COVID-19 government restrictions and the time in isolation throughout the winter months has meant that Term 3 has been more challenging than previous years. The uncertainty and the adaption to change increases emotions and it drains one’s energy. We have each found ways to cope with the changes, be it through (what feels like) endless zoom conferences, Netflix watching or cheering on your team on Kayo.
We cannot underestimate the time it takes for us to recover our energy and positivity, as we move beyond the COVID-19 restrictions.
Take your mind to a time when you have had to physically exert yourself for an activity. A walk, a run, a performance on stage. It can take time to recover from such exertion. Emotional exertion also has an impact.
Each of us have experienced the emotional strain of maintaining family, school and work commitments. Some in our community have worked as essential workers and some on the front line as health care workers. Thank you to these members of our community. Isolation, financial strain and maintaining motivation for learning are challenges that lead to fatigue.
In schools, our teachers and our students do tire towards the end of each busy term. The online environment behind the screen, the uncertainty and the adapting to change has sapped energy, making Term 3 no different. Our senior students have spent most of the Term 3 at home preparing for upcoming important assessments. We are acutely aware that our Year 7-10 students have continued to persevere during the Home Learning Program, unfortunately for longer than their time at school in 2021.
Daily routines, sleep, exercise, diet and finding time to be device free can assist in maintaining our wellbeing and optimum performance with learning. Contemplation is also important to ensure patience, as is considering others in our community.
The holidays bring us each an opportunity to recharge the batteries and to reflect upon how to approach Term 4 with routines that will sustain us for the remainder of the school year. Getting sufficient sleep and exercise can make a huge difference to managing and succeeding in academic outcomes upon returning to school in Term 4. Likewise, the holidays may possibly provide an opportunity to enjoy a pastime (bike ride, drawing or painting, playing an instrument) or learning a new skill (i.e., cooking, gardening, solving puzzles, etc.) or indulging in reading for pleasure.
Take care.
Further communication will be provided early in Term 4 regarding the possibility of returning to school as the College receives guidelines from the government and Catholic Education.
Mr Mark Ashmore
Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching
