Hopeful signs                                                                8 September 2021  

It was completely unexpected, but encouraging, to hear today's news that Regional Victoria can enjoy reduced restrictions from Friday. Importantly, most regional schools will reopen for Prep to Year 2 and Year 12 students then, with some implications about a staggered return to school for metropolitan Melbourne. Today's announcement is an indication of how rapidly things can positively change. Let's make that day come as soon as possible!

As per the Chief Health Officer's advice, let's do whatever we possibly can to get vaccinated, wear masks, teach children how to wear masks and reduce movement at this critical stage of COVID-19 virus transmission. We've reproduced some important links at the end of this eNews, to make things as easy we can!

Last week I attended the parent seminar, advertised in eNews, on Tips to help Families Cope During Lockdowns. It was thoroughly worthwhile, especially to hear some wise words from Dr Michael Carr-Gregg. These were repeated by early morning media today, in an emerging narrative about children's mental health needs.

Dr Carr-Gregg, a psychologist and advocate for mental health, suggested that your child's wellbeing is supported and boosted by these four simple things: a healthy diet, enough sleep, regular exercise and connecting with peers. Strangely enough, these also work for adults and are completely within our control. At a time when over 80% of adults feel fatigued, it's useful to consider how we fuel, rest and replenish ourselves.

Additionally, the webinar experts reminded parents that focusing on these simple things provides that important foundation for learning. We certainly know that children who are well-nourished, and rejuvenated by adquate sleep, exercise and social time, are far more motivated and willing to learn.

Dr Carr-Gregg and the panel also reiterated the need for routine and predictability, especially when LFH is finished for the day, and even in the most organised families. The metaphor of a blender without a lid was used to describe afternoons in some homes at the moment! They suggested a simple afternoon schedule that children can have some control over, such as Monday visit the park, Tuesday Lego, Wednesday cooking, Thursday craft time, Friday movie time etc.

A loosely-structured afternoon can fill children's days purposefully, just like being at school, and mean a calmer house by dinner time. LFH eNews #38 contained masses of suggestions for occupying children and keeping the lid on the blender at your house!

Some other key points (and useful reminders) made by the panel were:

• Parents/carers set the emotional tone at home
• Show that you're alert and careful, but not alarmed, about the virus
• Talk optimistically - e.g. we know that vaccination rates are rising quickly
• Put on your own 'oxygen mask' first, so you can look after others (diet, sleep, exercise, positive social connections, routine).

We will keep parents updated on future webinars to support families through this time, including this extensive program of opportunities:

The Parenting Online Summit is designed to give parents  practical, simple to implement ideas and strategies to create better relationships with your child, be proactive rather than reactive and grow your child to be resilient, confident and independent.

OSHClub is offering Vacation Care again these holidays.

The Vacation Care program can be accessed by clicking on this OSHClub link. We hope that this program will proceed and OSHClub will keep you posted on any health/restriction updates.

Finally, here are those important Links for Parents during LFH:

Face Masks@School (LFH eNews #37):

- Are you wearing your mask correctly?
- Face masks: what you can and cannot wear
- How to wear and care for your face mask

Where to get tested at a COVID-19 testing facility 

Where to check the list of public exposure sites in Victoria 

Book your COVID-19 vaccination appointment here. 

Tips for printing LFH pages

Further student learning options, should you need these, are on the LFH for Parents page.

LPS Forms page for On-site Attendance Applications and to borrow devices for LFH.

Take care,

Kim