Something new from our Pope…

Pope Francis has declared World Grandparents’ Day 25th July to coincide with the Feast Day of Sts Joachim and Anne. Joachim and Anne were Mary’s Mum and Dad and would have played a big part in the life of Jesus. They would have helped teach him, looked after him and played with Him. The students will be doing something special in their Remote Learning to commemorate this.

From the Principal...

Well the world has changed again very quickly since the last newsletter I wrote! I sincerely thank you all for the wonderful job you have done assisting us to transition our children into Remote Learning again. It is clear to see from our end that you have established routines at home for accessing learning and I appreciate your efforts. It very much supports the work of our staff.

All the teachers have been very busy! I know you don’t see them but rest assured that they are working very hard to make this experience the best it can be. You will have seen a change from last week’s initial learning because teachers continually refine what they are doing and I see them actively seeking feedback from the students to make sure the learning is accessible. We have begun online interventions for many students and staff are assigned to assist with ensuring all students have access to learning at their level on the Google Classroom platforms as well. Your feedback is also very helpful. As I write, staff have already made in excess of 130 telephone calls to check in with how you and your family are going with this and what you tell them assists us greatly. Generally, we are hearing that students are adapting to Remote Learning more quickly that they did last year and so far you are happy with the levels of support.

As I mentioned earlier the routines you establish are very important. Structures and habits are very comforting when there has been an upheaval, so encouraging independence in your children setting up and keeping tidy a home workspace is useful. It gives them some control and power over their learning when all can seem out of control at the moment. Timing can also be useful – start and finish times, times for breaks etc also help set up a rhythm to the day. It may also help you manage multiple things at home if they are less dependent on you.

We are continuing to explore ways we can stay connected as a community so we will keep you posted on that. We are very much missing everybody! A number of classes have had some time on Zoom which has been a lot of fun!

Stay safe and please keep letting us know how we can support you.

God Bless,

Michelle Rolfe

Principal

As Mrs Rolfe mentioned in last term’s newsletter the PB4L Committee are looking to enhance the House System in our school. We are hoping to incorporate as many aspects of school life as possible as well as sport. We would like you to have a chat as a family about new names for house colours. The current names  - Rafter, Waugh, Sauvage and Freeman are named for wonderful sports people. We’d like to look at something that will reflect more broadly the nature of the houses.

Next week classroom teachers will share a GoogleForm with students asking for their input and suggestions regarding new names. Staff will look at the names that are sent in and will compile a short list which we will send home to you so you can vote for your favourite ones. Please note that students who complete the GoogleForm will be compiled into a list and when school commences these students will earn a sticker for their sticker book. 

Social and Emotional Learning 

During remote learning students may experience high levels of stress due to the changes that are happening around them.

They are separated from friends, others may be worried about getting sick.  

Over the next two weeks staff will be adding various social and emotional activities that students can take part in whilst engaging in remote learning. These social and emotional activities help students understand their emotions, manage their emotions, maintain positive relationships and make responsible decisions.

As I mentioned previously some students have experienced mindful activities through Smiling Mind, gratitude circles, mindful colouring and creating zentangles. One strategy that I have shared previously is mindful breathing. Mindful breathing is for students to focus their attention on their breathing. Students can do this while standing, but ideally sitting or even lying in a comfortable position. Their eyes may be open or closed. Students begin by taking an exaggerated breath: a deep inhale through their nostrils (3 seconds), hold their breath (2 seconds), and a long exhale through their mouth (4 seconds). Otherwise, observe each breath without trying to adjust it, it may help to focus on the rise and fall of your hands on your chest.

Some ways students may also engage in mindful breathing is using a chime or bell. During this time students are encouraged to focus on their breathing and repeat the word ‘Maranatha’ meaning ‘Come Lord Jesus’. This is a form of Christian Meditation. Students have also been using a strategy called the ‘Lazy 8’, ‘Star Breathing’ or tracing your finger using your hand.

Wonder Bread

Competition

During Term 2 students and teachers were extremely busy collecting recycled bread bags and bread tags. All bread bags and tags have been sent to Wonder Recycling for their final weigh in. We can’t wait to share this with you all over the coming weeks. All collected plastic will be used to create wonderful things like play equipment. 

