Whilst we have been in lockdown and connecting with our students via Teams meetings or the provision of hard copy resources, it has been wonderful to receive positive and supportive comments and emails from parents. These messages have acknowledged the wonderful work done by our teachers and support staff to keep our community connected and engaged with their learning or reaching out to offer pastoral support to students and families. We have all keenly felt the separation from our normal routines and in person interactions with our students and colleagues. The thought of returning to onsite learning is exciting and a physical sign that we have turned a corner with the hope of ‘normal’ times ahead. For many though, this transition back can be a source of anxiety fueled by the thought of having to re-establish social connections and engage with sustain conversation and interactions.

We are conscious that for many they will need support. As the date for students to return approaches, there are a growing number of resources available for parents to access to help them support their children. Our College Counsellor has offered two links for useful resources. These resources are both from reliable sources and are directed at teens.

Help your teenager transition back to school - Beyond Blue

Returning to 'normal' after COVID-19 (kidshelpline.com.au)

Part of the preparation for the return to school involves organising uniforms as well as collecting learning materials back into a school bag, devices fully charged and if needed ensuring children have their bus passes and mask ready. The season has changed while we have been in lockdown so when students return, they will be wearing their summer uniform at the correct length. Hairdressers and Barbers have reopened so hairstyles need to be suitable for school, ie no radical shaves or mullet styles and long hair needs to be tied back. By the return of school, all nail polish needs to be removed, acrylic nails, and any facial piercings removed or covered.

We are very keen for the return to school to be a positive experience as we know that feeling connected is a very powerful protective factor in our lives. Being conscious of this, plans are being put in place to provide a balanced approach - a combination of in-class learning and opportunities to reconnect with peers and ease back into social interactions. It is worth considering that returning to a full day of learning and for some travel, may mean that we will be tired. Being ‘match fit’ to cope with a full day/week will take a while so we all need to be gentle with each other.

Please feel free to reach out to the Pastoral Care team if you need to share concerns or issues about your child.

Louise Ibbett
Assistant Principal Pastoral Care