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Dear Parents and Carers
It has been so wonderful to see the excitement in the student's faces as they have returned to school this week. The school is feeling more like normal with the laughter and chatter of children.
Preventing Parent Burn-out
Michael Grose from Parenting Ideas has easy tips for preventing parent burn-out during Covid
The longevity of the COVID pandemic is an enormous challenge to many of us. Our capacity to adapt to acutely stressful situations such as natural disasters has been severely depleted by the long-term nature of the pandemic. Our surge capacity, an adaptation mechanism that helps us survive short-term difficulties, is not designed to get us through long term disasters such as the pandemic.
There is no handbook for functioning in a pandemic however it’s apparent that we need to accept that life will probably be different for some time. Putting in place strategies that maintain our personal wellbeing is now a priority.
Ironically, many of us are denied self-care activities as a result of the pandemic. For many people coffee with friends, a massage or a visit to the gym are the types of self-care activities that are now out of reach, so flexibility and resourcefulness is needed.
Here’s some researched-based strategies to practise at home that will help develop feelings of equilibrium and calm.
Take some deep breaths
Benefits
Neuroscience shows us how breathing shifts the brain into different states. Short, sharp breaths send a message to the brain that we are moving, even though we may be sitting in a chair. Conversely, slow, rhythmic breathing tells the brain that we’re calm and feeling good. It’s the quickest way to engage the body’s relaxation response.
Implementation tips
Make regular deep breathing part of your day. Choose a time of the day that suits you to practise and stick to it. Consider linking deep breathing to regular activity such as before the start of the day, during lunchtimes, or when you take a daily walk.
Create mindful moments
Benefits
The human mind is restless, wandering all over the place. This is exhausting, particularly for anxious personality types. Mindfulness is a simple way to make your wandering mind rest and settle into the present, closing the fight or flight response in our amygdala, the part of the brain which plays an important role in emotion and behaviour.
Implementation tips
Mindfulness can be practised anywhere, anytime, such as when we’re eating lunch, taking a walk or sitting in a chair at home. It can be done in short two to five minute sessions, which means it can be squeezed in between many regular commitments.
Get moving
Benefits
Exercise is a healthy way to improve mood, relieve tension and prepare for sleep. Endorphins, the feel-good chemicals that increase feelings of wellbeing, are released which explains why many people get hooked on running, walking and other forms of movement.
Implementation tips
Exercise can easily be set aside when life pressures mount, unless it’s embedded in your lifestyle. A Penn State University study found 30 minutes of exercise a day has a significantly measurable impact on a person’s effectiveness and wellbeing. The study’s founders recommend that people make use of hidden moments such as power walking from place to place, standing and moving around more, turning wait time into movement and stretching time, and getting up ten minutes earlier to exercise and set the movement tone for the day. These are simple measures that every person can do regardless of how busy they are.
Find green
Benefits
Science supports the impact of green time on our mental health. Researchers have found a direct correlation between time spent in natural environments and a lowering of cortisol levels, the stress hormone that helps maintain our anxious states. The human brain was designed to cope with outdoor living, so it feels most comfortable in that environment.
Implementation tips
Visiting the bush or beach may be out for now but a daily walk in a park, garden, or backyard will bring similar wellbeing benefits. Bring some green inside with some indoor plants strategically placed at home. Regular green time is a wonderful natural remedy for anxiety and stress and a natural antidote for many of the mental health problems caused by increased screen time.
Closing
If you’re already practising self-care then set aside any feelings of guilt and simply enjoy the calm it brings. If looking after yourself has never been a high priority then now is a great time to start. Begin with small steps – pick one or two activities and build from there. The key is to make these wellbeing treats habit-forming behaviours so that they become a regular part of your daily life.
Second Hand Uniform Shop
There will be further updates regarding the availability of the second-hand uniform shop once we know the outcome of the Government announcements on 18 October. Until that time, the second hand uniform shop will remain closed. Many thanks for your understanding.
Birthdays at School
In the interests of safety for all, we will no longer be able to distribute any gift bags, lollies or birthday treats of any description. Each child will be appropriately acknowledged in their Learning Space. Many thanks for your understanding.
Important dates:
Friday 23 October Public Holiday - Grand Final Eve
Monday 2 November School Closure – students do not attend school
No Camp Australia
Tuesday 3 November Public Holiday – Melbourne Cup Day
Wednesday 16 December Final day for students
From the Office - October 2020
SKOOLBAG APP -
Updates to the system have been implemented by the company that manages Skoolbag. Unfortunately this has created some issues which have lead to some troubles with the app. We have been advised they are currently working on a update to fix the issues.
Thanks for your patience as we all work through this.
SCHOOL FEES -
Updated Fee statements have been emailed to families. Relevant credits have been applied for camps, swimming and excursions so these statements show the balance owing for 2020.
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.
Monday 14 December |
Year 6 Graduation |
Wednesday 16 December |
Final School Day for Students |
Friday 18 December |
School Office Closes |