Two weeks in.... Needing any tips?

After two weeks at school

What a great two week we have had. It was great to see all the smiles coming through the gate in the first couple of days. Children are incredibly resilient human beings. 

We have included the tips we posted in the newsletter two weeks ago. Please don't hesitate to let your child's teacher know if you have any questions or concerns.

A reminder, what do the experts say?

Have a look at the video(link below) from SchoolTV.  Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg is a highly respected child and adolescent psychologist. He has made this Special Report: Coronavirus - The Transition Back with some advice for parents. 

Further tips for returning to school: 

7 tips for parents/carers to help children cope

Adapted from: Parent zone 

After months of remote learning and a range of COVID19 restrictions, children will be returning to school routines, classrooms, classmates, teachers, expectations, and, in some cases, even new school settings. 

Amid the anticipation and excitement many children are feeling, for some leaving the home-learning routine and environment may create anxiety for a range of reasons. This could include the ongoing uncertainty of COVID19; social distancing and hygiene measures in place; family circumstances related to health; grief associated with a recent loss; or economic circumstances. 

To prepare and support the St John Vianney's students’ return to onsite learning and the school/classroom environment, consider the following tips: 

1. Talk to your children about how they feel 

• It is important to encourage children to discuss their feelings about returning to school. The teachers will also have these discussions in the classroom.
• If they feel anxious or worried, help them understand this is perfectly normal, and that you and their teachers are there to support them.
• Although difficult, try not to share any anxiety you may be feeling with your children.
• Bear in mind that your child may be returning to a pre-existing issue from before remote learning – for example, a relationship issue, or difficulty with schoolwork or are anxious to separate from you – or they may be preparing for the transition to secondary school. Try to give them a non-judgemental and supportive place to share any worries.
• Younger children, in particular, may not always have the words to express their feelings, so try to find a way of bringing up the conversation without putting pressure on them – for instance when you’re playing with them or going for a walk. This can help them to open up naturally and identify what they’re worried about.

2. Pack right, pack light

• Andrew has been in touch to let you know what your child should and shouldn’t bring on their return. Eg. bring an individual water bottle, hand sanitiser, etc

3. Support children to understand the school procedures

• Andrew has also been in touch to explain various procedures in place – such as entry points and hand washing routines.
• If you haven’t received this information or are unsure, you should contact the school office or check emails and newsletters.
• It will be important for your child to understand social distancing and hygiene rules and, importantly, why they are in place.
• Read applicable school communications with your child and make sure they are prepared and know what to expect when they arrive at school.

4. Familiarise yourself with school procedures

• You’ll need to know where and when to drop children off and pick them up:
  • DROP OFF: Surnames: A-L 8.30am to 8.40am, Surnames: M-Z 8.40am to 8.50am
  • PICK UP: Surnames: A-L 3.10pm to 3.20pm, Surnames: M-Z 3.20pm to 3.30pm
• Be aware of what parts of the school you can and can't access.
• If your child travels to/from school independently, including on public transport, you should talk to your child about getting to and from school, including observing the directions of Victoria’s Chief Health Officer (ie. social distancing, group gatherings).
• Your child will be expecting you at the end of the day so make sure you, or whoever is collecting them, are there in the right place at the right time.
• If your child travels home independently, make sure you, or another carer, is there to welcome them home and check-in about their day.

5. End of day emotions

• For younger children, in particular, a school day can require a lot of self-regulation or compressed behaviour, which can lead to tired and emotional outbursts later on in the day.
• Given the length of remote learning and new school safety procedures in place, these emotions may be hard to cope with when they return home.
• It is a good idea to keep this in mind and allow some time for ‘letting off steam’ by encouraging children to unwind and play outdoors.

6. Stay informed

• Given the long absence from St John Vianney's, there may be a period of readjustment.
• Discuss and affirm familiar routines and school expectations regarding uniform, attendance, and participation to help your child reconnect with their school community.
• There may be fresh challenges for your child, from working with new classmates and teachers to coping with their work and school expectations / ‘rules’.
• Try to stay informed about how they are getting on – but if you are concerned, contact the school office about speaking to the class teacher.

7. Sleep and rest

• Your children may have been getting used to some unusual hours during the remote learning period and that may have extended into the school holidays.
• Make sure children are getting a good night’s sleep for their return to school.
• It might mean introducing some earlier bedtimes than they have had recently and limiting screen time.
• A good night’s rest will help them cope with the return to school and the new routines they will be adapting to.

Please contact your child's teacher if you have any concerns, worries, or questions about your child returning to the onsite learning next week. 

Rudolf Lameijn (rlameijn@sjvmulgrave.catholic.edu.au)

Wellbeing Leader