Year 11 Pastoral Guardian
As our students navigate the weeks ahead, it is essential for your daughters to maintain their personal health and wellbeing. Keep in mind the principles of Positive Psychology offer a solid framework for flourishing by feeling good, finding flow, making authentic connections, purposeful existence, and a sense of accomplishment. Now is the time to actively seek opportunities to foster and nourish wellbeing; allow your daughter to take ownership, and ensure she checks in on the wellbeing of those around her.
INSPIRE
Relaxation: It has been a hectic term - try to manage the stress that has come along with the beginning of Year 11. Get plenty of sleep over the break, think positively, and have a stress outlet. Engage in relaxation techniques like meditation, thinking positively, visualisation, or simply playing with a stress ball. “Make time and take time to connect.” (Kerrie Tuite: 2020) Most importantly, urge your daughter to talk to someone; this can reduce stress.
Cooking: New and old recipes, and plan dinner menus. Challenge your her to create, by only using what’s left in the pantry.
Games: Scrummage through the cupboard - dust off the old board games, puzzles, and packs of cards. Just enjoy being together in the moment.
Fitness: Create a routine, going for a walk, going for a run, or walking the dog; maybe walking someone else’s dog as an ‘act of kindness’; serving others and contributing to something much greater than themselves. Of course, there are many fitness websites and online apps your daughter can access to help find a routine with yoga, fitness, mindfulness, and mediation. Remember, exercise "decreases stress and anxiety." (Becky Hill, 2020)
Creating: Creative activities encourage problem-solving; remember, the skills your child develops during these kinds of activities are building blocks for creative thinking and general self-confidence. Your daughters may just find a hobby for life.
Reading: Reading is a great way to relax over the holidays. The skill not only helps to build your daughter’s vocabulary and her comprehension; it also gives her greater communication skills - and something to make small talk about during those particularly long days. Ensure to investigate opportunities to borrow resources. https://www.mta-icentre.mta.qld.edu.au/
Listen to Music: Music is a splendid thing. It can cheer you up when you're sad, make you dance, and allow you to escape out the world when you need to.
Family Movie Night: Viewing a movie can be a good distraction and a way to release stress; it’s something fun to do together. Encourage your daughter to organise a family movie night, including popcorn, choc tops, and maltesers … whatever is in the pantry. Escaping together will provide opportunities for a deeper connection.
Remind your daughters to remain connected with the College. Reflecting over the term your daughters has begun to identify their strengths and weaknesses in subjects and identify study techniques that work for them. Encourage them to reflect and set goals for next term.
Enjoy some photos from earlier in Term 1.
It has been a privilege to be charged with supporting your daughter pastorally; I look forward to preparing for our journey ahead in partnership with you. Please remember to keep in touch. pipeb@staff.mta.qld.edu.au
So, as we approach Easter, may God bless you and keep your family safe.
Bridget Piper
