Dear Families,

The last couple of weeks have been a reminder of just how quickly our day to day routines, tasks and plans can change. Since my last newsletter message to you our school community went into the 8 Day Lockdown and At-home learning was prepared and delivered. Many of our families, staff and loved ones are still in Quarantine. Currently we are all required to operate under restrictions that are considerably tighter than previous times we have come out of Lockdown.

When we think of the effort it takes mentally, physically and emotionally to change well established routines and habits, it is understandable that change results in stress. Our brains are wired to prefer certainty. A survival response to predict and control circumstances in order to live our optimal/preferred life.   I came across the following article Why change is so hard – and how to deal with it .

It turns out when we experience change, our brains can interpret it as a ‘threat’ (usually our default) or as a ‘challenge’. When we perceive change as a threat it can lead to distress as we feel we are being forced to go beyond our capacity to cope. When we perceive change as a challenge or opportunity to learn or do something new, we are more likely to experience eustress. We feel more positive or at the very least, less bad about our capacity to cope. In essence our mindset greatly alters our emotional, physical and mental experience.

Our children particularly our youngest and or with disability may be struggling at present. We can help model helpful thinking.

How might this situation be an opportunity rather than a threat?

How might we celebrate moments of progress?

What small thing will I try?

I encourage you to explore the article and consider some of the many restrictions and demanding changes that we are being asked of us at present and how they may be perceived as an opportunity.

Children’s Health Queensland have developed a resource to help young children’s understanding of their world which for our very young is a ‘pandemic world’. CHQ have comprehensive and factual information for adults COVID-19 and Kids- What you need to know

Thank you again for your cooperation as we work through how the current restrictions apply to our school setting and your willingness to respect the good order and management of our school during these challenging times.

In closing, here is a reminder of who we are as a community! Please enjoy this lovely capture of the 150^th Celebration Fete held earlier this year and the announcement of how much money was raised by you for our wonderful school. We look forward to coming together again soon.

Have a great week,

Eunice Webb
Principal