Wellbeing MATTERS!

Dear Families,

Humour is an essential coping tool for surviving tough times. Shared laughter gives us strength in adversity and can help us feel a bit more in control when the future looks uncertain. And laughter literally makes us stronger. Recent studies have found that a good laugh can boost our dopamine levels and even shore up our immune systems. So while funny jokes — even coronavirus and quarantine jokes — might feel gratuitous in the face of today’s world, they can actually do a lot of good.

While we obviously need to continue to take COVID-19 very seriously, and follow the recommendations from the Government, it’s okay to find humour in all of it. A well-timed pandemic joke can help us make sense of the traumatic year we’re navigating. Living through a global pandemic, scary as it is, is also ripe with joke material. From convos with pets to lock down spins on the classic knock-knocks, here are some of the funniest quarantine, COVID-19, pandemic, and virus jokes on the internet - well maybe…...

FUNNIES

Why did the chicken cross the road?

Because the chicken behind it didn’t know how to socially distance properly.

Who’s idea was it to sing “Happy Birthday” while washing your hands?

Now every time I go to the bathroom, my kids expect me to walk out with a cake.

My husband purchased a world map and then gave me a dart and said, “Throw this and wherever it lands—that’s where I’m taking you when this pandemic ends.”

Turns out, we’re spending two weeks behind the fridge.

Ran out of toilet paper and started using lettuce leaves. Today was just the tip of the iceberg, tomorrow romaines to be seen.

My mum always told me I wouldn’t accomplish anything by lying in bed all day. But look at me now, ma! I’m saving the world!

This morning I saw a neighbour talking to her cat. It was obvious she thought her cat understood her. I came into my house, told my dog–we laughed a lot.

ENOUGH! Have you got a lockdown joke? Email me…..

Keeping connected to family, extended families and friends is also vital for our continued mental health and wellbeing. Given the lockdown we need to look harder and make a bit more of an effort to connect to those around us! Facetime, Skype, Webex, Zoom, or a phone call can all be used to make the connection! Our children love to draw and write - why not have them share some with a family member or neighbour? This is sure to bring a smile to faces or perhaps you could record a song or a dance or maybe both to share! Doesn’t have to be elaborate, just connect!

Week 8 and we’re right back into the ‘Home Learning’ gig. Most of you will be juggling your own work as well as your child’s or children’s learning - not an easy job. Be kind to yourselves and your child(ren). It’s ok to just do what works for your family, sometimes we all need to just take a deep breath and take a break. Don’t forgot things like cooking; building with lego; watch a documentary; dance; sing; paint; observe bugs or birds; go for a walk or ride; play board games; meditate; sew a teddy or toy; knit/crochet; listen to a book or music; the list is endless and all are valid things to do alongside some or all of the work your teacher has set or instead of depending on the day, the time, the situation.

Here’s some information on “How to handle tears and frustration in home learning” - click the picture below:

Be positive! Be safe! Be kind! Be happy! Enjoy your family time!

Please feel free to contact me if you have any concerns or queries.

Debbie Turvey

Pastoral Wellbeing & Learning Diversity Leader

dturvey@shtatura.catholic.edu.au

(03) 5824 1841

Stay tuned in our school newsletter for more ideas and conversations around promoting wellbeing and learning in our school community.

Have a great week, make the choice, be your best!