Dear Parents and Carers,

Each day we receive updates on the number of positive cases, the ever increasing exposure sites and yesterday we received the news that our lockdown will continue to the end of the school term. The lockdown is affecting us all and I understand how challenging it is for our children, parents and staff. Please continue to be positive and resilient, and take each day as it comes. Remember to take time out for your mental health and wellbeing, and don’t forget to enjoy our new ‘Wellbeing Wednesdays’.

I wanted to share with you something that I came across last week… written by a fellow Principal in the Blacktown LGA, after hearing news that the lockdown there is extended. It is thought-provoking and does put things into perspective. It has some wonderful suggestions of things you can do for ‘Wellbeing Wednesdays’.

You might be inclined to create a minute-by-minute schedule for your kids. You have high hopes of hours of learning, including online activities, science experiments, and book reports. You’ll limit technology until everything is done! But here’s the thing….

Our kids are just as scared as we are right now. Our kids not only hear everything that is going on around them, but they feel our constant tension and anxiety. They have never experienced anything like this before. Although the idea of being off school for weeks sounds awesome, they are probably picturing a fun time like summer break, not the reality of being trapped at home and not seeing their friends.

What kids need right now is to feel comforted and loved. To feel like it’s all going to be ok. And that might mean that you tear up your perfect schedule and love on your kids a bit more. Play outside and go on walks. Bake cookies and paint pictures. Play board games and watch movies. Do a science experiment together or find virtual field trips at the zoo. Start a book and read together as a family. Snuggle under warm blankets and do nothing.

Don’t worry about them regressing in school. Every single kid is in this boat and they all will be ok. When we are back in the classroom, we will of course correct and meet them where they are. Teachers are experts at this! Don’t pick fights with your kids because they don’t want to do Maths. Don’t scream at your kids for not following the schedule. Don’t mandate 2 hours of learning time if they are resisting it.

If I can leave you with one thing, it is this: at the end of all this, your kids' mental health will be more important than their academic skills. And how they felt during this time will stay with them long after the memory of what they did during those weeks is long gone. So keep that in mind, every single day.

Please do not hesitate to contact me or your child’s teacher if you need to chat about teaching and learning and student well-being in this challenging time. We are all thinking of you all and praying for your safety and wellbeing during this challenging time.

God bless.

Rachel Smith