There are some things that are within our control, and then there are others that are not. At the moment, I know that there seems to be just so much more that is outside our control, and this is difficult. However, please take time to consider all that has been achieved in the past 5 weeks… You have collected your children from school on Thursday afternoon 12 August, and then set about becoming stand-in teachers yourselves, while continuing to work and maintain the important ‘normal’ family routines. This is at the same time as being concerned about your own health and safety, and that of everyone around you, at a time when we are all too aware of just how serious the current situation is. It is now wonder that we are all feeling a little frazzled!

Yet, if you can take just a moment to allow yourself to recognise how well you all have done, then I am hopeful that the prospect of a further 4 weeks of lockdown and remote learning won’t seem quite as daunting. Or maybe a little less daunting at least! It is difficult news that we will in fact start Term 4 still in lockdown and continuing remote learning. However, I do want to acknowledge and thank you all for the support and energy over the past 5 weeks. I hope that the term break comes at the right time to allow you and your families a chance to stop a little and recover.  

Please see below some great advice and support from our School and Family Counsellor, Kerry Marshall, that may give you some reassurance at this time.

From the Counsellor

Hello St Joseph’s parents!

How are you going? Have you stopped to check in with yourself today?

As if parenting wasn’t challenging enough, the universe has thrown in a pandemic and an extended lock down! At times like these it’s easy to get stressed and anxious. As parents, it's so important to manage your own wellbeing so you can avoid parenting from overwhelming fear or stress.

What do Counsellors recommend when it looks like things are going from bad to worse?

We recommend checking in with yourself every morning (and in the evening too).

Acknowledge this is really tough (it is)! We are all feeling a bit wobbly, and some will be feeling really wobbly. Just know that this is ok.

And if you are feeling a bit too stressed, ask yourself ‘What have I done in the past that helps when I feel overwhelmed?’ Do those things. Schedule in some extra fun, exercise, connection or other healthy stress busters as you need.

So how do we parent our kids well during tough times? Firstly, by looking after yourself so you are in a good space to care for your children.

Some other tips that might help….

• Ditch unrealistic expectations.
• Allow yourself to grieve the old normal.
• Focus on what you can do and what is in your control.
• Keep a structure/routine in your day as best you can.
• Set a few simple daily goals for yourself and tick them off as you do them. For example, complete a few tasks, go for a walk, cook a nice meal, call a friend - getting a few things done and acknowledging it gives our brain a boost of dopamine - raising our spirits!
• Get good sleep.
• Eat healthily so your immune system is in good shape.
• Stay connected.
• Limit the amount of news you are exposed to (but do keep up to date with reputable updates from government health websites).
• Try mindfulness (get present) - this calms the brain and helps you come back to the here and now, rather than worrying about ‘what ifs’. Some sites you might like:
  • https://www.smilingmind.com.au/
  • https://www.uclahealth.org/marc/mindful-meditations
  • https://www.calm.com/ 

• Look at this as an opportunity to strengthen and sweeten your family relationships.
• Remember our wonderful doctors and health experts are working hard to keep people healthy.

For more ideas there are some great parenting and kids resources online, such as:

• From ‘Emerging Minds’ -Supporting Children’s Mental Health during a Pandemic toolkit
  • https://d2p3kdr0nr4o3z.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2020/11/19144025/Emerging-Minds-COVID-19-Resource-Summary-Nov-2020.pdf 
• Kids Helpline, which supports parents and children
  • https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents 

If you are concerned about how your child is going you are welcome to make contact with me during the school term via email at kerry.marshall@catholiccare.cg.org.au and I will get in touch. If you need help in the school holidays, you can contact Parentline ACT on 6287 3833 (9am - 4pm Monday to Friday) or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or talk to a CatholicCare Canberra and Goulburn counsellor on 6162 6100

Cool Kids

There are also some upcoming programs, Cool Kids, that parents may be interested in registering for. Please see the links below to the age-based programs.

Cool Kids 3-6yrs

Cool Kids 7-9yrs

Cool Kids 9-12yrs

Take care.

Kerry Marshall, School Counsellor - CatholicCare.

Plans for 2022

As we start to consider what lies ahead, we also turn our attention to the new school year. If your child / family will be leaving St Joseph’s at the end of 2021, please inform the school as soon as possible. Our current Year 6 families do not need to inform the school. We will begin planning classes for 2022 in the first half of Term 4, and knowing of any movements assist with this process.