Year 8

The countdown was finally over last week! We were very excited to welcome back our Year 8 students to resume on-site learning on Tuesday 9 June. On the whole, the students have experienced a smooth transition back to face-to-face learning. 

The last couple of months have undoubtedly brought challenges, but our ability to problem solve and adapt is a testament to the unwavering support we have received from our teachers and families. Whilst we missed seeing all the students daily, we admired the creative ways they continued to learn, be active, and think positively during the period of remote learning. The best part of our Year 8 community is undeniably the amazing, unique students and staff who shape it and we are very happy to see the smiling faces in the corridors again!

Returning to school and  witnessing students’ warm reunions and watching them settlle back into their routines, reminded us of the importance of courage and kindness. Yes, this new way of learning was met with uncertainty and apprehension; but also innovation, problem solving, help-seeking and adapting/embracing new ways of learning, interacting and engaging. 

Whilst a great number of students are relieved to be back at school, we know that some students may have mixed feelings. Some may have felt anxious or concerned about returning to school spaces or activities; others may have responded positively to our remote learning program and wish it could have continued for a little longer. For a range of different reasons, returning to the physical classroom and schoolyard spaces may present some challenges.

As an additional support measure, parents may wish to access websites that provide insights into positive mental health and ways that we can look after our own health and wellbeing including ReachOut, Headspace and Beyond Blue). SchoolTV also remains a source of information and ideas for families. 

Headspace provides some simple tips that may assist as students feel excited, unsure, relieved, and anxious or a combination of different and varying emotions. Please visit the Headspace website to find out more and to check out the “7 Tips for a Healthy Headspace"

https://headspace.org.au/assets/Uploads/headspace -Fact-Sheet-Coping-with-COVID-19-Stress-v1.pdf

ReachOut also covers a range of topics targeting youth mental health. You can find more information at https://au.reachout.com/collections/coping-duringcoronavirus 

On SchoolTV, the transition back encourages students to focus on the aspects of remote learning that they enjoyed and valued in order for them to remain motivated and ensure their sense of belonging. Find out more at

https://schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-coronavirus-transition-back

By working in partnership, we support our young people to be stronger, grow in self-confidence and make the most of the skills gained during remote learning.

Leah Cristiano

Level Leader: Year 8