July 2021

Welcome back to Semester 2.

I hope that you and your families are all well after the recent lock down.

Once again I wish to thank all of our families for the enormous support they have provided their students in accessing the online learning.

I would also like to pay tribute to our teaching and education support staff. The sustained effort that they have put in over the last year has been monumental. I know that the thing that gives them the greatest reward is when students complete learning interactions that they have prepared. It makes their work worthwhile. I would really like to encourage students and families to encourage each other to keep at it over the next few weeks to complete all that has been set.

I have written to families many times over the last few months as the College has managed the difficult task of providing support to students and families, both in their learning as well as their wellbeing. Given this I am determined in this first part of this newsletter to write on other issues apart from the pandemic.

While we are only at the end of July, it is important for our Year 12 students to be aware that they have only approximately twelve weeks of classes left. These weeks are ALL very important and students need to make the very best use of this time to put themselves in the best position for their exam and consequently for their future pathways.

For those in Years 9 to 11, the next month will provide you with the opportunity for course counselling and information sessions to occur, which I know will provide students and families with the knowledge to select appropriate subjects and pathways for 2022. For those needing some extra professional advice, please take advantage of the expertise that the college has to offer by simply contacting us and we will direct your need to the appropriate person.

End of semester reports have been made available to parents, carers and to students via COMPASS. It is important to discuss the report with your children and to have them develop goals and aims associated with their performance. If you require any assistance in accessing your account please contact the college.

I wish you all a very productive and safe semester.

John Mitsinikos

College Principal

Talking to your child about COVID-19

How to have a safe and reassuring conversation with your child plus links to helpful resources.

Don’t be afraid to discuss COVID-19 with your children

Most children will have already heard about coronavirus. Parents and carers should take the opportunity to talk to them about the current situation.

Honest and regular communication is key. Not talking about something can make children worry more.

Children often rely on their friends and social media for the news. Parents and carers can help by positioning themselves as a trusted source for information and as a person who can help children with their questions.

Adapt information based on your child’s age

Try to remain calm and positive when talking to your child.

Think about your child’s age. Offer information using language and examples they’ll understand.

It’s okay if you can’t answer everything – and to say you’re not sure. Use this as an opportunity to find out information together. Being available to your child is what matters.

Be careful not to share too much information all at once, as this may be overwhelming.

Avoid talking in a way that could make your child feel more worried.

Be guided by your child

Ask your child to tell you anything they may have heard about COVID-19, and how they feel about this situation.

Check in with your child often. Give them opportunities to ask you questions over the coming weeks and months.

Some children will worry more about others than themselves. Find ways for them to connect with family and friends as much as possible using technology.

Be reassuring. Tell children that the changes in their life have been introduced to make us all safer. Tell them that eventually, things will go back to normal.

Be aware of the language you use with your child while you're around them. Remember that children will be listening to adult conversations more than usual.

Don’t dismiss your child’s fears. It's understandable for them to be concerned because they have probably never experienced anything like this before.

Tell your child that doctors and scientists all around the world are working really hard to learn more about COVID-19 and to keep us safe.

Focus on what you're doing to stay safe

Give them some control over what is happening. Teach the importance of physical distancing, hand washing and how to do these things properly. Remind them of their responsibility to protect others from coughs and sneezing.

Remind them to call Police if they or their family are unsafe.

Stick to a routine

Over the school holidays, structured days with regular mealtimes and bedtimes are still an important part of keeping children happy and healthy.

Where you can, have a daily routine. Create a shared timetable with your family and put it up on the fridge where everyone can see.

If possible, find a time every day to talk about the importance of good hygiene. Teach them the essentials of practicing physical distancing.

Include things like outside time, play time, free time on technology, creative time, and learning time.

It is okay to be flexible and respond to the needs and emotional state of your child.

Keep talking

Find out what your child already knows or is worried about. It’s important to find out if they have heard incorrect information.

Ask questions that don’t have yes or no answers.

If your child asks you something and you don’t know the answer, say so. Use the question as a chance to find out together.

If your children don’t seem interested or don’t ask a lot of questions, that’s okay.

Let them know that we're all going to keep listening and talking.

Close conversation with care

It’s important not to leave children feeling worried after a conversation.

When you wrap up your conversations, look for signs they're feeling anxious. This might be a change in their tone of voice, their breathing or body language.

Comfort them if they feel this way.

Things to look out for in your children

It is normal for children and young people to show signs of distress. Common reactions include:

fear and anxiety
anger and frustration
confusion
sadness
denial

Remember to look after yourself

This situation can be stressful – regardless of your age. To look after the people you love, you also need to look after yourself.

If you notice that you're feeling anxious, take some time to calm down before having a conversation or answering your child’s questions.

If you're feeling worried, tell your child that you will find some information and talk to them soon.

The following resources are also available to support your mental health and wellbeing:

Additional resources

For parents

For children and young people

Health and Physical Education