Newsletter #25 August 25
Principal's News
Dear St Paul's families,
Once again, our resilience has been tested. Each time we go into lockdown, our enthusiasm and optimism lessens and we are challenged. But, there is always hope. I read a statement the other day that resonates strongly with me and I would like to share it with you.
The online learning platform has a strong academic focus; however, I do not want you to forget the wellbeing focus for your family. Yes, the country is in crisis at the moment with these lockdowns. We are all stressed and tired. Stressed adults cannot teach stressed children. It is a neuro-biological impossibility. Focus on connections and feelings of safety.
Sometimes you need to take a break and remember to breathe. If we want our children to be resilient, then we need to model resilience for them. Here are some simple strategies for you to try at home. I will add more in next week’s newsletter.
Establish a routine- even though children argue about routines, they make them feel safe. Stick to a plan and follow it. Don’t give up after the first two attempts. Children are very good at identifying their parents’ weakness and exploiting them.
Board games (good for impulse control (taking turns), planning, working memory, and mental flexibility (the ability to shift thoughts to an alternative, better pattern of thought if the situation requires);
Games that involve memory (e.g., the shopping game – ‘I went shopping and I bought a [puppy]’; the next person says, ‘I went shopping and I bought a [puppy and a bike for my t-rex]’; next person … ‘I went shopping and I bought [a puppy, a bike for my t-rex and a hot air balloon] – the winner is the last one standing who doesn’t forget something on the shopping list.
Encourage a regular mindfulness practice- Mindfulness creates structural and functional changes in the brain that support a healthy response to stress.
Play/Exercise- let them get outside and have play breaks- join in with them if you can.
There have been quite a few updates this week regarding online learning and the new government regulations. Please check the daily messages regularly as this will be our main form of communication as new information is made available. The children have the opportunity to connect with each other and their teachers via the Google meets timetable.
Thank you for being patient as our online learning platform went live yesterday. Like anything, there will always be teething problems at the beginning. Thank you to those parents for ensuring your authorised worker permits have been submitted. We are following strict government guidelines at the moment regarding these permits.
For the children who are onsite at St Paul's, our expectations have not changed. Please discuss with your children the importance of following our norms. The children are encouraged to be safe, be respectful and be their best. If at any stage their behaviour is unacceptable, during the remote learning period, you will be contacted and this may result them in not attending the following day. I have an obligation and duty of care to ensure that everyone is safe when onsite, students and staff.
If you have any concerns or questions please don't hesitate to contact us for assistance.
I would like to leave you with this to reflect on as we continue on this path of uncertainty.
Be with me Lord.
Be the patience when I'm frustrated.
Be the endurance when I am tired.
Be the wisdom when I am uncertain.
Be the inspiration when I'm out of ideas.
Be the peacemaker when I feel hurt.
Be the comforter when I feel overwhelmed.
Be the energy when I am weary.
Be the guide when I am confused.
Be the forgiver when I get it wrong.
Be with me Lord, today.
Keep the Faith!
Vince Muscatello
Wellbeing News
During remote learning, students can be impacted in many different ways. Lucky for us all, staff throughout the Ballarat Diocese have created a number of documents which can help your child through this difficult time. This weeks focus is Kindness. These simple and quick activities can be completed at home or at school.