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Dear Parents and Guardians
The following article is written by Michael Grose in Parenting Ideas.
Managing anxiety before it becomes a problem
The president of Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA) recently highlighted the enormity of the anxiety problem that children are facing. A survey of primary schools across Australia conducted by the APPA showed that 80% of school leaders regard anxiety as a significant issue for children.
Research shows that childhood anxiety left unmanaged will almost certainly re-emerge, highlighting the importance of early detection and management of anxiety. Parents, as first responders, play an important role by minimising the impact of stressful moments before they lead to full-blown anxiety. Here's how they can help.
Recognise anxiety triggers
Recognising the events that trigger anxiety is the first step in helping a child to manage their stress. Rapid or unpredictable change, new social situations, unfamiliar events and difficult experiences are the most common anxiety stressors for kids.
Know how it shows
Stress and anxiety show in many ways however most children display anxiety behaviours that are unique to them. Typically, anxiety shows through physical signs such as chest pains, nausea and headaches. Anxiety can be observed through behavioural clues such as avoidance of activities, aggression, concentration difficulties and constant fiddling and movement. Worrying, overthinking and catastrophising are also common in children who experience anxiety. Knowing how anxiety shows in your child will alert you to respond appropriately with support and understanding.
Give kids tools to manage their states
Once anxiety is experienced it never truly disappears. It’s always there in the background. Anxiety needs managing so kids can get on with their lives rather than become overwhelmed by stress and worry. Providing children with tools to manage their thinking, emotional and physical states prevents anxiety from becoming debilitating. Management tools such as deep breathing, mindfulness and exercise as well as techniques to help kids distance themselves from their anxiety-inducing thoughts help them minimise the impact of stress.
Help them understand how anxiety works
Children who understand what happens in their brains and bodies when they are stressed are better able to manage their anxious states. Providing children with a thorough knowledge of how anxiety works and how it shows empowers them to push their worries into the background while they get on with their lives. Managing anxiety takes practice, but it’s absolutely essential if children are to flourish rather than become overwhelmed by stress and worry.
In closing
Stress and anxiety have accelerated with the impact of the pandemic. The growing rate of anxiety is no one’s fault, however it does mean that parents need to become more knowledgeable about how anxiety works, how it shows and how you can help your children.
Last day of Term for Students
Wednesday 31st March is the last day of term for our students. School will finish at the regular time of 3:10pm.
There are several events planned, including our Holy Week Liturgies. Weather permitting, the Holy Week Liturgies will be held outside (on the green) and parents are welcome to attend.
Please see information in image below
St Clare's ROCKS Kindness - Week 9
Theme: Kindness and Friendship
Scripture: Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour. Ecclesiastes 4:9
Discussion
- How can you tell when someone is a good friend?
- In what ways does Jesus' friendship stay with us?
Our weekly kindness quote is:
Our weekly kindness home challenge is:
SkoolBag App - IMPORTANT INFORMATION
From the start of Term 2 the Skoolbag App will no longer be in use.
The Parent Access Module (PAM) will be our new portal that will be used to provide information to parents and for parents to submit absences, give permission for excursions and update medical information.
If you are having any trouble accessing PAM please contact the school.
ENROLMENTS 2022
We are beginning to process enrolments for 2022. If you have a child to enrol please collect a enrolment form from the office or it can be accessed on our website.
PAM - Parent Access Module
We are excited to introduce a new Parent information portal called "PAM"
Through this portal parents will be able to submit student absences, access school documents such as the parent handbook, current fee infromation and update student medical information. We will also be using this portal for parents to grant permission for excursions and camps.
School reports will also be accessed via the portal instead of nForma as used in previous years.
All families should have received an email this week with information on how to set up your PAM account.
Families can report students absences through the PAM portal - this will replace the Skoolbag Ap.
REPORTING STUDENT ABSENCE
Every day counts at school – so please ensure your child attends each day provided they are well.
In the event of your child being absent, the school MUST be informed by 9:00am. This can be via email absent@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au through the PAM portal or on the phone 5940 6777. In the case of an unexplained absence, you will be contacted via SMS and then telephone.
Please note that we are required by law to report unexplained or unreasonable absences to the relevant Government Authorities.
SCHOOL FEES - School fee statements have been emailed to families. If you would like to set up a direct debit please contact the office for a form.
If your situation has changed meaning you now have a pension or health care card please let us know at the office or email finance@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au This can make a substantial difference to you school fees.
Families who have concerns about their financial situation are asked to contact the school via email finance@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au so that we can explore confidential financial support arrangements.
VISITORS TO SCHOOL - For the safety of all, visitors to the school are being kept to a minimum and entrance to the office is only when essential. Please contact the office on 5940 6777 if you have any queries or require assistance.
EARLY PICK FROM SCHOOL - Should you need to collect your child early we ask that parents ring the school once they have arrived at school to collect the child. We will then arrange to bring the child out to you in the "L-Z kiss and drop zone". We remind you that parents are not to leave their car or enter the office area unless absolutely necessary.