dungay public school · 4/6/2020 · these dates are also listed in our app week 11 tues 7 apr...
TRANSCRIPT
Term 1 | Week 11
6 April 2020
Dungay Public School
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Dear parents and carers,
THANK YOU
It’s been an amazing week by any measure. There are a few things I would like to share.
To start with I would like to say ‘thank you’. Everyone who is connected with our school – students, parents, staff, community and businesses have all been superb during this challenging time. We are all living with layers of anxiety at present. Our personal wellbeing, the wellbeing of those closest to us, our extended family, friends, people we work with, members of our community, losing employment, helping kids with their at home learning, having to stay at home, having to spend more time with people we love, paying bills, keeping a roof over our head and food on our table, the wellbeing of our economy and the services and businesses we rely on, to have a quality of life. When will life return to what we once knew? These are all things people are experiencing at this time.
While it’s still early we are starting to see signs that the social distancing strategy and good hygiene practices are helping to keep people in good health. This will save many lives as the hospital system will be more likely to cope with demand moving forward. Thank you for what you are doing to respect the social distancing and hygiene measures. It is helping to keep our community safe. As hard as it may be, please keep this up.
I wanted to thank our parents and carers for the amazing job they are doing helping students with their ‘at home’ learning, especially those who are also trying to work from home or get to work each day. It’s a juggling act, it’s unfamiliar territory but it’s being done well. We’re particularly grateful for how you are interacting with staff.
To our much loved students, thank you. We know many of you are working very hard to keep your school work moving forward. It’s not a perfect world at the moment, but many of you are doing your best with your school work. Well done. Please be assured there are no dumb questions. The teachers are here to help. Please ask for help or talk to your teacher about
challenges you face.
Murwillumbah weather bom.gov.au
Mon 6 Apr 27°C Tues 7 Apr 26°C Wed 8 Apr 25°C Thur 9 Apr 24°C Fri 10 Apr 29°C
SEEK - SEE - ACHIEVE
Challenge, Engage & Empower
Parents please collect your child’s
tote tray and work pack
before Thursday.
WHAT’S ON
These dates are also listed in our app
WEEK 11
Tues 7 Apr Zoom meeting trial, 5/6 Wed 8 Apr Zoom meeting trial, 3/4, 1/2 Thu 9 Apr Zoom meeting trial, KR Submit your Easter hat pics to Mr Stephens Last day of Term one Fri 10 Apr Good Friday Public Holiday Attendance at school continues to be on the advice that we are open for children of essential workers.
Term 2
WEEK 1
Mon 27 Apr Staff commence Term 2 Tues 28 Apr Start of Term 2 for students We will keep you well informed on how term 2 will look for students and families.
WEEKLY
Assembly: Friday from 2.10pm
Canteen: Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Playgroup: Every Monday, 9:30-11am
Library: Every Tuesday from 11:20am
Newsletter also available on the website & app.
CONTACT US
02 6672 2174
305 Tomewin Road Dungay
(via Murwillumbah) NSW 2484
dungay-p.schools.nsw.gov.au
School Stream app (Continued on page 2)
To our phenomenal staff. Wow. What a team. In the space of a few short days they have transitioned much of the face-to-face learning to a learning at home model. The work involved, the quality of that work, the adjustments to learning programs, the adjustments to routines, the change to your daily lives all in the context of the layers of challenge I mentioned earlier. You are part of an amazing team and our community is blessed to have you working here.
A FEW THINGS I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE YOU AWARE OF:
We will refine practices
As most of the routines we have put in place were done with knowledge held at the time, and as times progress, things change. We are always looking at our practices: listening to ways we can improve the new way we are working to support student learning. Consequently I ask you to understand we will make refinements and adjustments to how we are doing things to ensure the best outcomes for our students and families. Please also familiarise yourselves with SeeSaw, Google Classroom and Zoom.
Resource availability
We are currently finalising advice to the Department which will see additional loan laptops, iPads and dongles (for internet access) become available to support learning at home. As every school has asked for this support, we will be patient and I will keep you updated.
Mr Joshua Stephens Principal
Dear Dungay PS students,
It’s the Easter Bunny here and I have a secret mission for you…….
Since we won’t be at school this year for an Easter Hat Parade, I would love for you to make an
Easter hat at home with your families. Then send a picture of yourself wearing your creation to your
Principal Mr Stephens by Thursday 9April.
A message from t he Easter Bunny
I will put all the photos
together with the
help of your teachers
and make a
YouTube slide show.
Love your dear friend
Easter Bunny Pssst, Mr Stephen’s email is [email protected]
Parents I understand
that you won’t be
able to get to the
shops to get the
normal supplies
required.
It’s just about being
creative with what you’ve got
and have some
fun .
There is no pressure
and I don’t want this
to cause stress.
ZOOM student meetings
Links will be emailed to parents and students the
day before meeting.
Please have students have their devices ready 10
minutes before meeting start time.
Please click on link to open Zoom meeting. When
prompted, launch Zoom and wait for host.
Please be patient and don’t stress as this is a trial
before we start using it in Term 2.
