Dear Families,

Are world events distressing you and/or your child?

(Adapted from MACS Correspondence)

There are global events currently playing out which may be having an impact on the feelings of safety and wellbeing for children and young people in our school communities. When we combine this with the stresses and complex needs of families as a result of the challenges of the COVID 19 pandemic, we know we need to pay particular attention to the mental health of ourselves and our young people.

Constant media coverage through television, radio and the internet, while necessary, exposes children and young people to disasters and traumatic events which may increase their anxiety and reduce their sense of safety and wellbeing. As wellbeing is a high priority at OLHC, I would like to share these resources that may assist you:

Talking to children about natural disasters, traumatic events, or worries about the future – This Emerging Minds video introduces ways for parents and carers to manage media coverage of traumatic events, and talk to their children about their worries and fears
Disaster news, distressing news events and teenagers - This link is to the Raising Children site. This provides guidance in how to support teenagers who are often very smart consumers of social media to make sense of all the media messages they’re exposed to, interpret disaster news and cope with their feelings about it.
Supporting Children through Difficult Times, from Seasons for Growth and The Mackillop Institute
- The Rockhopper Toolkit: Finding your feet during times of change, is a free resource with 3 short video sessions and accompanying discussion prompts for primary aged students.
BE You resources and fact sheets to support educators (and others)
Times Like These: A poster to show some ways adults can support their children who feel affected by big world problems.

I hope these resources assist you in supporting the wellbeing of children and young people in your homes.

Project Compassion

Our School Leaders are visiting classrooms to remind students about our Project Compassion contributions. I encourage you to talk to your child/children about Project Compassion and the importance of us assisting those in need. Click on this link to read about Janice’s story and hear about how Caritas Australia have helped her community here.

Tuck Shop

We know how busy family life can be, so why not take the opportunity to utilise the wonderful service provided by Denise in our Tuck Shop each Wednesday and Friday. You can support our Tuck Shop via convenient online orders, where there are plenty of healthy options with a mix of treats for the odd occasion. Our convenient colour coded menu assists you and your child to make appropriate choices. Students are able to purchase directly from the Tuck Shop on these days, however pre-ordering is encouraged.

Our OLHC Community

It has been a busy week or so at OLHC! We had a wonderful family evening for our Twilight Sports, a purposeful professional learning day for staff, Classroom Helper training, an incursion titled Saving Lil and Archie, a Footsteps Dance session, Open Day, National Day of Action against Bullying, our school financial audit, drum and singing lessons and lots more!

Next week we are looking forward to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Cyber Safety Internet Parent session, Harmony Week and lots of great learning activities for the children. I would like for you to keep the Year 4 students in your prayers as they prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation next week.

Warm regards

Patrick Green

Please see PFOL page for Hot Cross Bun Drive information and order form.

Please refer to our School google calendar for events throughout the year.

Links

Community News

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