Return to school
A new normal
It was lovely to welcome Year 11 and 12s back to school today, as we began the staged return to face-to-face schooling. Students started the day with the Connect tutors, and will be working with their teachers to re-adjust to onsite life, including working out where they are in their learning.
We know that our students (and families, and staff) have had a range of responses to remote learning. Some have thrived, some found the adjustment very difficult, many others were somewhere in between. As we adapt to yet another change, we encourage you all to talk through, and accept, your different responses and coping mechanisms, and to continue to demonstrate the kindness, resilience and sense of community that has been so palpable during this time.
We have all experienced something so utterly unprecedented that we are likely to be feeling a mixture of excitement, trepidation and nervous energy around the return to school (perhaps all at the same time). For this reason, it is more important than ever that we look after ourselves, and one another, as we readjust.
Be aware of your emotions
As you return to school, you may feel a range of emotions, including excitement, relief, or worry. You may notice a change in your sleep, mood, interactions with others, or eating habits – these are all normal expressions of worry.
It is really important that you talk to your parents, carers, connect tutor, teachers or a member of the wellbeing team about any concerns you may have and how they can support you. We’re all in this together and we are here to help!
Prepare for changes to school processes
As you know, there have been a few changes at NHS. You will notice markings on the floor and new signage. The best health experts have told us that it is safe for us all to be back at school. We are so excited to see you all, and have put lots of extra measures in place to keep us all safe. Please follow the advice from your teachers, and be aware that this might take a bit of time to get used to – it has been a steep learning curve for us all.
Get back into your regular school-routine
If you’ve taken the remote learning period as an opportunity to sleep in a bit longer, or stay up later, now is the time to get back into your regular routine. Aim for approximately 9 hours sleep each night – this ensures you have enough energy to get through the day, and can improve your mood and general wellbeing.
If you’re not a morning person, have your uniform washed and prepared, your school bag packed and your lunch ready to go the night before to maximise ‘snooze’ time.
Try to have calm evenings on school nights, with at least 20 – 60 minutes screen free time before bed.
Connect with the wellbeing team:
We’ve been working remotely over the last few weeks, but from this week your Student Services Wellbeing Team is back on-site in room M11.
If you are feeling anxious, worried about a friend, need some assistance getting back into your normal learning routine, or would just like to have a chat with someone – your Student Wellbeing Coordinators are here.
You don’t need to make an appointment, just pop into M11 or for parents/carers who would like to discuss connecting your child with support, phone 9488 2321.
Remote learning continues as usual for our Year 7-10 students. Keep up your routines, keep engaging with your teachers and submitting your evidence of learning. We'll be seeing you back here again soon too!
Here are some images of 'Day One'...
