Student Wellbeing

Student Wellbeing during the Pandemic

At St Raphael's, as you are aware, we are doing as much as we can to ensure your children are learning and staying connected to their teachers and peers. At this time, however, we are aware that children maybe finding this time away from school and their friends very difficult. 

Below are some resources that could be useful for your child/children. 

Other great Ideas to stay connected to family and friends:

• Write a letter to a grandparent, family member, friend or teacher.
• Keep a diary - write down what they have been doing and how they are feeling. This will be  a lovely reflection after this is all over.
• Organise virtual get-togethers on Zoom, Face Time, Video chats. 
• Create a time capsule of things that have happened: newspaper clippings, photos, videos. How amazing would this be to look at in years to come.

We will continue to share resources with parents and students during this pandemic. 

Parent Resources

We are aware that some people in our school community have heightened levels of concern and anxiety regarding the many impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

These thoughts and feelings are normal and understandable.

Most adults and children will be able to manage these feelings through being resilient and practising positive coping skills.

However, some may feel overwhelmed and unable to adequately express their concerns. This may result in escalated levels of distress or worry.

Conversations with children and young people

Families and caregivers of children and young people should discuss news of the virus with those in their care in an open and honest way.

Try to relate the facts without causing alarm, and in a way that is appropriate for their age and temperament.

It is important to listen to any questions they may have, and to let them know that they are safe and that it’s normal to feel concerned.

If the media or the news is getting to be too much for them, encourage them to limit their exposure.

This link has some great information and resources plus some advice from Michael Carr-Gregg who is a leading child psychologist. 

Emerging Minds Podcast

Full of great information and links.

Wellbeing Checklist for Primary: Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

While most children are resilient and seem to be demonstrating a remarkable capacity to manage during this challenging time, others are not faring as well. Some are experiencing a variety of emotions ranging from fear to anxiety, all of which are considered normal or natural responses to the current situation. It’s important for parents/carers to remain vigilant for any signs of unusual distress or behaviour, even if their child may not have any prior history of a mental health disorder.

https://schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-wellbeing-checklist-primary