From the Pastoral Care / Wellbeing Coordinator
Good afternoon everyone,
Despite the significant change to our regular pattern of school attendance and learning over the past week, I would like to reassure all members of our wonderful community that despite the geographical separation that has occurred, Mount Carmel is still functioning with the learning, care and wellbeing of our students still at the centre of everything that we do.
With respect to Pastoral Care and Wellbeing, there are a few key points that I would like to outline.
- The role of the Pastoral Advisors and Year Coordinators are still significant with regards to meeting the Pastoral needs of every student. If you have a concern with how your son or daughter is coping with the day to day concerns associated with online learning, the COVID-19 situation, or ongoing issues around time management, anxiety, peer relationships, goal setting or general wellbeing, please do not hesitate to follow the normal lines of communication. If in doubt, contact the Front Office.
- The Pastoral team will be checking in with students on a regular basis over the coming weeks. This will involve a video message from Year Coordinators of a Monday morning, a Wednesday whole school update from myself and Friday check-ins with Pastoral Advisors during the time that is normally allocated for Assemblies. These may take the form of emails, Google Classrooms or Zoom conferences. Friday’s assembly time will also be partly dedicated to the delivery of key aspects of our Wellbeing program such as growth mindset, goal setting, careers planning, managing relationships, daily organisation, managing anxiety, cyber safety and the like. The specifics will be dependent upon the particular needs of the year group.
- Catholic Care counselling staff will still be present on site at this particular point in time. If there is a need for access to the counselling staff, please contact their respective Year Coordinator or myself and an arrangement can be made for a consultation.
- COVID-19 updates. Along with communications from the Catholic Education Office or Mr Lo Cascio, additional information from the Federal or State Governments or other associated agencies that may provide additional support to families and students during this time will be shared as they arise.
In the meantime, thanks to all families and carers for their support over the past week as we have transitioned to off-site learning. There is no user’s manual for this event and we certainly don’t profess to have all the answers to the many questions that may arise over the coming weeks. If you have any concerns regarding the wellbeing of your child please be in touch. Here are a couple of simple tips that may help over the short-term as we adjust to a different way of doing things.
BE MINDFUL OF YOUR WELLBEING
Ensure that you have a well ventilated and well-lit workspace.
Go outside during breaks and make sure you move away from your screen.
If you feel overly anxious, speak to a family member, email your teacher, Pastoral Advisor or Year Coordinator or phone:
▪ eheadspace - 1800 650 890, 9am-1am AEST, 7 days
▪ Kids Helpline - 1800 51800
▪ Lifeline - 13 1114.
COVID-19: Department of Health Links
Mr Simon Huntly