Wellbeing & Engagement 

Wellbeing and Engagement

We are all so excited to be preparing for the students to return onsite in the coming weeks. With the Foundation students starting back next Monday and the Level 1 and 2 students starting next Thursday, there is lots to prepare and organise. The teachers are ensuring there will be lots of connection activities for the children back in the classrooms and our Social Worker Natalie Powell is preparing some wonderful wellbeing sessions to minimise anxiety and support our students to transition back to school. These sessions will be run by the teachers in class groups. 

We are aware that some students may be worried about returning to school and there may be some hesitance or separation anxiety. Our Social Worker Natalie has prepared the below information to assist families with the return to school. 

Hi Parents, 

We are so looking forward to seeing all the students back at Rangeview. We are aware that some students might be feeling anxious whilst others just can't wait to return, and some will be feeling a mix of everything in between. Here are some suggestions if you are unsure about how to navigate all the emotions around the return to school. 

Your child might have worries about the virus, restrictions, and the return to school. It is helpful to acknowledge this is has been a difficult time. Also acknowledging that it often feels unsettling when we change routines. So, returning to school after being home for such a long time is a big change for them and for everyone. Talking and listening to them in a way that is sensitive to their needs, you know your child best. Trying not to impose yourself on them but gently start the conversation and let them know that you are there to listen if they want to talk.  

In the days before the return to onsite school we encourage you to support your child to get back into a 'school' night-time sleep routine. Many of us have changed our sleeping habits and bedtimes during lockdown. Sleep is so important for our wellbeing and our ability to learn and interact well with others. Try to help your child build a healthy sleep routine in the days leading up to the return so they can manage all the changes to their daily routine. 

Practising good coping strategies with your children can help them to adjust. Asking them about how they managed returning to school after previous lockdowns, what helped and what didn't help. Maybe you can share a story of a time when you felt anxious and how you managed to get through that situation. Acknowledging that it is normal to feel anxious or unsure. Also being aware that anxious feelings show themselves in many different ways - some children might be more emotional, some angry, some fidgety, some withdrawn. Encouraging them to talk about their feelings is important. They might not want to talk at the 'right time'. Checking in with them and letting them know that they can talk with you at other times is helpful. 

Encouraging your child to focus on what is within their control - packing their own school bag, making their own lunch, using handwashing/sanitizer when they are at school. Letting your child know that the teacher and other staff are all looking out for them, that all the staff want to make sure everyone is safe and comfortable at school. 

It can be so important to help your children to look at the positives. What have they enjoyed about being at home? What are they looking forward to about being back at school? Do they remember what they enjoyed about the previous 'returns to school'? How can they help others to feel comfortable to return to school too?

Making time to 'celebrate' their return. Having a little ritual to acknowledge the return, whether it is having an icypole after the first day of school or going to a playground with some school friends or coming home and having a quiet cuddle on the couch at home after school, letting them know you 'see them' and are with them through all of this.

Please contact the school if you have any other concerns, we are here to support all students and families. 

See the links below for other resources that may be helpful.

Looking forward to seeing you all again, 

Regards,

Natalie Powell

Social Worker

Rangeview Primary School

Links to helpful websites/resources.

Finally, there is a free webinar that is being offered By Five Strengthening Care for Children and Yarra Communities That Care 

'Thriving Kids - Engaging with Sport, the Arts & Community'.

Dr Billy Garvey will be joined by Olympic Gold Medallist, Lucy Stephan, Former Soceroos Captain and A-League Champion, Mark Milligan, and Lawyer, Media Commentator and Activist Nyadol Nyuon, to share stories and practical strategies to inspire and encourage (re)engaging with sporting, artistic and community activities that bring joy. 

This free webinar is suitable for parents and children, and recognises the social connections and self-worth that comes from engaging in joyful pursuits following a period of lost opportunities. The panel will reflect on their own experience of community, overcoming adversity & important adults along their journey to success in the context of child and family wellbeing. 

This free webinar will be held on Thursday October 14th at 7pm and you can register your attendance above or via this link. 

Please reach out to the school if you have any queries or concerns about the return to school, or about your child’s learning or wellbeing. We cannot wait to be back together again.