Principal’s Report

HELPING CHILDREN COPE

Resilience in the face of adversity isn’t a fixed personality trait. Resilience is an ability we can help children build. This is an important fact for children who suffer from a serious illness or experience a grievous loss or setback.

Dear Parents and students,

I would like to focus on how to deal with difficult situations in my writing today. As you aware, VCE exams are approaching. The stress levels of our students are increasing, with many students suffering from their accelerating studies. Suffering from stress is normal, however we can control this, by learning management strategies.

What are the best ways that parents can support traumatised children?

• Tell them they are loved and are not alone. Children need to hear this over and over again.
• Show them that they matter. This is the question children ask as they grow up: Do I make a difference to others? Do other people notice me, care about me and rely on me? When young people think that they don’t matter, they’re more likely to engage in self-destructive and antisocial activities, or simply withdraw.
• Companionship. Parents and other adults can make a difference simply by walking alongside troubled children and listening with undivided attention, forming warm relationships, communicating openly and allowing children to talk about their thoughts and fears.
• Discuss coping mechanisms. These can include understanding that:

        -     It’s okay to be sad and take a break from any activity and cry.
        -     It’s okay to be happy and laugh.
        -     It’s okay to be angry and jealous of friends and relatives who are not suffering.
        -     It’s okay to say to anyone that we do not want to talk about it now.
        -     It’s okay to ask for help.

• Establish positive rituals. This could be something like a family dinnertime practice of each person sharing the best and worst moments of the day – the things that made them sad and those that made them grateful.
• Embrace family history. Having a sense of their roots builds children’s sense of mattering, of being connected to something larger than themselves. This includes knowing where their parents and grandparents grew up, what their childhoods were like and how the family fared in good times and bad.
• Keep memories alive. Remembering a loved one who has been lost builds mental health and even physical health over time.

What about school?

Sirius College takes pride in offering our students with a support network. Our school has experienced counsellor to talk with students and teach them how to deal with problems and teach strategies to cope with them. This support is ongoing. In addition, the VCE department is working on the stress levels of students too. We are organising mediation sessions run by professionals, and provide a friendly and stress free VCE study camp outside of school boundaries. I strongly advise that all VCE students attend this camp.

Finally, I would like to thank Ms Anna and Ms Maddy for their hard work on the upcoming musical, Annie Jr. I am proud of the hard work that has gone in to the production. Producing a musical is an excellent opportunity not only for our students, but our community. This extra-curricular production provides an education that utilizes an array of talents. It strengthens commitment while creating lifelong memories. At Sirius College, we value social and cultural activities encouraging our students to partake in a variety of activities, guided by our passionate teachers. Anna and Madeleine have not only met, but exceeded our expectations in preparation for this musical event. They have spent countless hours preparing our students and we are very grateful for their dedication. Not only are our students given this specialised musical theatre education, but they value hard work, integrity and modesty. What a blessing for our kids that they are able to be a part of a fantastic program.

We hope to see you at the show!
Regards,