Assistant Principals' Report

Dealing with Uncertainty

This week in Year 10 and Year 11 DiSCovery, students were given the opportunity to access resources to support them with the current situation and help them deal with problems they may face in the future. 

So much of the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is outside of our control. Our biggest challenge now is dealing with the uncertainty of life as we know it. Everyone needs to give themselves a pat on the back for working through this tough time in both our learning and daily routines.

There is a huge list of things that we can do during this time of social isolation that gives us the control that we crave on a daily basis.

You can stick with the basics:

• waking up at the same time everyday
• eating regular meals
• going to bed at the same time
• doing some form of exercise every morning
• taking an afternoon tea break
• reaching out to a friend each day

You can also choose activities you're interested in or try something new:

• Spend time with your pet or teach them a new trick
• Camp out in your backyard
• Start a nature journal - sketch or paint leaves, fungi or flowers
• Get on your bike or scooter and head out for a family ride
• Plant out the veggie patch with seasonal vegetables
• Learn a new skill. Who in your family can teach you how to knit, sew, bake, garden or build?

At times like this, it can be helpful to remember that there are things you can do to deal with the uncertainty:

• Accept that it's normal to be feeling stressed
• Remember you are not your thoughts
• Practise tolerating uncertainty
• Find ways to talk to others
• If you are feeling overwhelmed, seek support

Visit the Reach Out website if you would like to find out more about how to deal with uncertainty.

How Pets Are Helping Us 

How do pets help us during difficult times?

There is no doubt that pets like our school dogs Bowie and Ziggy (pictured) are living the high life during this time of social isolation. I know that Bowie has the run of our house and is loving all the human interaction he receives on a daily basis.

It is a well-known fact that pets can contribute to a healthy and happy life.

Don’t underestimate the power of the pat

Most of us are in a position where we can maintain relationships and keep up communication digitally, so it may surprise us how much a lack of touch or closeness can alter our mental state.

It is really important to recognise that when we need to feel better, touching a dog, feeling the softness of their fur, and talking to them is really important. I’m not sure how this works with my pet fish, but I do know that they get super excited when I go to feed them.

Responsibility, empathy and a sense of purpose

It is amazing how the experience of a warm snuggle from a larger pet or chirping of a canary can contribute to a sense of purpose and belonging. Most people consider their pet as a family member and will often share stories that express the love and connection that they experience. In many families, feeding the family pet is often one of the big responsibilities that children are given and this builds their ability to take care of something precious.

Exercise and mental health

Exercise is one of the most recognised ways a person can protect their mental health. And certain pets, particularly dogs, a ferret or maybe a cat in a pram, can encourage you to stay on top of your health and fitness, even when abiding by the World Health Organisation's rules for distancing.

Belinda McGee

Assistant Principal