From Ms Allum

A message of love and support to you all

Dear Students and Parents/Carers

I hope you are doing OK. I have been thinking of you all, wherever you are. I know that there will be so many differing experiences within our community. Some of you will be in places outside of Greater Sydney, and in relative comfort. Some of you will be finding Greater Sydney Lockdown not too difficult – you might be enjoying the quieter, slower life. Others will be finding at-home learning and working very tedious and trying. And some of you might be experiencing feelings of anxiety, confusion or stress. I do hope that you can find some peace and calm in your life, and some activities to enjoy each day. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers, and we are here to help and support you all – girls and their parents too.

To that end, there are some resources to help.

Firstly, in this edition of Behind the Green Gate, our Director of Pastoral Care writes an article about enhancing the time spent with your family and gives some resources for you to access.

The Deputy Head of Primary (Student Wellbeing) also gives some tips for managing social isolation in lockdown.

I also know that there have been a large number of other resources sent home to support learning wellbeing. Please do keep these on hand, and also reach out to any one of us if we can help in any way.

But just a few messages from me here:

Don’t set your expectations for learning too high! We know it isn’t easy to learn at home. We know that lessons on Zoom are much harder and more tiring than face to face. If students can do at least some things in each lesson, that is OK! It is important for them to take regular and frequent breaks from screens, and this will be factored into lesson times and teachers’ instructions throughout the day. So do expect the girls to be off their screens, in the backyard, or taking a break in other ways, quite frequently throughout the day. I know that teachers are well attuned to times when the students are feeling overloaded, and they will often set other activities or a scheduled break before they regroup, or before the next lesson. And if the learning activities and need to focus are too much for your daughter at some times, encourage her to make contact with her teacher and let them know. We do understand this is a common experience! So be easy on yourself and on your daughters!
There are some co-curricular activities scheduled after school (and sometimes at lunch time etc), but it is perfectly fine if girls choose not to participate, if they just need a break and time away from screens. They can jump back in to their regular co-curricular activities when we are back on-site. Again, being flexible and relaxed around expectations for the girls will help with their well-being and aid good mental health.
Try to keep a perspective on life. Life isn’t easy at the moment, and it is easy to focus on the difficult, trying or tedious things. But things could be worse! There is a lot to be thankful for too! We are relatively safe and well. Life is good! Do try to maintain a balance –recognising the things which are tricky, but also finding things to be grateful for, recognising some joyful and fun parts of the day, spending time as a family together to share stories of the day, share a joke, a game or an activity, and check-in on each other.
Finally, do reach out to any of us at school if you are struggling or worried. We have such a wonderful team of people here with such life experience and special skills and expertise. We will find someone who is just right for you, whatever your issues, concerns or troubles. Just ask! If you are not sure what to do – give me a ring. I am at school every day and can have a chat on the phone if you would like, and I can refer you to the right person. Or send me an email. We will do all we can to look after each and every one of you – girls and adults too! You are always in my thoughts. God bless you all.

Lots of love to everyone.

Jenny Allum
Head of School