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Dear Parents and Carers,
Thank you to everyone for your support during this lockdown. I think we are all working harder than ever and I am mindful of the possible need to take time-out from remote learning if needed. Feel free to let your child’s teacher know your family is taking a break. It can be challenging to get the balance right for our students; for some there is too much work being offered and for others there’s not enough. Just do what is right for your child and your family. We understand.
We all miss our students, especially their energy, humour and joy, and look forward to when we are able to have students return to face-to-face learning at school. I’d love to share a photo of your child learning in their non-school setting. Please send in any photos you’d be happy for me to share on our Facebook page. (I will not use any photos that contain names or other identifying features). These photos can be sent through to me (julie.wiley@cg.catholic.edu.au) and I will organise the rest!
Message from Transport Canberra - School Bus Services
The COVID-19 situation in the ACT continues to evolve with an increasing number of Transport Canberra bus drivers required to comply with ACT Health directions and unable to attend work, and so, dedicated school bus services will not be running during this time.
ThinkUKnow
ThinkUKnow Australia is an evidence-based education program led by the AFP, delivered nationally in partnership with police and industry partners to prevent online child sexual exploitation.
ThinkUKnow incorporates up-to-date research, real case studies and examples from reports made to the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation.
https://www.thinkuknow.org.au/find-advice
North Gungahlin PSSA – For your diaries
North Gungahlin Athletics has been rescheduled for Friday, 22nd October.
Yours sincerely,
Julie Wiley
Principal
Hello STM Parents!
How are you doing? Have you stopped to check in with yourself today?
As if parenting wasn’t challenging enough- the universe has thrown in a pandemic and Covid-19 lock downs! At times like these it’s easy to get stressed and anxious. As parents, it's so important that we manage our own wellbeing so we can avoid parenting from overwhelming fear or stress.
What do Counsellors recommend when it looks like things are going to hell in a handbasket?
We recommend checking in with yourself every morning (and in the evening too).
Acknowledge this is really tough (it is)! We are all feeling a bit wobbly, and some will be feeling really wobbly. Just know that this is ok.
And if you are feeling a bit too stressed….
What have you done in the past that helps when you feel overwhelmed?
Do those things. Schedule in some extra fun, exercise, connection or other healthy stress busters as you need.
Below is a summary of some simple tips for coping with the current Covid situation….
- Ditch unrealistic expectations.
- Allow yourself to grieve the old normal.
- Focus on what you can do (rather than what you can’t).
- Keep a structure/routine in your day as best you can.
- Set a few simple daily goals for yourself and tick them off as you do them. For example- it might be knocking off a few chores or work tasks, going for a walk, cooking a nice meal, calling a friend -just getting a few things done and acknowledging it gives our brain a boost of dopamine- raising our spirits!
- Get good sleep.
- Eat healthily so your immune system is in good shape.
- Stay connected.
- Limit the amount of news you are exposed to (but do keep up to date with reputable Health updates from government health websites).
- Try mindfulness (get present)- this calms the brain and helps you come back to the here and now- rather than worrying about ‘what ifs. For more information see... https://www.smilingmind.com.au/;
https://www.uclahealth.org/marc/mindful-meditations;
https://www.calm.com/
- Look at this as an opportunity to strengthen and sweeten your family relationships.
- Focus on what is in your control i.e., your own health behaviours (follow the health advice).
- Remember our wonderful doctors and health experts are working hard to keep people healthy.
So how do we parent our kids well during tough times? Firstly, by looking after yourself so you are in a good space to care for your children!
For more ideas there are some great parenting and kids’ resources online. Have a look at the resource’s links below…
From ‘Emerging Minds’-Supporting Children’s Mental Health during a Pandemic toolkit.
And a lovely E story book for kids…
https://www.apa.org/pubs/magination/kids-guide-coronavirus-ebook.pdf
If you are concerned about how your child is going you are welcome to make contact in the first instance with your child’s teacher or Mrs Julie Wiley. They can provide some support and guidance and will let you know if School Counselling is recommended for your child. Alternately you can contact me via email at sarah.foley@catholiccare.cg.org.au and I will get in touch. Remember I work at St. Thomas More’s online during the lockdown and am available every Thursday from 8.30a.m.- 4.00 p.m.
Sarah Foley
School Counsellor/Registered Psychologist-Catholiccare.