Last week I was able to attend the 2021 Positive Schools Conference. One of the speakers presented a session entitled “The best of times, the worst of times; exploring hope and despair in schools 2020/21 in light of Covid.” This session challenged us to reflect on how from our lockdown experiences we can discover areas for growth. We can experience stress related growth and growth opportunities if we look for them. Some of the reflection questions we can ask, include ‘what did we do differently during lockdown that we really enjoyed?’, ‘What advice would you give your old self now you have had this experience?’ and ‘ What did I find out about what and who I really value during lockdown?’. The answers to these questions are the growth and change in mindset that we can take forward in our relationships and lives.

The Advocate for Children and Young People in NSW is currently interested in hearing from our young people about their Covid experiences and thoughts on a range of topics. Through completing a 10 minute online survey, the voices of students will be shared with decision makers across Government. It will ask about their experiences of learning from home during lockdown, as well as their experiences in returning to school. The Advocate for Children and Young People in NSW is independent so responses will be kept anonymous, unlinked to the individual or their school. This survey is completely optional. If students do not wish to share their point of view, that is entirely up to them. The survey will be open from 9^th November – 5pm on the 15^th November.

To complete the survey, please follow the link below.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/D9695BH

If you would like to learn more about ACYP you can visit their website is https://www.acyp.nsw.gov.au/

Our Catholiccare Councillor, Naomi Bee, has been a wonderful support to our students and families navigating lockdown and the return to school.  In this open letter Naomi has offered some ideas for reflection for parents.

Dear Parents and Carers,

What is resilience? 

Resilience is the ability to overcome a tough situation or difficult time and then get back to feeling just about as good as you felt before. It’s also the ability to adapt to difficult circumstances that you can’t change, and keep on thriving.

When you’re resilient, you are able to learn from difficult or challenging situations and be stronger in the future.

Why is resilience important? 

Helping children develop resilience and build their coping skills means they’re more likely to experience positive emotions, which supports their mental health and wellbeing now and into the future.

Resilience is not something a person either does or does not have. It can be taught, it can be learned and it must be maintained. As we grow, we all develop particular beliefs about who we are, what we are able to do, and who loves and supports us. If a young person has strong positive beliefs in these three areas they are more likely to be resilient in the face of adversity. These areas are identified as the "I Am, I Can and I Have".

Focusing on these three beliefs and finding ways to develop an optimistic outlook will help build resilience in the whole family.

Some strategies to try:

• Find out what individual strengths your family members have and notice what is working well.
• Role model an optimistic outlook on life. Approach challenges and disappointments with humour and a “let’s try again” attitude.
• Expect your children to do well but also support them to meet those expectations. Focus more on the effort rather than the outcome. Don’t avoid situations for fear of failure. Feeling sorry for your child is not helpful to them.
• Widen your child’s network by nurturing positive friendships and encouraging them to get involved in community activities, sports or other groups.  This helps develop a sense of belonging, positive relationships and positive self-esteem.
• Allow your children to make choices about the things they are able to. Give them a chance to make a meaningful contribution to the family through chores and deeds that benefit others.
• Build a toolbox of relaxation or calming exercises that you can do as a family or make time for reflection.
• Nurture your own resilience, learn what your internal beliefs are, about yourself and the world around you and decide if you need, or want, to start making changes for yourself.

For further information:

Resilience in pre-teens & teenagers | Raising Children Network

What is Resilience? | How to Build Resilience | Kids Helpline

If you have any questions or would like to talk further, please contact Naomi Bee the School Counsellor.

To continue to build our positive school mindset last Friday students from years 7 to Yr 11 were reminded about the importance of living out the BRoulee ABC’s. Each one of these values can be expressed in how students interact with each other, represent the College through the wearing of their uniform correctly and behaviour as well as striving to use their gifts and talents for personal and communal benefit.

As more Yr 11 students attain their driver's license they are reminded that they must be at school on time for Homeroom, no one is to access their car during the day and if this access is a necessity then they need to go out and back in via the Front Office only. Any passengers in cars must have submitted signed paperwork to the office before being driven in the car and Yr 11 will not have early leave until the beginning of Term 1 of Yr 12 in 2022.

Please feel free to contact the College if you need to speak with your child’s Pastoral Coordinator or me.

Regards,

Mrs Louise Ibbett

Assistant Principal Pastoral Care