Wellbeing

Wellbeing in the time of School Shutdown

Student and staff well-being have always been a priority to ensure a nurturing school community at Killester.  Developing good relationships is central and the best way to do this is “connection” – between staff and students to support learning, between students so that they can develop friendships and between staff members so that they can work and support each other to deliver the best education for our students.

So, in late March when the school closure commenced, the concern was “How is Killester going to support the well-being of our students and staff without daily physical connection?”  This is a question raised world-wide, for all workplaces and families.  Luckily,  we have the internet and many social media platforms to stay connected. 

Our Leadership Team put together a range of new ways to connect:

• Leadership Team mentoring groups of staff and connecting with them twice per week via a Google video chat
• Students checking-in with their Homeroom Teachers daily with extended “Chat” times twice per week
• Staff and students were able to connect privately with their Mentor or Homeroom Teacher via a Google Feedback form.

Connection and feedback allowed any worries, anxieties and issues to be addressed in a timely manner.  A different way to support our community but one that proved successful and appreciated by all.

So now, in June, we are all back at Killester.  Life is not completely the same.  In the wider community and globally we have all had to make adjustments and sacrifices.  The lessons we have learnt about the value of “connection” for support and well-being have only been re-affirmed.  All around us, the one statement that has been made about the COVID19 experience is the need to connect and the importance of family and friends.  To see the  smiles on our students' faces upon their return to school gave us all here at Killester such joy.

Wishing all Alumni best wishes and we hope that your experience during this extraordinary time has been peaceful and that you have managed to nurture  your well-being.

Regards

Luana Doko

Welfare Coordinator