Hello families and friends of Winters Flat Primary School.

It has been so lovely this week walking around the school and hearing students and teachers working and playing in the classrooms and out in the yard. It is certainly time to appreciate the simple things like being able to come to school (for our preps, ones and twos) and having warmer and sunnier days.

It has been disappointing on some level though, that some students and siblings are needing to continue remote learning. We can only hope that Term 4 will be less disrupted and that we as families can experience a sense of routine that resembles a bit of normality and togetherness.

Perhaps some families are noticing increased anxiety in their children as they return to school. I’ve put together a brief list of pointers for families on helping ease children into the new normal and support them in coping with anxieties that we think may become more prevalent over the coming months:

1. Validate their feelings

It’s worrisome when kids are clingy or fearful about separating from you, but it’s important for parents to stay calm and stay positive. If a child is struggling, or they say they miss you, that’s okay. You want to say, “I miss you too, and I’m so proud of you for going to school.”

2. Set the tone

If you lead with your own anxiety, you may fuel your child’s anxiety without realising it. Try not to ask leading questions such as, “Are you nervous about going back to school?” which can indicate to your child that there really is something to worry about. If children have questions you can’t answer, you can say, “That’s a really good question. I am not sure, but I can find out the answer to that question.”

3. Help them to think positive

One way to help kids focus on positive things is to try to get them to talk about the good things about school. What are they looking forward to? What did they enjoy most in the past? For younger kids with separation issues, transitional objects can help them feel comfortable. A transitional object can be anything that helps your child feel connected to you when you’re apart — a button, a handkerchief, a stone you found together.

4. Emphasize safety measures

We can’t promise our kids that we won’t get sick, but we can express confidence in public health efforts like vaccination and in the schools who have done months of planning to minimize risk and keep everyone safe. Older children can understand the concept of acceptable risk — that sometimes we have to take small risks to do important things.

5. Practice separating

For children who are anxious about being apart, experts suggest practicing separation, starting in small ways and building tolerance for more and more independence. This can be as simple as children playing in their room by themselves or staying with another caregiver while a parent goes out.

6. Have a routine

Making sure that your child has a predictable routine leading up to school can help kids, especially younger ones, feel more secure. And if your routine and practicing separation still don’t prevent a child clinging to you at drop-off, it helps to have coordinated a plan with the teacher, so you know that when the teacher steps up to engage your child, and your child is even tentatively engaged, it’s the cue for you to go. Many kids feel better as soon as they get into the swing of the school day, so drawing out your goodbyes usually doesn’t help.

7. Encourage flexibility

We can’t be 100% sure that another lockdown won’t occur in Term 4. That includes the possibility students may be expected to switch back to remote learning. It’s helpful for kids to know that you’re prepared for changes that may occur. Let your child know that the whole family is going to have to be flexible.

8. When should you get help?

Kids who have trouble separating often just need time, and support from parents and teachers, to adjust. But if your child is having severe meltdowns at drop-off time for more than two or three weeks, and is unable to recover or even stay at school, for more than three or four weeks, then seeking help can make a big difference. Similarly, if your child’s other school-related worries are causing repeated headaches and stomachaches and/or refusal to go to school, they may need some help from a mental health professional to deal with fears in a healthy way.

A Mental Health Treatment Plan (previously known as a ‘mental health care plan’) can be accessed by making an appointment with your GP. They will do a brief assessment, usually via a friendly conversation and then refer your child to a local Child Psychologist. If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you will be entitled to Medicare rebates for up to 20 individual psychological appointments per calendar year until 30 June 2022. This gives you access - subsidised by Medicare - to certain psychologists, occupational therapists and social workers.

The Mental Health Treatment Plan is part of the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (Better Access) initiative. This initiative aims to improve outcomes for people with a clinically diagnosed mental health disorder.

Remember, if you are concerned about the wellbeing of your child for any reason please let the school know so we can support you and your family. Reasons can included changes to your family or living arrangements, emotionally intense events or experiences, mental health concerns such as anxiety and peer related challenges at school or home.

If you or anyone you know needs support call Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636. Raising Children is also an excellent resource for families: https://raisingchildren.net.au/

CHIRP also provide counselling options. 

Children’s counsellor for under 12s available bulk billed with a GP Mental Health Care Plan.

General counselling for adults 18+ no Mental Health Care Plan needed.

Ph. 5479 1000

Stay well and stay connected.

Hannah O'Keefe

Wellbeing Officer, Winters Flat Primary School

(Tuesdays and Fridays 9:30-2:30)

0475801424

hannah.okeefe@education.vic.gov.au

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*If you wish for your child/ren to participate in sessions with Hannah, please ensure you provide permission on XUNO or sign a hard copy of the permission form available at the office.