Chaplain Services
Chaplain's Corner
I watched a great little podcast this week comparing our homes to chicken coops. Chickens like to roam, they wander in different directions and peacefully get on with their individual activities when they have that space. But when they need to be kept safe, its back into the coop they go. And in the coop, the reality is there isn’t as much space. They bump into each other more often, feathers get ruffled, it’s hard to find some peaceful space! Sound familiar? Maybe you are noticing in your house there is a bit more ‘bumping’ into each other than usual. Be reassured, you are not alone. We are all in the same boat. Here is a link to an article about a ‘soft and close’ approach with youth to help defuse tensions that you might find are flaring up at home.
https://michellemitchell.org/new-blog/gotostrategy
With things having changed so quickly, the uncertainty and unpredictability can take a toll on our mental and physical health. Managing emotions and supporting each other can be hard at the best of times, so more than ever its important to be kind yourself and seek help if you are struggling. This is a new situation for us all, and there is lots of support out there. I will be regularly updating the Cornerstone Chaplain FB page with resources that you may find helpful. I will also be available in term 2 for phone/zoom appointments and if you or your child would like to make an appointment please email me at odette.blennerhassett@cornerstone.education.
Times like this cause us to dig deeper into our faith, and for some that might be a process that needs some nurturing. Local Busselton churches are adapting and finding ways to connect and encourage people online. Check out these websites if you would like to know more, or to listen to a church service online.
https://www.busseltonbaptist.org.au/
https://cornerstonechurch.asn.au/
http://www.busseltonuniting.org/
Odette
Cornerstone Chaplain
A little bit of wisdom to ponder...
Cornerstone Chaplain
In support of the community, and in particular, at this difficult time in our history, Mrs Blennerhassett has created a Facebook Page which she will use as a means of supporting our families.
The page will be rich with ideas, support links, fun family activities, and opportunities to connect one on one if you prefer.
Visit the page at
https://www.facebook.com/pg/cornerstonebusselton
See you there!
Netiquette for Online Life
Suddenly everything is happening on screens! Shopping, socialising, schooling, work, meetings, church ... many of us are finding our family’s screen use has significantly increased. Here are some timely tips and reminders for on line safety and behaviour.
Don’t post anything online you wouldn’t say to someone’s face. If you wouldn’t do it or say it in real life, don’t do it online. Be particularly careful about posting when you feel emotional – you might write something you will regret. Let the emotions settle or check with someone you trust before posting.
Try to picture what you write or say from the perspective of someone else. Does it make sense? Is it kind, helpful or constructive?
It can be easy to misunderstand conversations or actions online. If you find yourself hurt by something someone has said or written, private message them or arrange a 1-1 video chat to clarify. More often than not it’s a misunderstanding, and clearing things up early prevents any dramas developing.
Protect yourself from bullying. Just like in real life, bullying happens online. If this happens to you, screenshot it and show a trusted adult. They can help you block people or report it if you feel that’s appropriate. The main thing to remember is don’t engage with it, get help and remove it from your life. Cyberbullying is cowardly, and you do not need to put up with it.
If you don’t have safety software on your home wifi, here are some great products to consider :
https://familyinsights.net/ Free 30 day trial. Won’t block your access, but will send an alert to you when inappropriate content has been accessed. This empowers you to then start a conversation with your child around online safety.
https://meetcircle.com/ Recommended by our resident IT guru, Mr. Moorcroft.
https://www.familyzone.com/ph/ Allows you to manage kids devices and screen time, as well as screen content.
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/skills-advice/taming-technology A guide to parental controls
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS: the e-safety commissioner has lots of great information for parents about protecting your kids online. Follow this link if you would like to learn more: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
Some Resource Tools
Mrs Blennerhassett has found some fantastic resources that might be of use to you and your family at this time.
How to talk to your teen about Corona:
How to talk to your child about Corona:
A christian perspective on Corona:
https://www.paultripp.com/wednesdays-word/posts/its-okay-to-fear-coronavirus
Wellbeing Tools for You.
Mrs Posa has put together some tools for Wellbeing and eSafety in this season - and we invite you to look at the resources she has gathered. Thanks Mrs Posa!