PRINCIPAL MESSAGE

BACK FROM REMOTE LEARNING 6.0

Yesterday we welcomed all our students back to school after another snap lock down. It is an extremely disruptive process but we have to learn to work through these tough times and most importantly support everyone as best we can in the process.

The School will continue to implement the drop off and pick up procedures from Drouin Rec Reserve and Admin to limit the number of students and families congregating on or near school grounds at the beginning and conclusion of the school day.

The school will continue to ensure that the health, safety and well-being of all students, staff and the wider school community remains our highest priority. We will continue to emphasise this for all staff and students in attendance at school.

Visitors including parents, guardians and carers will be required to wear a face mask when on school sites, both in indoor and outdoor locations, including reception areas and classrooms. Parents must also sign in via the QR code in reception. Any appointments for parents wanting meet with teaching staff must be made via a call to Admin on 56237222.

I would like to take this time to thank both the parents and the students for their efforts through these challenging times. The community as a whole has united to push through these tough times and soldier on to best support their child/ren. I have received so many emails and calls of support from parents letting me know that whilst remote offsite learning is tough and presents many challenges, the teaching staff of St Ita’s have gone above and beyond to support all our students to achieve their best.

I am really grateful and appreciative of all the St Ita’s staff; our Teachers, our Aides and our Admin who have done an amazing job in relation to their planning and preparation, their delivery of work to our children and their communication and follow up with students and parents. The positive way that they have approached offsite leaning and onsite learning has been nothing short of outstanding.

To all our parents and carers, thanks for your ongoing support during these snap remote learning lock downs. Let's hope we can get on top of this COVID Delta variant and give our kids the chance to have the rest of the term onsite with minimal interruptions.

Stay well and stay safe and thank you for your understanding and support as we continue to implement COVID safe practices at our school.

HELPING PARENTS COPE WITH THE STRESS OF COVID LOCKDOWNS

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on our lives. Many of us are facing challenges that can be stressful, overwhelming, and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Public health actions, such as social distancing, are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but they can make us feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. Learning to cope with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and those around you become more resilient.

Stress can cause the following:

• Feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, numbness, or frustration
• Changes in appetite, energy, desires, and interests
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
• Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes
• Worsening of chronic health problems
• Worsening of mental health conditions
• Increased use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances

It is natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Below are ways that you can help yourself, others, and your community manage stress.

Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress

• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. It’s good to be informed, but hearing about the pandemic constantly can be upsetting. Consider limiting news to just a couple times a day and disconnecting from phone, TV, and computer screens for a while.
• Take care of your body.
• Take deep breaths, stretch meditate
• Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
• Exercise regularly.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Avoid excessive alcohol, tobacco, and substance use.
• Continue with routine preventive measures (such as vaccinations, cancer screenings, etc.) as recommended by your healthcare provider.
• Get vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine when available.
• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others. Talk with external people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

Connect with your community- or faith-based organisations. While social distancing measures are in place, try connecting online, through social media, or by phone or mail.

Helping Others Cope

Taking care of yourself can better equip you to take care of others. During times of social distancing, it is especially important to stay connected with your friends and family. Helping others cope with stress through phone calls or video chats can help you and your loved ones feel less lonely or isolated.