PASTORAL CARE SUPPORT IN THE FACE OF REMOTE LEARNING

As we find ourselves navigating the exciting but challenging world of remote learning, I just want to assure parents, carers and students that we are still here for you! It’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed with the change we are facing, however, this is when it might be best to seek support.

HOW CAN SJE SUPPORT OUR FAMILY IF WE ARE NOT THERE?

SJE supported a number of students and families in managing their wellbeing while physically at school, whether it be through a connection to the Catholic Care Counsellors, Focus Zone, identified support people, PALS teachers, Year Coordinators or classroom teachers… And the only thing that has changed, is we might not be able to chat face-to-face.

SCHOOL SUPPORTS

• Teachers (both classroom and PALS) are regularly checking-in with students to gauge their learning, but to also foster a wellbeing connection
• Year Coordinators, Learning Support and Gooroon have been in constant contact with various students and families and will continue to do so
• Our school Pastoral Support Worker, Mr Greg Daniels, has been contacting various families, checking in on their wellbeing and offering support where needed
• CatholicCare Counsellors have been contacting students and families who were being supported whilst at school

While our counsellors are extremely busy and we encourage you to seek external support (for consistent access) over this time, I do want to assure you that we can and will take new referrals where needed.

DEVELOPING ROUTINES

• Having four young kids myself (age 13, 10, 6 and 3) I know the struggle in juggling work and their education/wellbeing. One thing I found useful is working to a timetable/routine.
• Please note, it is vital that students stick to their break times! Taking a step outside during their break times to get away from their screen and into nature (as best you can) does a lot in supporting their health and wellbeing!
• SJE has supported you here as we have made a conscious decision to ask students to maintain their school routine, working to their timetable (including PALS and Long PALS) as it supports students with their learning and wellbeing, providing the answer to the what do I do now?

WHAT OTHER RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE?

All of these supports (with the exception of the focus zone) are still very much available to our community. We are currently supporting our community in the following ways:

• Our Helping Hands Card lists numerous support services that families can access such as
  • The QR code shown on the card provides access to a range of additional support services and can be accessed by hovering your camera over the code on your screen. A link should then appear where you can access the numerous resources.
• Lifeline (13 11 14) has 24/7 phone and online support.
• Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) has 24/7 phone and online support for young people aged 5 to 25.
• Eheadspace has free online and phone support for young people aged 12 to 25. Eheadspace provides free online support and counselling to young people 12 - 25 and their families and friends. If you’re based in Australia and going through a tough time, eheadspace can help.
• Reachout.com: This is a fantastic resource for both parents and students, promoting practical ways to access support and look after ourselves.
  • Online forums, like the ReachOut Forums, are a great way to anonymously connect with others.
• Beyond Blue: This offers a number of National help lines, websites and practical approaches to supporting each other in times of change and uncertainty.
• General Practitioner (GP): If you can get a face-to-face appointment, you could ask your health professional if you can have a session over FaceTime/Skype/Zoom.
• Being informed - Covid 19 Information
  • Use NSW Health as your source - it is up-to-date, factual and does not come with some of the hype that our News Broadcasters add
• How to talk to young people about Covid-19 / Corona VIrus:
  • I have attached a great resource that explores some of the ways teachers/parents can approach conversations relating to Covid-19 / Corona Virus

WHERE DO I START?

While there may seem like there are a lot of services available to us in our time of need, sometimes knowing where to start is the hardest step. In this case, we have your back!

Simply call through to our office (4423 1666) and ask to speak to myself, your son/daughter’s year coordinator or PALS teacher and our lovely ladies in the office will make the connection for you! Additionally, you can also email the school with your concerns or wish to be contact by someone via info@sjedow.catholic.edu.au

I am also in the process of creating an SJE Community Website that houses all of the links mentioned above and more! Watch this space!

Pastoral Care Coordinator