From the College Counsellors

Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying ‘I will try again tomorrow’.

– Mary Anne Radmacher

No doubt our determination and resilience has been tested throughout this pandemic, as so many people experience ongoing stress and adversity.

Unfortunately, resilience is not something that we are born with. Rather, it is something that is created within us over time, based on our experiences and own unique genetic makeup. Resilience is a tool that we can use during a time of hardship to help us survive.

Think of resilience like a seesaw or balance scale. On one side of the scale we have our negative outcomes and on the other we have our positive outcomes. During lockdown, sometimes we can be closer to the negative outcomes and our scale can become unbalanced. The middle part of the scale is called the fulcrum and that is the point that balances the scale. Everyone’s fulcrum is at a different spot and that makes our experiences and interpretations unique. However, with the right tools, we can move our fulcrum so that it can be more balanced.

So how do we build up and strengthen our resilience to get us through the tough times?

  • Reduce our sources of stress (as much as we can!)
  • Focus on all the positives in our life
  • Take regular breaks without guilt
  • Do something kind for someone else
  • Acknowledge and sit with any feelings of frustration and sadness, and be kind to yourself
  • Stay connected with friends and family and talk through any worries with your loved ones or friends.

Remember, challenges are a part of life but they will pass.

She stood in the storm and when the wind did not blow her away, she adjusted her sails.

To arrange support for your daughter or help with linking in with external services, contact the College Counsellors via the House Coordinators, Leader of Wellbeing or directly through:

Ms Louise Scuderi and Ms Monica Rogenmoser, College Counsellors

This article on College life meets The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools – Charter #6 & #8