The recent bushfires in the past weeks have had an impact on a number of people in our school community either directly with family and friends or indirectly with the media reports and the concerning nature of the situation. Whenever events like this play out in the public it can make it difficult for parents to know what to say to their children about what is going on and to reassure them that although they are seeing distressing images o the news and other media, that they are ok. I am including two different resources for parents around this space. One is from parentTV who have short 4 minute video from leading child parenting author Maggie Dent. You can find the link below.

If you don’t have the 4 minutes, Maggie's key messages are distilled below.

Normalise: Let children know that any anxiety they’re feeling about the bushfires is understandable and a normal response. When there’s a threat, their amygdala kicks in, and that means it’s working as it should be.

Empathise: Your kids might be a bit clingier than usual, they might have big reactions to things or need extra help with things like getting to sleep. Even though you’re probably managing some hard feelings yourself, try and meet them with understanding. Acknowledge the bad things that are happening and how your kids are feeling about them.

Empower them: Help your kids to understand where the fires are in your region by showing them fire maps, visiting the government websites for guidance together, and developing your escape plan together. Not knowing what is happening is scary, having (age-appropriate) information is empowering. Just like adults, kids will be a bit less worried if they feel prepared.

Be aware of what they’re seeing and hearing: While it’s good for kids to have some information about what’s happening, it’s better if you can manage how they get this. TV news and radio reports are probably going to be overwhelming, upsetting and unhelpful. Remember, they’re made for adults, with our understanding of context and perspective.

Help them take action: Even little things like writing notes and drawing pictures for families impacted by the fires, supporting a request for practical assistance or coming up with a way of raising funds will help your children channel their feelings into something positive and productive.

Be their safe place: Most importantly of all, you can help your children by being their safe place. You don’t have to pretend that you’re unaffected by it all, but it’s good if you can let them know that you’re always available to comfort and reassure them regardless. Tell them they’re not alone, you’re in this together and you have a plan.

The second resource is from Headspace, it is a short read but a really good resource to help with how you may approach working with a young person after a natural disaster.

For those who would like to support the financial appeal for those in the fire zone can I suggest Schoolaid via the below link.

Schoolaid works with NGO's, principals' associations and government agencies to support those in need of assistance. You can, of course, donate to your normal charities.

You would have received an online form for positions available on the school board. Currently, our board meets monthly to discuss issues around the financial running of the school and provides support and advice to the Principal regarding these issues. If you have the time for a meeting once a month and feel that you have something to offer our school in a position like this then please put your name forward using the below link.

If we require an election it will be held on the night of the AGM, Tuesday 26 November where the 2020 school budget will also be released. 

Have a great weekend!

Peter Cutrona
Principal