Explore practical ways and useful resources to support your school community during uncertain times, write JO McLEAN and NICKY SLOSS.
Schools are central to wellbeing for both staff and students. A strong focus on social capital in schools creates a sense of belonging and connectedness for all members of the community. In times of uncertainty, additional support from educators and school staff is called upon and a whole-school, coordinated approach is essential. Schools will draw upon their internal expertise, building capacity in their teams to support students, colleagues and families. Context-specific wellbeing may also be considered in faith or values-based approaches.
Open and honest discussions
Ongoing exposure to media-related COVID-19 information can be stressful. The national mental health and wellbeing organisation Beyond Blue suggests the importance of discussing COVID-19 news and events in an open and honest way with children and young people. Information and resources from reliable sources are most appropriate as well as listening to and acknowledging student questions. ReachOut has produced an extensive resource bank of strategies for coping during COVID-19 relevant to school staff, students and parents/carers.
A strong focus on social capital in schools creates a sense of belonging and connectedness for all members of the community.
Practical and emotional support
We know that maintaining a sense of connectedness during times of major disruption develops resilience for overcoming unforeseen difficulties, and that social contact and routine supports the wellbeing of students and staff. When this is not physically possible, staying connected online and in other ways can bridge this gap. Acknowledging the need for practical and emotional support is important for all school stakeholders. It is more important than ever to remind students, staff, and families that they are not alone by providing them ways of connecting with the school and one another. Dedicated resources from Head to Health (Australian Government), headspace school support, Everymind, Monash University and Emerging Minds are a good starting point for schools.
Online safety
At a time where more students, staff and families may be accessing teaching, learning and wellbeing online, schools will continue to prepare, engage, educate and respond to the different needs associated with learning from home. The Office of the eSafety Commissioner has released a comprehensive resource for teachers and leaders COVID-19: Keeping schools and learning safe online along with a COVID-19 Safety Kit for parents and carers that schools can refer to when developing their learning from home protocols and procedures.
At a time where more students, staff and families may be accessing teaching, learning and wellbeing online, schools will continue to prepare, engage, educate and respond to the different needs associated with learning from home.
AISNSW support
In this challenging time, it is difficult to ascertain what information is relevant and useful. To assist schools to navigate the plethora of wellbeing resources available specific to COVID-19 and in general, AISNSW Wellbeing consultants are available to support schools via phone, email and online.
A wide range of whole-school wellbeing resources have also been curated and will be available on a designated AISNSW school support COVID-19 Portal (coming soon). Schools can be confident these resources are evidence-based and high quality allowing them to select those best suited to meet their unique needs and context.
Please contact AISNSW's Wellbeing team members Nicky Sloss or Jo McLean for further information and support.
