Wellbeing Blog 11.08.2020

Wellbeing at CCPS

Eid Mubarak

I know I am a little late but things got very busy all of a sudden!  However I hope our families who celebrated Eid a couple of weeks ago were able to enjoy the event – even though it has been a very strange year for us all.

Parenting Resource

One of our fabulous teachers, Melissa Smallwood, shared this resource with me, called Triple P – Positive Parenting Program.  I thought it looked terrific and it’s free to families:

PARENTING DURING AND AFTER COVID-19

WE’LL GET THROUGH THIS TOGETHER

The current pandemic has raised new parenting challenges for everyone. Children and teenagers have experienced disruptions to their daily life and increased worries about their safety and that of their family and friends. Children can react in unexpected ways because they cannot express how they are feeling.

The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program’s simple, practical strategies have been proven to work around the world, helping parents raise happy, confident children; set family routines and rules that everyone can follow; and balance work and family life

Please follow the link: https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/vic-uken/triple-p/

Cabrini Hospital

Cabrini Hospital in Malvern also sent me a link to a resource that you might be interested in:

Cabrini paediatric specialist Dr Daniel Golshevsky has a number of ways parents and caregivers can make the transition back to school as smooth as possible for children, and how to alleviate some common anxieties.

1. The most important tip is to talk about COVID-19

Don’t avoid or dismiss the topic, it’s impossible to ignore it and children are not oblivious. It’s also important they remember to practice safe distancing and hand hygiene at school. But the number one rule is just be honest – the vast majority of people infected with this virus make a full recovery, with only mild symptoms of a ‘cold’.

2. Avoid unnecessary stresses

Most of us will watch the news or talk about topical events, which may include coronavirus deaths in the US or troubling statistics out of Europe. But be mindful to filter these conversations and news-exposure to be age-appropriate.

3. Talk about fears and the health and safety of grandparents

It’s important to explain that the elderly are the most at-risk, but we can ‘do our part’ in protecting them, by practicing hand-hygiene and social distancing. We have terrific hospitals in Australia and one of the best healthcare systems in the world to look after our elderly if they become unwell. Again, you can reiterate that most people make full recoveries and do not need to attend hospital at all.

4. What can we do about COVID-19?

Explain that scientists all over the world are looking for a cure/vaccine and that we have thousands of vaccines for other viruses, so we’re hopeful we’ll find one for this too. Again, remind children that hand hygiene, staying home when symptomatic, coughing/sneezing into elbows, elbow-tap greetings and social distancing are still just as important.

5. Focus on general health

It goes without saying, but sleep, diet and exercise are essential for growing children, keeping healthy during this time is as important as ever.

6. Be on the lookout for signs of anxiety

Often these signs can be quite subtle but will show in the form of behavioural changes, difficulty sleeping or tantrums. Some children may find it difficult to concentrate or you might notice reduced performance academically. Compulsive behaviour can also be another sign, such as excessive hand washing.

Glasses for kids

For those parents in Foundation to Year 3 who had filled out the permission form for an optical check for their child, we have decided to postpone the program until 2021.  Please look out for more information at the start of next year.

Emergency Food Relief

Emergency food relief is available in our area.  Please see the link for English or Dari information about how to apply.

And finally:

• One of our parents was telling me that they connect their device to the TV screen for their child’s online school sessions – I thought that was quite a good idea!
• Most importantly, be kind to yourself! We are all working as hard as we can to make this work – to lower the number of Victorians with the virus, to balance working from home with helping our kids to learn at home.  Please take some time to just enjoy your family!  Kids are able to spend time with their parents or carers – instead of the ridiculously busy lives we usually leave, we have a chance to actually enjoy each other’s company.

Kerry Bates (Assistant Principal) and Sarah Tappy (Wellbeing Teacher)