Wellbeing

Conversation Menu: Staying motivated during online learning

Even in normal circumstances, our motivation to study might ebb and flow.  But these are not normal circumstances!  The sudden switch to remote and flexible learning means that our patterns have changed and face-to-face interaction with our teachers and peers has stopped.  It can be disruptive and unsettling.  

Our Wellbeing team have created a Conversation Menu that helps you identify why you might be feeling unmotivated and offers strategies to overcome the malaise.  

Services and support for students and their families

To support our school community during this time, resources and support are available for parents, carers and families. These resources will help to support the mental health and wellbeing of our students and the young people in our care during this time.

I encourage everyone in our community to access these resources and take care of themselves during this time.

A Quick Guide to Student Mental Health and Wellbeing resources is available for students, parents and carers looking to access expert guidance and resources to support wellbeing.

Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our students remains our priority this year, especially during the continued COVID-19 pandemic and while students are learning from home during the current circuit breaker restrictions.

For students, the guide includes resources to support their own mental health and wellbeing.

• Advice and resources for students about ways to adapt their learning during COVID-19, to look after themselves and where to get help.
• Wellbeing activities fearing AFL and AFLW players with tips on managing stress, staying active and gratitude.
• Kick it with Victory physical activities with Melbourne Victory Football Club.
• Smiling Mind mindfulness activities for senior secondary school students, including short videos, online tip sheets and meditations
• The guide also includes resources and supports for parents and carers to help them build their child’s physical and mental health and wellbeing. This includes:
• Resources to support children’s physical, mental health and wellbeing
• Eellbeing activities and conversation starters
• Raising Learners podcast series
• how to talk to your child about COVID-19.

Wellbeing guidance for parents and carers is also available on the Department’s website, or through the confidential parent support hotline, Parentline, available 8am to midnight, seven days a week.  Phone: 13 22 89.

Top 3 tips for parents during remote learning

Reference: Dr Justin Coulson from Happy Families

#1

DON'T FREAK OUT ABOUT GETTING IT ALL DONE

If you have little kids, take the pressure right off. The teachers know how to do school by Zoom now, and the kids will follow their lead for the most part. When that doesn't work, don't sweat it. It's not going to help to be mad, stressed, and intense. Instead, help your child find a way to do constructive things that may or may not include schoolwork in a way that reduces stress. Talk with the teacher. Stay chill.

#2

DO THE UNSPECTACULAR BUT IMPORTANT EVERY DAY

Most of the stuff that matters most revolves around routine, predictability, and creating connection and security. You don't look flash when you do this stuff, but it builds the foundation for wellbeing. Help the kids feel close to you and to their friends. Keep them active, follow their curiosity, give them some downtime from screens. Be gentle with them.

#3

KEEP THE NEWS OFF

The heavy dose of anxiety and fear that the news creates isn't going to help your kids. Focus on playing a card game, reading a book, or helping them be engaged in things that spark joy and creativity.

I know it's exhausting. I know you'd like it to end. Stay safe. And hopefully, life will get back to some kind of normal real soon.

Drew Hanna

Student Wellbeing Coordinator