COVID-19 NMPS current advice as of 24 March 2020

Hi to all families

As you have all headed early into the term break in this unprecedented time we wanted to give you some advice and resources to help with the term break, the changing education landscape and the wellbeing of your whole family.

Holidays

Although these school holidays are very different from what we have previously known we still want our students to enjoy their two weeks away from school, the children deserve their break after a very busy Term 1.

We also ask that parents and/or students do not contact teachers about schoolwork and learning as it is holidays for students.

Some holiday tips:

Maintain a routine
Keep active/Exercise
Do some meditation/mindfulness
Have creative time (art, craft, lego, playdough)
Read (by yourselves, to each other, over face time to family and friends)
Encourage your child to call their friends
Have ‘virtual parties’
Write letters/emails
Enjoy the time you have together but also give each other space when needed
Utilise technology and screen time where needed

Wellbeing Resources

During this unprecedented time, it is inevitable that children will invariably ask questions, express their frustrations and seek reassurance. Their worries or concerns may manifest in many different ways – which can be confusing to not only them but also those around them. As a parent or carer, this may also be overwhelming. We live in a time that we have access to updates in the world at our fingertips, this, as you are aware, can be incredibly helpful in staying abreast of our current climate, but can also be detrimental and has its time and place. Please be vigilant in not allowing the increasing worries of the world to unnecessarily burden your home and impact on your family.

The links that have been included provided some great options for talking with your children, in an open and honest age-appropriate way. In addition, if your child is better placed to speak with external support themselves either via phone or online both KidsHelpline and Headspace offer age-appropriate counseling and support across all platforms. The staff within these agencies are highly trained and ready to provide your children with excellent emotional support for a myriad of matters, not just Covid-19.

If you as an adult also would like to speak with someone during these times, we encourage you to contact Lifeline – where once again they will be able to guide you through your concerns at this time. This link is also included.

https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/a-z-health-reference/coronavirus-and-children-in-australia

https://schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-coronavirus

https://kidshelpline.com.au

https://headspace.org.au/young-people/how-to-cope-with-stress-related-to-covid-19/

https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/topics/mental-health-and-wellbeing-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak

Communication with School

We understand that as a parent/carer you may also be anxious or have many questions regarding the recommencement of school and learning for Term 2. Rest assured when information from the Department of Education and Training comes to light this will be disseminated to you, in light of this we ask that you DO NOT contact your child’s class teacher to seek out more information around this situation over their holiday break. The teaching team at NMPS is working very hard to ensure that your child’s education needs will be met across any format necessary.

Sally Karlovic

Principal

Naylor.Sally.S@edumail.vic.gov.au

Sarah Nightingale

Assistant Principal – Teaching & Learning

Nightingale.Sarah.S@edumail.vic.gov.au

Anna-Marie Low

Assistant Principal – Wellbeing

Low.Anna-Marie.A@edumail.vic.gov.au

Zoe Bourdon

Social Worker

Bourdon.Zoe.J@edumail.vic.gov.au

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