From the Assistant Principal 

Holiday self-care

I've been wondering lately why we all feel that bit extra tired,  and then it hit me! This term is the longest term we have spent at school since 2019. No wonder everyone is feeling it. I'm not sure why but I felt better recognising that so I hope you do too! Not only that, the hustle-bustle of life returning to 'normal' after 12 months can be overwhelming. If you are feeling like some moments you would secretly prefer to be able to stay home and bake banana bread again and paint rainbows on your driveway, you are not alone. We all experienced the last 12 months in different ways but without doubt, it is a mental shift to readjust to a new normal and sometimes that shift can feel like overload rather than a gentle rock of the boat. An analogy I pondered the other day was that of the first 6-8 weeks of a baby's life after birth, there are many experts that speak about a '4th trimester' as babies continue to grow and adjust to the sensory overload of the outside world. Just like that, our minds and hearts are readjusting to a post-covid life. Be gentle with yourself and allow yourself some space to breathe. 

Over the break (whether for you it is a short or longer one) take some time to think about your self-care and think about modelling that for your family. As parents, we have spent a lot of time over the last 12 months thinking about how we can provide (financially, emotionally, even spiritually) for our families but it is healthy to show our children that we prioritise self-care. 

The amazing experts at Beyond Blue acknowledge that self-care (me time, doing something for yourself) can look vastly differently depending on the individual. They say "for one person, exercise might be their therapy. For another, going for a long run straight after work might be their idea of torture" (I feel very validated by this!) but that importantly "It doesn’t matter what the ‘something’ is, as long as it contributes positively to your wellbeing and helps you reset and recharge...Stick to self-care methods that are genuinely nourishing and relevant to you."

I'm going to try talking to my family about this, what resets and recharges our hearts and minds? How can we prioritise that over the holidays?  

• Exercising more regularly
• Having screen free days (Yes I'll try this too!)
• Mindfulness or yoga
• Hitting up the library or book shops for new inspiration
• Quiet time each day for drawing, reading or colouring
• Sensory walks (if we walk quietly how many sounds can we count? How many colours can we see? How many different shaped leaves?)
• Connecting with friends and family
• Cooking/baking
• Home renovation or gardening projects
• And let's not forget some retail therapy or binge watching....in moderation! 

These are ideas that our family might try because they are a good fit for us. My husband and I try to speak openly with our boys about the importance of every member of the family prioritising their mental health. What would the list look like for your family? 

Return to School Anxiety

As we return from holidays, your child may experience some anxiety after a year of great change. Our Regional Health and Wellbeing Key Contact recently shared these great resources to share with you. 

Relationships Australia Victoria

News | Relationships Australia Victoria (relationshipsvictoria.com.au)

Returning to school after the holidays, or starting school for the first time can be a big change for both kids and parents.

While many children may find it exciting, it’s also not uncommon for children to feel scared or anxious about the transition, particularly in the current COVID-19 context.

The following resources can help you to support your children as they adjust.

Tip sheets

• Starting school, Relationships Australia Victoria
• COVID-19: Supporting children to return to school, Relationships Australia Victoria
• School refusal: children 5-8 years, Raising Children Network
• Tackling back-to-school anxiety, Beyond Blue
• BRAVE – An online program helping children and teenagers to overcome anxiety, University of Queensland

Six books about anxiety that you can read with your children

• The Invisible String, Patrice Karst, Patrice Karst, Joanne Lew-Vriethoff (4-8 years)
• Under the Love Umbrella, Davina Bell, Allison Colpoys (3-7 years)
• Ruby Finds A Worry, Tom Percival (3-6 years)
• The Whatifs, Emily Kilgore (4-6 years)
• It’s OK to Feel the Way You Do, Josh Langley (ages 5+)
• Hey Warrior: A Book for Kids About Anxiety, Karen Young and Norvile Dovidonyte (ages 5+)

Let's Get Neighbourly Maroondah

We are kind. We are resilient. We are respectful.