Mental Health & Wellbeing

2020 will certainly be a year to remember for us all. For Year 7’s a challenging commencement to High School, for Year 12’s, certainly not what they had planned. There is of course no forgetting our year 8, 9, 10 and 11 students, teachers and other staff members and the wider Kildare and regional community. Hopefully 2021 will be a year to remember for very different reasons as we move forward with hope and possibly a new perspective.

In reflecting on the school year as it comes to conclusion, there have certainly been highlights for many amongst the challenges. Many have experienced significant growth, have gained perspective and shown immense gratitude to others. 

For many students, especially Year 12 students, working from home during early stages of COVID was extremely challenging. On their return to the College many verbalised their gratitude to their teachers and others for their support and patience and indicated how thankful they were to be back with their peers and in the classroom again. 

Many of us learned new skills (especially IT skills), spent more time at home and with family, pets, became more diversified, flexible and experienced a growth and resilience. 

At the end of the school year I encourage students to spend time thinking about the following questions: What has worked well? What behaviours would you like to continue with moving into the following year? How will you celebrate the successes of this year, big or small? What changes would you like to make for the following year? Considering these questions at the end of the term / year can be useful while it remains fresh in our minds. Then, enjoy the break, and when ready consider making steps to work toward your focus for 2021. 

I am mindful that this time of year can be a wonderful time to come together, however it can also be a challenging and difficult time for some. I hope this period is a time to reflect on 2020 and enjoy your time, however you spend the festive season.

I am very thankful for the opportunity to have worked with so many lovely students and their families this year as a member of the Wellbeing Team at Kildare and I look forward to 2021.

Rachel Smith | College Counsellor