Schedule for trial meetings
5/6JR:
When: Tuesday 7 April, 9:30am
Use this link to join the Zoom meeting @ 9:20am
https://nsweducation.zoom.us/j/758437104?pwd=QTdBM2IwQXRjai9wS05GZm45RTA4dz09
Meeting ID: 758 437 104 Password: 879641
1/2M:
When: Wednesday 8 April, 9:00am
Use this link to join the Zoom meeting @ 8:50am
https://nsweducation.zoom.us/j/4603411267?pwd=VDFLTS91TmdLYjgvYnMrVkRtWWh0Zz09
Meeting ID: 460 341 1267 Password: 12m
3/4SHH:
When: Wednesday 8 April, 10:00am
Use this link to join the Zoom meeting @ 9:50am
https://nsweducation.zoom.us/j/329778420?pwd=K0FQY0EwRXVmS1lKdGxWYkVXRGVJUT09
Meeting ID: 329 778 420 Password: 869600
K/1R:
When: Thursday 9 April, 10:00am
Use this link to join the Zoom meeting @ 9:50am
https://nsweducation.zoom.us/j/4020623998?pwd=R3NtdG83a0dvbm9jNHZjQkdyRitYQT09
Meeting ID: 402 062 3998 Password: k1
Please ensure you carefully look over the following document on correct protocols while using Zoom.
Fitness inspiration
Be sure to
keep an eye out for
the Dungay Warrior
Easter Workout!….
Written by unknown
Inspired by Dr Seuss
I imagine if Dr Seuss were alive today, he’d say something like this…
(♪♫♪ read with Dr Seuss book rhythm…)
The buildings were big and people would smile
And travel they would, mile by mile.
But sick they become, in numbers they grew
Business worried, communities too.
Things stopped for a bit, the world slowed its roll
The virus has certainly taken its toll.
But what they then saw from slowing things down
Is in fact they now had less reason to frown.
Families now gathered, what game shall we play?
Pass me the crayon, give mummy the grey.
Dad’s home guys, he’ll read us a book!
Then all of us together will cook.
The lungs of the planet caught a small break
Less travel meant less pollution to make
People did realise they’d all be okay
They don’t need so much to get through the day.
Maybe the virus that causes so much stress
Showed the whole world that more can mean less.
More can
mean less
Want to keep the kids active but not really sure how?
Here are some YouTube channels and videos to get you inspired.
Dance Fever:
https://www.youtube.com/c/dancefevermultisport
PE with Joe:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/3Z05939ZMbE
Creating a mentally healthier world
Importance of self-care planningCOVID-19 mental health and wellbeing resources
What this fact sheet covers:
• Self-care explained• Creating a self-care plan• Personal planning templates
Self-care is an important part of daily life, however during times of uncertainty and this unprecedented situation with COVID-19 the need for self-care is imperative.
Self-care is often the first thing that gets sacrificed when life is busy and stressful, and people often think that taking time for themselves seems indulgent. But looking after your own wellbeing will help you get through this challenging time, and will help you to better care for others.
Amidst the confusion and constant stream of information due to COVID-19, a self-care plan can help you focus, make decisions and stay healthy.
“Please put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others!” Many of us have heard this important rule on flight safety recordings but it’s a useful phrase to remind us about the importance of self-care – if you don’t look after yourself first, you won’t be able to help yourself or others.
What is self-care?
Self-care refers to the activities and practices that we deliberately choose to engage in on a regular basis to maintain and enhance our health and wellbeing.
Self-care helps to prevent stress and anxiety By incorporating self-care activities into your regular routine, like going for a walk or socializing with friends, you give your body and mind time to rest, reset, and rejuvenate, so you can avoid or reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Self-care makes you more effectiveWhen you take time for yourself and give your body the food, rest, and activity it needs, you will actually have more energy to meet the demands of daily life – however unusual they might be. Bringing more balance to your daily routine will help you be more productive and more resilient to stressors.
Creating a mentally healthier world
How to create a self-care plan
Step 1 | Evaluate your coping skills
Examining your own habits is an important first step in developing a self-care plan. How do you typically deal with life’s demands? Can you identify when you need to take a break?
When faced with challenges, we can use either positive coping strategies or negative coping strategies. Below are a few examples of each.
Which strategies do you use?
Positive Negative
Deep breathing Yelling
Listening to music Smoking
Exercising Pacing
Meditation Skipping meals
Reading Drinking alcohol to excess
Connecting with others Withdrawal from friends and family
Engaging in a hobby Biting fingernails
It’s important to be honest when evaluating your behaviours. If you find yourself unable to cope with a situation or feeling angry, snappy with others, or anxious, take a deep breath and refocus. It may be time to re-evaluate your go-to coping skills.
Step 2 | Identify your daily self-care needs
Take a moment to consider what you value and need in your everyday life. Then consider what you value and need during these difficult times of uncertainty. It may not seem like the right time to be planning, but time spent now will reap benefits later if you can get a plan in place.
Remember that self-care extends far beyond your basic physical needs; consider your psychological, emotional, spiritual, social, financial, and workplace wellbeing.
You will find a template for ‘Identifying needs’ at the end of this fact sheet that you can print off. This template contains useful examples to get you started.
