Middle Years

This week I asked the myPEC Captains to contribute to this newsletter article and I asked them three questions.

What is your #1 lockdown tip?

“Don’t let the darkness trap you in.” - Amelie Year 8
“Look at the positives: sleep ins, warm lunches, no bus/travel.” - Sacha Year 8
“Keep taking organised notes in class so you can remember what you have learned.” - Abby Year 8
“Set achievable and realistic goals every day. This can be something as simple as going for a walk or spending time outside or even picking up a new hobby like starting a new book or trying a new sport but remember to keep them realistic. This will prevent extra stresses and allow for you to purely enjoy what you are doing.” - Lacey Year 12
“Put in place appropriate goals that build to contribute to a good mindset you can continue each day in order to get the most out of any school work, exercise or family time.” - Nina Year 12

What is the best think about being back at school?

“Best thing about being back at school is seeing friends, laughing and having fun.” - Amelie Year 8
“Being with people and all of my friends in class and at lunch and recess.” - Sacha Year 8
“Having the opportunity to do other activities away from home.” - Abby Year 8
“Being able to experience a form of “normal” in a very unpredictable time. See friends and teachers and being back on campus, it really emphasises how classroom banter and social lunch times can improve your day.” - Lacey Year 12
“To make the most of the limited time left at school with friends and teachers. Creates a sense of gratefulness around the campus from social interactions we do not get in lockdown.” - Nina Yr 12

What does it feel like to be kind?

“Being kind feels warm and fuzzy, being kind boosts you, it gives you energy and lights everyone up inside.” - Amelie Year 8
“You feel emotionally satisfied when you are kind, it also boosts others self esteem as well as yours!” - Sacha Year 8
“Feeling kind makes you feel like you’re not selfish, that you’re a comforting presence.” Abby Year 8
“It not only feels good to be kind to one another but you also learn the true value of the people around you.” - Lacey Year 12
“You feel a glow or feeling of satisfaction that can become an infectious realization that it is easy to be kind around people.” - Nina Year 12

The Anatomy of Kindness

Kindness is simple and powerful. In the context of COVID19 it is important to reconsider what kindness means; and what acts of kindness are. Small gestures and acts of kindness send powerful messages that connect us with others and give meaning to our daily lives. Kindness makes both giver and receiver happier. Kindness comes from a place of compassion; or empathy for others, particularly those who are experiencing difficulties or suffering. An act of kindness increases levels of serotonin (a natural chemical responsible for improving mood) in the brain.Kindness can be taught, and it is a defining aspect of being a good person.

Act #1: Do something kind for someone you love. Kindness is free. Make sure you give generously. Something as simple as washing the dishes can be appreciated.
Act #2: Do something kind that is unexpected. Going out of your way to help someone; this can make an enormous difference to the other person.
Act # 3 Do something positive for someone else. Decide to increase good will in the world by doing something positive for someone else. Try this out for one week. Pick someone you know and try to ‘knock their socks off’ as much as possible. Give them compliments, greet them exuberantly and take time to be with them. You’ll be amazed at how much benefit you get from increasing someone else’s happiness.

“The first important thing you can do with kids is to teach them how to recognise their emotions, be able to name them, and then think of something that they should do to help with that.”

If you missed this article in The Age last Friday, it is well worth reading, as it explains the current COVID fatigue. Chris Cheers is a Melbourne psychologist and the article in the Age on 13th August (Reporter Melissa Cunningham) caught my eye. Link: Notes from a Melbourne psychologist and the power of the 20-second hug (theage.com.au)

Mrs Julia Winter Cooke

Head of Middle Years