Message to families from Christine

Dear Yarrabah Families,

Currently, worldwide, most students are being educated online remotely. Educators have gone to extraordinary efforts to deliver a systematic approach to ensure that all students are accessing the continuity of their learning and academic development. The commitment of our leaders in Education is to equip the school community with the resources, knowledge and structure to ensure each student is supported. I have noticed that for some parents the information and detailed structure has reduced anxiety and provided a sense of relief, assurance and security. On the other hand, for others it has felt overwhelming, adding more pressure and stress.

We understand that every community, family and student is unique. At this time, some families have more time, where others are scrambling to have any downtime due to their increased workload. As we approach our third week of learning in this context, it is important to process that we are embarking on a new normal. There are some important keys that can assist us in moving through this time.

Acceptance. Over the last few years my daughter has been training to be a life saver. I learnt a powerful lesson from her training with ocean currents. When a swimmer is in a rip-a strong localised and narrow under current of water which moves directly away from the shore which can be hazardous- the swimmer who panics, by fighting the rip, is drained of their physical energy and resourcefulness which can lead to drowning. The swimmer who understands they are in a rip, works with the rip allowing the current to take them beyond it so they can make their way to safer waters.

Acceptance is a critical key in gaining a realistic perspective in order that we can take healthy steps to persevere through the challenges we are facing.

There will be a New Normal.

We will get through it.

Acceptance looks different for everyone. We are all unique, our personalities, our backgrounds and our current circumstances. We need to accept that change is required.

There are 3 questions I ask myself:

What can I let go of that is not essential?

Where can I be more flexible?

What are my non-negotiables?

We need to know our capacities and for many the danger can be comparing our capacities with others and then feel guilty, or not enough, or struggle with something is wrong with me.

It’s important that we know our limits and accept our limits. For example, if the systems and structure of the curriculum work for you that’s great, if they don’t make the adjustments and implement what will work for you.

Self- Awareness is crucial for developing and understanding our capacities. This comes from connecting in with the dashboard of your soul, your feelings and body. Noticing how you are functioning, the level of stress you are operating in and listening to what you need.

Be kind to yourself. For some, postings on social media can increase our sense of not being enough, or leave us with a sense of something is wrong with me. This is not intentional but taps into what some researches reference as our shame quotient. It is revealed in the gnawing sense that I am not enough that I need to do more or be more to be enough or OK.

I will be OK if I had………, if I could obtain………, if I could do or perform …… . This internal dialogue tends to squash creativity and resourcefulness.

To have compassion and kindness to those in our care and community we need to exercise self- compassion and kindness through being self-aware with our capacities and knowing our limits.

This week we have started our online support groups to collaborate our knowledge and skills in assisting one another through this time. Please contact your teacher, Lindy and Kim in Reception, or myself if you would like to join us. My number is 0459 868 745 or email battams.christine.c@edumail.vic.gov.au

The parent groups found the online coffee morning tea a great chance connect in, share their struggles in a safe and affirming and supportive forum. My hope is to build a supportive community for all our families at this time.

Let’s work together with what we can control. Consider these thoughts:

What are the essentials?

What is adding too much pressure and stress for me and my child?

What resources and skills do I have to reduce those pressures?

Who do I need to contact to support me?

What do I need to differently for this time?

Below I have attached important information and supports to assist you.

We are in this together, stay safe,

Kindest regards,

Christine Battams.

Important Information about Coronavirus

This note provides links to selected information, advice and support relating to coronavirus, in English and other languages, provided by the Victorian and Australian Governments, and other sources.

If you Suspect You may have Coronavirus:

Call the dedicated hotline: 1800 675 398 (24 hours).

If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450.

Please use Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.

Information about Coronavirus and How to Prevent its Spread

About the Coronavirus Infection

Including its symptoms, how to reduce its spread, and where to obtain help and hospitals which provide assessment services for anyone who have the virus. Click here, or visit: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorian-public-coronavirus-disease-covid-19

Reducing the Risk of Infection

Click here, or visit: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-transmission-reduction-measures

Restrictions on Movement Outside of the Home to Slow the Spread of Coronavirus

Click here, or visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions-victoria

Videos about Coronavirus and How to Help Prevent its Spread

How Victorians can work together to respond to the coronavirus disease.

Click here, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJU_T9D60xU&feature=youtu.be

Videos presented by SBS on behalf of the Federal Government. Click here, for Part One, and here, for Part Two.

Videos about coronavirus in other languages are available: Click here, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/user/healthgovau/search?query=%22information+from+SBS%22

Support for Specific Issues and Segments of the Community

People with a Disability and their Carers

Medical advice, further support, and tips for keeping healthy for carers.

Click here, or visit: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/people-disability-and-carers-home-isolation-coronavirus

Carers Advisory Line on 1800 514 845 (Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm) Click here, or visit: https://www.carersvictoria.org.au/

Phone NDIA on 1800 800 110 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm) to request a plan review. Click here, or visit: https://www.ndis.gov.au/contact

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities

Physical distancing, access to food and essential supplies, and other advice, emphasising cultural respect. Click here, or visit: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-information-aboriginal-communities

Parents

Play, Health and Learning at Home - About play, learning, safety and health, for infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers and school-age children, as well as services for parents.

Click here, or visit: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/Pages/default.aspx

Fun activities for parents and children at home

Click here, or visit: https://newywithkids.com.au/family-fun-social-distancing-coronavirus/

Learning from Home for Children

Learning resources for children during school closures. Click here, or visit: https://www.education.com/resources/

Advice about learning from home, in community languages: Click here, or visit: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/learning/Pages/home-learning-translated-advice.aspx

Services for Parents

Victorian Government services for infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers and school-age children.

Click here, or visit: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/services-for-parents/Pages/default.aspx</

ANZAC Reflection

Dear Yarrabah Families,

Last weekend we reflected on the qualities of past generations of Australians who in hardship displayed courage, resourcefulness, fidelity, valor, endurance and comradeship.

The, young men of Gallipoli were the first ANZAC's, ordinary Australians, doing their best in a war of intense ferocity. Nearly 8,000 Australians were killed and 78,000 were wounded. The disastrous campaign came to symbolize the Australian and New Zealand soldier’s spirit of determination, courage, self- sacrifice, discipline, friendship, humor and exceptional valor in battle.

The values of courage, resourcefulness, self-sacrifice, dedication and endurance are being tested in us as we navigate through COVID-19. While there is no comparison to the Great War and the Battle of Gallipoli, we reflect on the legacy of The ANZAC’s in a time where all Australians are needing to make sacrifices that have been placed on them due to the current challenging pandemic.

It has been an honour to work with the Leadership and Staff at Yarrabah who have dedicated themselves to its students and families. The extraordinary courage, dedication, self-sacrifice, and resourcefulness and endurance of the staff and parents has revealed the heart of the ANZAC spirit. I am so proud of our community forging through this time together.

Christine Battams

Learning for Life

Yarrabah School Leaders