At the start of the year, no one could have predicted how 2020 was going to unfold, with the disruption, disappointment and despair that students, parents and teachers have experienced. Coronavirus has turned everyone's life upside down, and we are all trying to navigate a new reality of home learning, curfews, masks, no sport for kids and families being together at home for extended periods.

All this change and disruption can cause anxiety and depression for young people. Children often take their lead from the adults around them. If adults are stressed, then the children around them may be too.

Adults can reduce stress in children by finding out what they know about the virus and what is happening in the community, find out what they need to feel safe and focus on what the children can control. They can wear a mask, practise social distancing, wash their hands regularly and cover their nose and mouth if they are going to sneeze or cough.

Adults tending to the wellbeing of children first have to look after themselves. It is like what they say in an aeroplane if there is an emergency. Put your oxygen mask on first and then help the child with theirs.

There are things that we can all do to help our wellbeing, do things that we enjoy and help us relax, keep in touch with friends and neighbours, exercise, try and have people around us with a positive outlook.

We need to be careful not to overshare with children around employment and finances, and as adults, we need to set the scene for our children. We need to be alert but not alarmed, assuring children that we are taking the lockdown seriously but not panicking. Tell the children we have been through one lockdown already so we know that we can get through this one.

Listen to children's questions, assure them that they are safe and acknowledge how they are feeling. In a lot of homes, emotions are running high, try not to sweat the small stuff, establish and enforce rules relating to safety and wellbeing. Try and make sure that all interactions at home are calm and respectful. Children love routine, so try and keep to a regular timetable at home, this helps create a sense of predictability which helps children feel safe and secure.

Prep enrolments for 2021 are open! If you have a child or know of someone with a school-aged child who would like to attend our school, please email me at principal@hfdoveton.catholic.edu.au

Steve Twomey

Principal

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