FOR STUDENTS
We know that the coronavirus has created feelings of uncertainty for many of us. Each of us reacts differently – common reactions have included anxiety, anger, confusion and sadness.
If you start to notice that you are experiencing these things it is important to remember that these are common reactions to a time that is unusual. If you feel you need support, we want to assure you that
there are supports available.
School wellbeing support
Deanna and Jackie from the wellbeing team are available to chat in person, via email, via video
conferencing or over the phone. Their contact details are:
Deanna Deluca (years 9 -12)
deLuca.Deanna.D@edumail.vic.gov.au
Phone 0438 349 381
Available: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Jackie Cameron (years 7 and 8)
cameron.jacqueline.j2@edumail.vic.gov.au
Phone 0438 249 743
Available: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Deanna and Jackie are available for support regardless of whether you are attending school or not.
Wellbeing support will be available from 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Sometimes you might prefer to speak with a teacher that you have a good connection with. You can email any teacher through compass. If needed, your teacher can let Deanna and Jackie know to contact you.
Supporting each other
We encourage you to check in and ask your friends if they are OK. You can also let Jackie and
Deanna know if you are concerned about a friend.
Other supports
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au
e-headspace 1800 650 890 or if you prefer to chat online or via email – https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/
National 24/7 crisis services
If you ever feel unable to cope because of overwhelming emotions, or have thoughts of harming yourself, then ask for help straight away.
Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au
beyondblue: 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au
If you have any other ideas of how the school can best support you please let us know. We are keen to be as supportive as possible.
FOR FAMILIES
Dear parents and carers,
We know that in these uncertain times, many of us are feeling uneasy and worried about the impact the news of the coronavirus is having on the young people in our lives. At school there have been discussions around the virus and we have noticed that many of our students have many questions and some are feeling concerned.
School supports
To ensure that we support the young people in our school community we have emailed all students some key supports. Our wellbeing team will be available for students from 8.30am to 4.30pm
Monday to Friday – via phone, video conferencing, face to face or email. The contact details for Jackie and Deanna are:
Deanna Deluca (years 9-12)
deLuca.Deanna.D@edumail.vic.gov.au
Phone 0438 349 381
Available: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Jackie Cameron (years 7 and 8)
cameron.jacqueline.j2@edumail.vic.gov.au
Phone 0438 249 743
Available: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
You are most welcome to call Deanna or Jackie if you would like to discuss any worries about your child.
External supports
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au
e-headspace 1800 650 890 or if you prefer to chat online or via email –
https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/
24/7 Crisis support services
Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au
beyondblue: 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au
Discussions with your child
It can be hard to know how to raise topics such as the coronavirus with young people when things are so uncertain and we do not have clarity ourselves as an adult. The following tips have been taken from the Raising Children Network website. Your child is probably seeing and hearing a lot about coronavirus (COVID-19) on TV, radio, and social media, as well as from other people. Talking with your child about coronavirus (COVID-19) can help your child understand and cope with what’s going on.
Here’s how.
- Make time to talk – Find the right time to talk with your child. This might be when your child gets home from school or in the car. When your child is ready to talk, give your child your full attention.
- Find out what your child knows – It’s a good idea to start by asking your child what they know about the virus and whether they have any questions. For example, ‘On the news today, they were talking about coronavirus. Were people at school talking about that? What were they saying?’
- Explain coronavirus (COVID-19) in a way your teenager can understand
Use a calm, reassuring tone and stick to the facts.
Offer some detail and what they can do. For example, ‘I heard you talking with your friends about how you catch coronavirus. The virus spreads through things like sneezing, coughing and touching infected things. That’s why good hygiene and hand-washing are really important. They help to protect everyone.’ - Tune into your child’s feelings – Some young people might not be worried about coronavirus (COVID-19). But some might be frightened, upset or worried. They might be worried about the virus itself or about how it might affect their lives or the lives of others (such as pets, friends, family members with existing illnesses and grandparents).
- Ask your child how they are feeling and listen to what they say – You might also like to ask what they need to feel better. It might reassure your child if you share your own feelings and let him know what you’re doing to cope with them.
- Stay in contact – We will ensure that we keep you updated and stay in contact with you.
Please encourage your child to stay in contact with their teachers, their mentor teacher and the wellbeing team.
Kind regards
Andrew Elborough