Lyrics from two songs resonate with our experience of lockdown at the moment – ‘you don’t know what you have until it’s gone ‘and ‘we’re all in this together’. When the routine of school, lessons and work sometimes feels unrelenting we can find ourselves wishing and dreaming it all away. As we head into more online learning one positive to come out of the situation we find ourselves in is an opportunity to reflect on what being at school together really means and what it gives us; connection to our peers and colleagues, routine, motivation and a strong sense of belonging. I am sure that lockdown has given all of us time to step back and reflect knowing that ‘we are all in it together’ and looking forward to a return to ‘our normal’, back at school with all its ups and downs.

On Thursday 9 September Australia will be celebrating R U OK Day. This year, more than ever, we need to embrace this question, check on each other and take the time to listen to the answer and ask the next question.  This resource helps to provide ways to start these conversations that may change someone’s life. A conversation could change a life | R U OK?

Our Catholic care Councillor Naomi Bee continues to be available to our students and families during lockdown. Naomi has collected a range of resources and links that can be accessed for those looking for more support during lockdown.

For students:

• Headspace - https://headspace.org.au/young-people/how-to-cope-with-stress-related-to-covid-19/
• Kids’ Helpline - https://kidshelpline.com.au/coronavirus
• Reach Out - https://au.reachout.com/articles/10-ways-to-take-care-of-yourself-during-coronavirus

    https://au.reachout.com/articles/5-apps-to-help-you-study-at-home

    https://au.reachout.com/articles/how-to-deal-with-disappointment 

For parents:

• Beyond Blue - Supporting you through the Coronavirus pandemic - Beyond Blue
• Emerging Minds – (generally for younger children but still some useful info here) https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/supporting-children-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/?utm_source=AIFS+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=8afc3d66b4-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_24_11_56&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3ad49f5cbc-8afc3d66b4-211457747
• APS - https://mcusercontent.com/7d4f5060bba06cf69555b0936/files/0603cbba-10df-456a-bf2a-80ac53b91f0c/Parent_Tips_CEDP.pdf?utm_source=AIFS+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=8afc3d66b4-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_24_11_56&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3ad49f5cbc-8afc3d66b4-211457747
• WHO - https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/healthy-parenting

Each morning I have the pleasure of visiting Homerooms. Our Homeroom teachers are always so positive greeting their students, engaging them in conversation, finding fun things to do together, ensuring that everyone is ready for the day and following up on any issues of concern. Their commitment to their students is amazing and I am sure is something the students will remember beyond the lockdown.

I would also like to acknowledge the Pastoral Team and the dedication they are continuing to show to our students and staff. These leaders and support services are constantly monitoring the needs of our students and families and responding in effective ways. Please feel free to reach out if you have any concerns.

Recently our Year 12 students have been made aware of the 2021 Batemans Bay Youth Foundation Grant. Each year the students who are successful in applying for this grant benefit from funds that assist them with the costs of career training or further study beyond school. Last year students from Carroll College featured in the list of recipients and we encourage our 2021 Year 12 students to apply and we hope they are successful.   A big thank you to the Foundation that is committed to supporting our local youth beyond school.

Spring is finally here and we encourage all our students to ensure that they have some no screen time each day and venture outside to get some fresh air and sunshine whilst maintaining their compliance with regulations.

Louise Ibbett

Assistant Principal Pastoral Care