Wellbeing News – 13 February 2020

We Connect

As we start the academic year, we are aware of the impact that positive relationships have on the learning environment. All healthy relationships help to positively influence wellbeing and support personal and academic achievement.

This term, students from Years 7 to 12 will be exploring the theme We Connect in Care Group and Wellbeing time. This theme will help to promote skills relating to social capability which positively impacts wellbeing when we feel a sense of belonging and connection to a community. They will explore the following 4 principles:

1. Welcome – through the exploration of the value and impact of belonging to groups, and a recognition and celebration of diversity.
2. Awareness – through the development of skills that promote social-emotional intelligence.
3. Communication – though recognising and practicing prosocial behaviors in person and online.
4. Service – through learning about what it means to practice a Benefit Mindset where we use our gifts and talents in service of our community.

Health and viruses

The situation regarding the Novel Coronavirus continues to raise our awareness about the impact of health concerns and the importance of hygiene in preventing the spread of viruses.

Please note that the College has previously sent 2 emails regarding the novel coronavirus. We will continue to monitor the advice from the Department of Health and Human Services and will provide updates to families via email as relevant information emerges. Further information can also be found at: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert

It is a timely reminder to also be aware of the practices which help to stop the spread of germs and viruses. Below is advice from the Department of Health and Human Services.

Bushfire season

We acknowledge the significant impact that the 2019/20 bushfire season has had on whole communities and on individual people. We pray for all those who have been impacted by the recent Bushfires around Australia and especially within the local East Gippsland and surrounding area, and for all those who have gone to the aid of communities in need.

If your family has been directly impacted by the recent bushfires and you require some assistance, please contact our Pastoral Case team via your campus office.

The following advice about the emotional impact of trauma is offered by Life in Mind, a mental health not for profit organisation:

Bushfires can have a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of affected communities and individuals.

The impact may also be felt by people who are not directly affected by bushfire activity, but may have experienced previous trauma related to a natural disaster, have loved ones in affected areas or are witnessing traumatic events through media coverage and social media.

There is a range of practical and emotional resources available for people who wish to seek support due to the impact of bushfires.

Taken from: https://lifeinmind.org.au/

Further information and advice can be found via:

• https://www.lifeinmindaustralia.com.au/mental-health-support-for-bushfire-affected-communities
• https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/bairnsdale/bushfire-support/
• https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/bushfires-and-mental-health/

As a College, staff and students have already been involved in several fundraising and assistance activities which build connection to those in need. We recognise that while there are many people who require support and assistance, we are also a community that has the capacity to offer help to each other.

Prayer for times of natural disaster:

God of all creation,

As we weep with our family affected by disasters, console us.

In this time of crisis, open our eyes to look beyond the disaster

to see Christ in our brothers and sisters as Christ sees us.

Be with all creation; Strengthen us in solidarity with those living and working in these areas.

All creation returns to you in mourning

and your grace guides our efforts to feed the hungry,

shelter the homeless, comfort the grieving, and stand for justice.

With your mercy sustain us at his time

as we continue to work for peace and justice. Amen.

[Written by Vicki Russell, Resurrection Parish, Keysborough]