From the Principal

Have I mentioned how wonderful the Moama Anglican Grammar community is?

I remember growing up, when things got a bit crazy, my mother saying “the world has gone mad!” With what is currently going on, specifically with our border towns and the restrictions in place, my mother’s words are ringing in my ears!

That Moama Anglican Grammar is a wonderful community of staff, students and families is something that I know I have harped on about in previous Newsletters, but I need to mention it again. The support of each other and the wider community during these challenging times is something that we all should be proud of. The positivity, flexibility and resilience we have all shown during these forever changing times has been quite amazing. Having said that, it has also been an anxious time for many.

Being anxious about some of our experiences in life is perfectly normal. However, prolonged anxiety needs a management plan. Therefore, it is important that we seek help if necessary and arm ourselves with strategies to be able to manage those stressful times. There are a great many resources online with some excellent tips and advice. The Black Dog Institute is one resource that I thought has some particularly good advice and so I have summarised their 10 tips here:

Channel your anxious energy into action: Try your best to focus on what’s under your control. Equip yourself with the facts about COVID-19 from trusted sources. Make sure you have enough breaks from all COVID-19 information so that you can enjoy activities you like doing that involve physical exercise.
Limit or avoid unhelpful media and misinformation: Although it is tempting to read and watch everything out there to stay informed, we need to be mindful of those myths, rumours and misinformation that may increase our anxiety rather than reassure us. Limit our information gathering to those trusted sources.
Cut down or stop the behaviours that are fueling your anxiety: Beware of disproportionate anxiety that can be created by relying on “Dr Google”, for example when exploring how you might be feeling physically at any time. Avoid too many negative conversations with your peers. Instead investigate coping strategies that are informed and help you to feel better.
Stay focused on the here and now, taking each day step by step: Live in the moment and take one day at a time.
Be aware of negative thoughts and don’t give them too much power: Just because we’re thinking something, doesn’t always mean it’s true. When you notice yourself worrying a lot, take a step back, and try to let worries pass by without focusing on them too much.
Look after your body: Eat healthy foods, sleep well and exercise. This can make an enormous difference to your mental health and immune system.
Stay connected with others: Surround yourself with a supportive network of family and friends. They are invaluable for times you need support or to debrief.
Help other people, be kind, and compassionate: When we help other people, it can also make us feel better. We are all experiencing the circumstances of COVID-19 in a variety of ways, so let’s try our best to be kind and compassionate to each other.
Take a breath: When you feel overwhelmed take a few slow, deep breaths to help you calm down. Go for a walk, run or listen to your favourite music.
If you’re feeling like you’re not coping, get professional advice: It is always ok to ask for help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, seek professional support. Most anxiety is temporary and short lived but asking for help gives to an opportunity to get the necessary support you might need at the time you need it.

Meanwhile, we will continue to prioritise providing a safe environment for students and staff here at school, and are carrying out a number of procedures to protect our staff and students.

All staff, children or young people at school experiencing symptoms compatible with coronavirus (for example, fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath) will be isolated in an appropriate space. Students will be supervised and parents/guardians will be contacted to collect their child as soon as possible and requested to seek medical advice. If the parent/guardian is not contactable the emergency contact will be called. It is not appropriate for students to remain at school until the end of the day, or to catch the school bus home. We request that you please check your emergency contact details are up to date.

At the present time the wearing of masks at School is not a requirement for students or teachers. However, we are aware that this is a requirement in some Victorian schools. We understand that some students and staff may wish to wear masks, and we are supportive of individual choice. We suggest that families begin to discuss the likelihood of the wearing of masks, that may be required in the future, with their children.

At the end of last term we had a number of farewells and this term - a welcome. We bid farewell to Libby Barnes, Philip Hickingbotham and Jo Webb who have contributed to the life of Moama Anglican Grammar in ways staff and students have appreciated, benefited from and will not forget. This term we welcome Brett Harris who will be taking the Primary Sports classes. Brett has a wealth of experience working with sporting programs and we look forward to him joining our school community.

Although our Year 12’s have not had the year that was planned, there have been many memorable occasions; and their Year 12 year has certainly been unlike no other! As I reminisce on past graduations (and I include memory photos of our now Alumni from the classes of 2013 and 2019) it is a good opportunity to let you all know that we are working hard behind the scenes to make sure our 2020 Year 12 graduates have the best possible graduation. Turning the 2020 circumstances into a positive and special time for them is our mission.

Take care and stay safe, look after each other and we will continue to do our very best in keeping you informed and creating the best learning environment for your child.

Mrs Kathleen Kemp

Deputy Principal