Middle Years 

Getting the balance right

The current situation is extraordinary and challenging, but it is important that we realise that every cloud has a silver lining. This extended period of home learning will have a profound effect on the way we teach and students learn forever. We need to remember this phase is a marathon, not a sprint. The Victorian Government has given us guidance about how and when to resume normal schooling. This sets our horizon.

We have learnt many new skills. These include using new technology such as Microsoft teams, new skills including participating in a virtual class, following explicit daily work plans and completing online assessments. 

We have learnt how to study from home. This has meant new routines, negotiating with parents and siblings, supporting each other with learning and trying to maintain a social connection with loved ones.

One question that I have become aware of through the media this week is the idea of ‘hitting a wall’. 'Australia's workforce may be about to hit a mental wall' (Article from AFR https://www.afr.com/chanticleer/corporate-australia-is-about-to-hit-a-mental-wall-20200508-p54r39). The adrenaline is coming off and as we slowly get back to normal, we need to find ways to recharge our batteries as we transition back to normal life and school.

I ask how are you and your children recharging your batteries? How have you adjusted to this remote learning period?

I came across the idea of Mental Toughness last year and is a reasonable new idea in Positive Psychology. It combines resilience and confidence. Mental Toughness is about being the best you can be, optimising skills and abilities when under stress.

“Mental Toughness refers to how we deal with difficult situations, handle pressure, perform under stress”.

Please read these 4 core ideas to your sons and daughters.

Control:               Just get on with it approach in a calm and                                        positive way.

Commitment:     Stick ability, this means working hard to                                          deliver on your goals. You need to have high

                              commitment.

Challenge:           Embrace challenge and accept risk.

Confidence:        Belief in your own abilities.

If we adopt the idea of mental toughness in our own lives during this period, I feel we will be stronger and more able to deal with life’s challenges.

Julia Winter Cooke