Wellbeing

It was so nice to hear the buzz of the corridors and yard with the gradual return of our students. There was of course a sense of anticipation but that soon disappeared. It was heartwarming to watch them reconnect with their peers and teachers. We are very grateful that we are able to come back to finish the school year together.

Our students are to be commended for the resilience they have shown in remote learning and the way they have transitioned back to face to face learning. The wellbeing of our students and staff has been and will remain to be a real focus for us. Each year level had time in their Homerooms upon returning to school to focus on reconnection and an opportunity to deal with any worries associated with returning to school. The Year 7s had a whole day where they engaged in some craft and reflective activities. 

We of course want to acknowledge and congratulate the Year 12s for navigating VCE in these challenging times and wish them the very best for their exam period. We are so proud of you all and everything you have achieved this year. And just remember, a result on an exam does not define you!

We would like to take this opportunity to farewell Ms Madeleine Williams who finishes as our school counsellor this week. We thank Madeleine for her contribution to the Killester community, in particular thank her for the support she has given our students. We wish her and her growing family the very best.

We hope students take this long weekend to recharge and get ready to tackle the rest of Term 4.

SPECIAL REPORT: Managing Overwhelm

Due to the pandemic, the world we now live in is a very different place. The hyperconnected nature of our current environment means that we are constantly being reminded of the challenges we face via numerous media and social media channels. Our connectivity to the digital world exposes us to a barrage of messages that can leave us feeling overwhelmed. As a result, many children and their parents are reporting higher levels of stress and anxiety.

Unfortunately, our brains have not evolved fast enough to adapt to this digital landscape. The combination of constant access to information and having little control over the situations presented, can be stressful and overwhelming. It is therefore important for adult carers to check in with their children and be aware of what information they may have been exposed to. It may not necessarily be the information itself that is harmful, but more their inability to process and make sense of it. Providing children with the skills and strategies to cope will enable them to flourish and thrive, socially, emotionally and academically.

The blueprint for parenting, based on our own experiences, is no longer fit for purpose in raising kids as citizens of tomorrow. This can be inherently stressful and overwhelming, not only for parents and carers, but children alike. If left untreated or unmanaged, constant stress and anxiety can lead to a number of behavioural issues or health consequences.

This Special Report suggests a number of strategies to help manage any feelings of overwhelm that you or your child may be experiencing. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report 

https://killester.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-managing-overwhelm

Emma Neville and Peter Harte

Assistant Principals - Students