Step 3 | Reflect. Examine. Replace.
Reflect
Reflect on the existing coping strategies you have identified have outlined in the previous activities. What’s working? What isn’t working?
Keep the helpful tools and remove anything that is unhelpful.
Creating a mentally healthier world
Examine
Are there barriers to maintaining your self-care? Examine how you can address these barriers.
Start taking steps toward incorporating new strategies that will benefit your health and well-being.
Replace
Work on reducing, and then eliminating, negative coping strategies. If you find yourself using negative strategies, then begin by choosing one action you feel is most harmful and identify a positive strategy to replace it.
Positive coping skills are an important part of your self-care toolkit.
Step 4 | Create your Self-care plan
Once you’ve determined your personal needs and strategies, write them down. Your self-care plan can be as simple or as detailed as you need it to be. You may choose to keep a detailed plan on your desk and carry a simplified version in your wallet, in your purse, or on your phone.
Look at it regularly, keep going back to it and refining it as the situation with COVID-19 develops.
You will find a template for your ‘Personal Self-Care Plan’ at the end of this fact sheet that you can print off and fill out.
We will be providing more updates and resources on blackdoginstitute.org.au/covid-19 to assist with the unfolding situation around COVID-19.
Creating a mentally healthier world
In addition to your self-care planning, it is important to find an approach that SETTLES the mind.
Our advice is:
Stay focused on the here and now and avoid thinking too far into the future and take each day one step at a time.
Engage and stay connected to friends, family and support networks. Working together with communities, united as a country we can move through this.
Thoughts are thoughts, not necessarily facts. Be alert to negative thoughts and don’t give them power.
Treat people with kindness, support others through this time of uncertainty.
Limit information and time on unhelpful media. Constant exposure to anxiety-fuelling stories drives panic and uncertainty.
Exercise is key, research shows that good physical health is critical for a healthy mind, focus on good sleep, eating well and working out.
Seek help, if you are concerned about yourself or others talk to your GP, the Black Dog online clinic is a good place to start with a self-assessment.
For information: blackdoginstitute.org.au
blackdoginst @blackdoginst /BlackDogInst
This document may be freely downloaded and distributed on condition no change is made to the content. The information in this document is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Not to be used for commercial purposes and not to be hosted electronically outside of the Black Dog Institute website.
Creating a mentally healthier world
Template 1: Identifying needs
Daily self-care
What are you doing to support your overall well-being on a day-to-day basis? Do you engage in self-care practices now? Are you more active in some areas of self-care than others?
Use the table below to help you determine which areas may need more support.
Area of self-care Current practices Practices to tryPhysicale.g. eat regular and healthy meals, good sleep habits, regular exercise, medical check-ups
Emotionale.g. engage in positive activities, acknowledge my own accomplishments, express emotions in a healthy way
Spirituale.g. read inspirational literature, self-reflection, spend time in nature, meditate, explore spiritual connections
Professionale.g. pursue meaningful work, maintain work-life balance, positive relationships with co-workers, time management skills
Sociale.g. healthy relationships, make time for family/friends, schedule dates with partner/spouse, ask for support from family and friends
Financiale.g. understand how finances impact your quality of life, create a budget or financial plan, pay off debt
Psychologicale.g. take time for yourself, disconnect from electronic devices, learn new skills, access psychotherapy, life coaching, or counselling support through your EAP if needed
Creating a mentally healthier world
Template 1: Identifying needs (continued)
Emergency self-care
When you are faced with a crisis, you likely won’t have time to create a coping strategy. Take time to develop a plan in advance so it’s there when you need it.
Try completing the following table to help identify your unique self-care needs during times of distress.
Emergency self-care strategies
Helpful Unhelpful
Relaxation and staying calmWhich activities help you to relax? e.g. deep breathing, taking a walk
Which activities make you more agitated or frustrated? e.g. yelling, swearing, or drinking
Self-TalkHelpful self-talk may include, “I am safe/I can do this.”
Harmful self-talk may include, “I can’t handle this/I knew this would happen/I deserve this.”
Social supportWhich family members and friends can you reach out to for help or support?
Which people should you avoid during times of stress? Be honest about who helps and who zaps your energy.
MoodWhich activities support a positive mood? e.g. listening to uplifting music, enjoying the sunshine
What should you avoid when times get tough? e.g. staying in bed all day, avoiding social activities?
Creating a mentally healthier world
Template 2: Create your self-care plan
Once you’ve determined your personal needs and strategy, it’s time to write it down.
Your self-care plan can be as simple or complex as you need it to be. You don’t need to use this template, you may just prefer a list or diagram.
Here is an example of how your self-care plan might look:
MY DAILY SELF-CARE PLANList your favourite practices for each category
BODY MIND SPIRIT EMOTIONS RELATIONSHIPS WORK
MY TOP THREE POSITIVE COPING STRATEGIESRecord three strategies you want to get in the habit of using
MY EMERGENCY SELF-CARE PLAN
HELPFUL | TO-DO
List your top five emergency practices
HARMFUL | TO AVOID
List five practices, people, places, or things to avoid during crisis or
stress. This will serve as a helpful reminder to keep you on track.