Wellbeing Message from our Counsellor

How wonderful it is to see all the smiling faces and excited chatter on our return to school for Term 4. Our second round of Remote Learning has finished and hopefully it is never to return. It was so lovely to hear the positive reflections of students and staff who have expressed to me over the past 5-8 months how much they missed being at school, and missed also the actual contact between staff and students. I believe they now have a refreshed realisation that school is such an important part of all our lives.

Although remote learning had its definite challenges, I am so impressed how our school community approached and adjusted to the new way of learning with such positivity and resilience. We get to start the year again in a manner that we could not be better prepared for, because of the strengths we have now identified that have got us through the unexpected challenges and adjustments we experienced during the remote learning period.

Returning to school after a huge adjustment of COVID-19 and consequent remote learning, some students may find their move back to school a challenge. There are some ideas offered below that may help support your wellbeing as we shift back into full time face-to-face education.

Moving back to school:

• Regularly be informed of what to expect in Term 4. This can be done by reading emails, checking the school newsletters or the online announcements from school. If uncertain of any information, contact the school to clarify and prepare your child with what to expect for their day.
• Some students may need special considerations to familiarise themselves back into school, especially with sensory familiarity and re-experiencing the noise and business of school after being at home for a long time.
• Allow a regathering of skills to work back at school e.g. returning to routines and making plans to regularly get to school on time. • Planning ahead is important. A plan helps with our motivation, e.g. pre-pack school bags, wash and iron uniform, and pre-make lunches all the night before.
• On return to school, it is normal to feel more anxious around work and expectations. Try breaking larger tasks into smaller and achievable ones. This will still help you to work towards the end goal.
• Good communications between teachers, students and parents is important, to help with planning work and any social or emotional overwhelm that may arise.
• Remember we are returning as a community who have been separated for several months. Enjoy reconnecting back with your everyone.
• Be glad we have the chance to be together again.
• Physical activity is not just for health and fitness. Remember, activity helps with mental health, being alert and learning.

After being in isolation, it is more important than ever to be active, as some of us may have had decreased physical activity while being home for long periods.

• Start with smaller and more frequent movement breaks.
• Stretch & breathe.
• On your breaks, try playing physical games and move away from screens. Games can still be played with physical distancing.

Vulnerability:

Some may have experienced difficulties whilst in isolation for personal and emotional reasons. Returning to our school community, may help reach the support that is needed. Consider reaching out for support if you have noticed changes in:

• Attention & concentration
• Agitation
• Sadness or feeling lethargic
• Feeling less sociable
• Not feeling well
• Change in mood: lowered or heightened mood
• Reduced work output
• Feelings of not coping
• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Changes in eating (increased or decreased eating).

I hope this information is helpful and supportive for a fantastic Term 4 and concludes a very memorable 2020 year for all.

I wish you the very best, good health and happiness always.