Vice Principal's Report
Resources for Parents & Students Managing Phase 2
To continue the theme of providing good quality resources for our students, the Padua College Library has made access to great wellbeing resources so much easier. Students can now access the Positive Education link from the Library homepage to investigate all manner of resources to help themselves navigate these unsettling times. Also included is a special edition of school TV which tackles the challenges faced by families in these times and some more resources available to families.
School TV
At Padua College we have subscribed to SchoolTV an online resource designed to empower you as parents with credible and sound information with realistic, practical ongoing support strategies. Here, you'll find a range of topics each published monthly with comprehensive videos from leading specialists and organisations.
SPECIAL REPORT: Riding the Corona Coaster
For most of this year, families have been navigating the ups and downs of a new reality involving remote learning, working from home and lots of family time. The latest turmoil is focused on Victoria, with the state being in various stages of lockdown. However, a second wave of the pandemic is starting to impact other areas of Australia and New Zealand.
Young people may find this second lockdown more challenging than the first with many mental health professionals concerned about an increase in youth anxiety, depression and substance abuse. Adult carers are encouraged to take the lead by being pro-active in creating a scenario where everyone at home can be less anxious and better organised. As a family, it is important to focus on what worked, and what didn't work, last time.
Adult carers may see this as an opportunity to teach their kids the skills required to manage uncertainty in order to become more resilient. Communication will be key –– finding out what they know, understanding what they need to feel safe and helping them focus on the things they can control.
Please consider, if you or a family member is struggling, consult a medical professional.
In Australia, support is also available through Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or via the website www.kidshelpline.com.au
Alternatively, contact the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service on 1800 51 23 48 or go to the website www.coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au
Or in New Zealand, please contact Kids Line on 0800 543 754 or go to the Mental Health Foundation website www.mentalhealth.org.nz for more information.
https://padua.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-riding-corona-coaster
26th Aug 2020
Online Wellbeing Support for Families
The Victorian Government is helping parents and carers manage home learning and stay resilient during the coronavirus pandemic by providing a range of free online resources.
Minister for Education James Merlino introduced child psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg for a webinar on Tuesday 25 August – and following high demand, a second will be held, Tuesday 15 September – aimed at providing parents and carers with practical skills, knowledge and strategies for managing the lockdown period and remote learning.
The webinars will focus on strategies and tools to help families manage their wellbeing, including establishing a supportive parental role and dealing with uncertainty and disappointment. Families will have an opportunity to ask Dr Carr-Gregg questions.
The Government has also partnered with Raising Children Network and funded a 10-episode podcast called ‘Raising Learners’ featuring parenting experts from organisations including the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Career Education Association Victoria and eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman-Grant.
Raising Learners will provide parents with practical advice, tips and ideas for supporting children’s health, wellbeing and engagement at school. Topics will include connecting with your child’s school community, how to best support your child’s learning, what to expect for VCE and VCAL students and how to keep your child safe online.
These themes were drawn from common parent questions received by the Department’s coronavirus hotline and Parentline. The first three episodes will be launched on 1 September, the remaining episodes will be available throughout Term 3 and 4. Raising Learners will be available via Raising Children Network and podcast apps.
Following an unprecedented response with more than 12,000 registrations, a second webinar will now be held on Tuesday 15 September at 7:30pm.
Places are still available for Managing the Coronacoaster – Tips for building resilient families webinar on Tuesday 15 September at 7:30pm. For more information and to register, visit: eventbrite.com
“The health and wellbeing of students and families is particularly important during this uncertain time. That’s why we’re providing tailored resources to help parents and carers support their children – and themselves.”
Minister for Education James Merlino
"Coronavirus has turned the lives of many Victorian families upside down, asking them yet again to navigate a new reality of remote learning, working from home and for some, financial hardship.
“Never has it been more important to provide families with simple, practical and evidence-based strategies to help them maintain the family's wellbeing and build resilience."
Child Psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg
“All parents need support to help their children thrive, and podcasts are great ways to deliver engaging, reliable and credible information on topics that are on parents’ minds. Raising Learners will focus on how parents can support their children’s learning at school, and at home.”
Raising Children Network, Executive Director, Professor Julie Green
Sam Wright
Vice Principal – Students