Unfortunately we did not win the five exercise circuits made from the recycled plastic, however we will still be receiving sports equipment based on the weight of bread bags that were returned. We look forward to sharing this with students when they return to school.

Thank you for all your support regarding the Wonder Competition and all matters related to PB4L.

Regards, 

Miss Alana Stroligo

Coronavirus: Reassuring your child about the unknown

It’s not just grown-ups worrying about the Coronavirus and the changes happening day by day. As parents it is important we listen to the questions coming from our children and that we offer clear and honest answers. It’s also OK to admit we don’t know the answers.  Much better to do that, than pretend we know the right response.

Remember, our children will be picking up information from their peers, the media, and what they are observing in the streets and shops. It is our roles as parents to make sure we don’t unnecessarily add to their anxiety and tailor information to their age and developmental stage so we can be sure they have understood.

Guidelines for talking to children about Coronavirus

• Speak to them calmly and openly. Try not to wrap them up in cotton wool but at the same time choose your words carefully. Saying that it is a ‘pandemic never seen before in our lifetimes’ does not help to calm your child.
• Encourage them to ask questions.
• Ask them to share with you what they know and what they are worried about. Agree with them if you have the same concerns but also offer reassurance and set up a plan to help deal or cope with that worry.
• Reassure them it’s normal to be worried about the coronavirus and that most people feel a little concerned.
• Provide reassurance that as young people, they are relatively safe. The (current) data suggests that young people have a lower risk of catching the virus, and if they do, they are unlikely to get very sick and even less likely to be hospitalised.
• Let them know that you will be available to talk to them about their worries whenever they would like to and if they think of questions after your chat, they can just come and ask them anytime.
• Identify some key responsible adults in their life they can talk to if they are feeling worried.
• Choose one reputable website to get your information from (such as the Department of Health) and resist temptation to look at more sensational sources.
• Let them know what plans are in place to keep their family safe and encourage regular safe contact with loved ones (e.g., video chat with grandparents and/or other family members).

Practical strategies that can be taken to reduce Coronavirus related anxiety

Provide a sense of control by discussing and implementing practical steps your child can take to stay safe. These may include:

• Regular handwashing for 20 seconds. They can sing ‘Happy Birthday’ through twice and it will be the right length.
• Cough and sneeze into elbows. For younger kids tell them to pretend to be elephants as they do.
• Give them new chores so they feel able to help keep control. Things such as cleaning down areas at home each night or helping to prepare food will give them great responsibility.
• Limit unhelpful or excessive media exposure which can often increase anxiety.

General tips to support your child’s wellbeing during this time

• Remaining active is very important for mental health and wellbeing. Many school sporting competitions have been postponed and substitute activities like going outside for walks or doing online exercise programs are great options (yoga, Zumba).
• Make sure you join in with the fun. It can be hard if you’re not feeling well yourself or if you’re having to make lots of decisions about changing your routine, but remember your child is looking to you to know how to behave. Show them there is still time for fun.
• Encourage communication with friends using virtual formats when face-to-face isn’t an option.
• Develop a plan with your child about their schooling over the coming weeks. This will need to be done in collaboration with their schools, but it will be reassuring for them to know that there is a plan, even if it needs to be adapted at a later date.
• Help your child to get enough sleep. You can do this by limiting the use of screens late in the evening and encourage your child to start a wind down routine about an hour before they head to bed. This helps them prepare their body and mind for sleep.

Seeking additional help 

If your child or teenager is experiencing anxiety that is very distressing to them or interfering with their ability to function, it is important to seek additional support. CatholicCare are still providing school counselling support during this time; please speak with Mrs Rolfe or Mrs Smith if you wish to refer your child for telehealth counselling.  For adult counselling services please contact Catholiccare at 02 4227 1122. 

Additional support:

• Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 and https://kidshelpline.com.au/
• Parent line - 1 300 1 300 52
• E-headspace for secondary students- https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/

https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/covid-19-resource-summary 

Source: Black Dog Institute: Coronavirus: Reassuring Your Child about the Unknown

Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER)

Year 6 Students from Holy Family Catholic Primary School have recently undertaken, an education tour of the national capital.

All of our students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. Therefore, to assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $30.00 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.