Wellbeing MATTERS!

Dear Families,

Week 4 finds us well into our ‘Remote Learning’ journey! A journey that has at times been fun, different, challenging, overwhelming, rich, relaxing, tense…..so many words to describe our current circumstances - I’m sure you could add to the list.

In all of this time spent at home be sure to remember your wellbeing as the Parent. Your health and wellbeing is as important as, is the members of your family. All our Parents at Sacred Heart are doing a fantastic job, many of you juggling home learning and working from home yourselves. Some days are going to be harder than others, remember to be kind to yourselves! It does not matter if on some days not all learning tasks are completed, it is ok to put the ipad away and go outside for a walk!

I came across this insightful piece of writing and wanted to share it with you….

COVID-19 Kids –what if?

When people say kids are going to be ‘behind’ I say, behind what??

Not each other - they’re all in the same boat.

Only ‘behind’ the age expectations of a curriculum that currently has limited context due to these extraordinary circumstances.

In front on so many other, more important, fronts.

What if instead of “behind” this group of kids is advanced because of this.

What if they have more empathy, they enjoy family connection, they can be more creative and entertain themselves, they love to read, they love to express themselves in writing.

What if they enjoy the simple things, like their own backyard and sitting near a window in the quiet?

What if they notice the birds and the dates the different flowers emerge, and the calming renewal of a gentle rain shower?

What if this generation is the one to learn to cook, organise their space, do their laundry, and keep a well-run home?

What if they learn to stretch a dollar and to live with less?

What if they learn to plan shopping trips and meals at home?

What if they learn the value of eating together as a family and finding the good to share in the small delights of the everyday?

What if they are the ones to place great value on our teachers and educational professionals, librarians, public servants and the previously invisible essential support workers like truck drivers, grocers, cashiers, custodians, logistics, and health care workers and their supporting staff, just to name a few of the millions taking care of us right now while we are sheltered at home?

What if among these children, a great leader emerges who had the benefit of a slower pace and a simpler life, who has a fine sense of empathy and care and concern for fellow humans.

What if he or she truly learns what really matters in all this…

author unknown

As a clear reminder that our current situation is not forever I invite families and students to share “WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO WHEN OUR WORLD GETS BACK ON TRACK?” You can draw, write or both to tell what you’re most looking forward to. Please reply through google classroom to your class teacher. I will share your responses in our next newsletter.

I continue to extend my deepest well wishes to you all at this time. I am contactable via email and will be looking at other ways I might be able to support your child(ren) or family during this time.

Time at home … time for calmness and time for connection, time for happiness and love, time to count our blessings.

Debbie Turvey

Pastoral Wellbeing & Learning Diversity Leader

dturvey@shtatura.catholic.edu.au

Stay tuned in our school newsletter for more ideas and conversations around promoting wellbeing and learning in our school community.

Have a great week, make the choice, be your best!