Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope that you all enjoyed the holiday break and were able to take time to refresh and recharge ready for Term 4. I am sure you are all looking forward to the easing of restrictions over the coming months, I know the staff are all looking forward to the return of on-site learning. We really do appreciate all you have done to support remote learning and understand the increased pressure and extra demands that the COVID restrictions and remote learning have placed on families. We are incredibly proud of all our community at St Mary’s!

In preparation for the return of students back to school, here are a few ‘Tips and Hints’ that may help you with the transition of your child/ren back to school.

God bless and take care,
Sue Heffernan

Tips and Hints on Returning to School

Be positive about returning to school

• Ask your child how they are feeling about returning to school. Your child may be feeling a mix of emotions about their return, so it is important to listen to any concerns and respond in a calm, supportive and reassuring way.
  
• Promote positive conversations by asking what they like about school and what they are looking forward to when they return. Let them know that school staff are looking forward to seeing them. Your child might like to make a list or drawing about things they have missed about school.
• If they feel nervous or worried, help them understand this is a normal reaction, and that you and their teachers are there to support them. 
• If your child has questions about COVID-19 provide factual and age appropriate information. Let them know everyone at school is working hard so that everyone is safe.
• Consider limiting media content your child is viewing if it is contributing to worry or distress. 
• Remind your child that everyone at school is working hard to make sure that everyone is safe and that anyone who is unwell will stay home. 

Prepare yourself and child for changes and new school procedures 

• Look at the SkoolBag app, Facebook page and newsletters to learn about new procedures that may have been introduced such as changes to parents’ access to the school grounds, drop off and pick up points as well as new rules such as wearing face masks or hygiene rules. 
• Discuss these with your child and plan together how these changes will be managed. The more your child understands the changes, the more comfortable they are likely to feel. If you are unsure about anything, contact the school or your child’s teacher. 

Re-establish your routines 

• Routines help provide certainty and increase feelings of security, so it will help to re-establish routines and plan for the return.
• In the week before, bring back the usual wake up, bed and breakfast routines. Set aside time to find school equipment and check uniforms and shoes still fit - your child may have grown. Give yourself enough time to organise replacements or a uniform alternative if needed.
• The day before returning, encourage your child to check their school timetable if needed, pack their school bag, and get their lunch box, drink bottle and uniform ready. 
• Allow more time than usual on the first morning back to calmly get ready. 
• Provide opportunities for your child to play and relax at the end of the day. Returning to school may contribute to tired and emotional reactions at the end of the day. 
• Help re-establish after-school routines to review the day’s learning and complete homework tasks. 

Supporting your child 

• Returning to school routines may take some time. Reassure your child that this is normal. Encourage them to ask for help if they need it.
• Take care of your own wellbeing while supporting your child’s return to learning at school. You may have some children returning to school while others are continuing to learn from home. You can help your child by explaining that all children will be returning to school soon. 
• If they are finding things difficult, remind your child of times in the past when they were able to do things that were difficult and face situations that made them nervous or scared. 
• If you are concerned about your child, seek support by contacting the school.
  
  Click here for Helpful tips for parents and carers to support children

New Phone App to Support Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing

The Federal Government recently launched a new, free phone application with information, ideas and guidance for parents to help them provide additional support for their child’s mental health and wellbeing. The Raising Healthy Mind App was developed by the Raising Children Network as part of its program to support parents’ mental health literacy by building knowledge and confidence concerning the social and emotional wellbeing of children.

The app is targeted towards parents with children aged 12 years and under and includes information on health, development and wellbeing based on the child’s age.