakfast for their return to school and a healthy morning tea and lunch in their lunch boxes.

• COPING STRATEGIES

Work together to come up with things they can do to feel better about their worries and remember it’s okay to feel a bit worried. 

Coming back to school after an extended time at home can cause children to feel worried and unsure. It is important to teach children coping strategies to help them transition as best they can. 

Coping strategies are what we use when we are feeling stressed or worried. Some of these include speaking with friends or family, doing regular exercise, meditation and breathing exercises. It’s important to acknowledge that it’s normal to feel anxious about going back to school and help them to choose strategies that work for them. 

Click on the link to check out the book ‘Hey Warrior’ by Karen Young. It is a beautiful story to share with your child to teach them about what is happening in their body when they are feeling anxious and coping strategies to help. 

HEY WARRIOR - Read Aloud

• STAY POSITIVE

Focus on the present, avoid thinking too far ahead and once back at school focus on what went well. 

It’s important to try to stay positive and remember to focus on the good things about returning to school like seeing friends and teachers again. Once back at school, it’s also important to remain positive. At the end of the school day ask questions like:

• What went well today?, 
• ‘What was your favourite moment today?,
• 'What's one thing you learnt today?
• LOOK AFTER YOURSELF TOO

“You can’t pour from an empty cup”

Remote learning can be a very stressful time for parents and carers. Remember to take time out for yourself. In order to help your children feel safe and manage any of their anxieties, it is important that you also remember to take care of your own wellbeing. 

By taking steps to keep yourself well you can be a ‘super spreader’ for positive mental health and support your children to look after themselves too. 

• Take time for yourself
• Share the load
• Find time each day to exercise
• Set a routine
• Find time to switch off
• Stay connected

And remember if you have any questions or concerns make sure you communicate these with your child’s teacher, The Wellbeing Team or Leadership. 

We are more than happy to help.  Take care and stay safe. 

Dimity Hemingway

Learning Diversity Leader

dhemingway@fatimarosebud.catholic.edu.au