Newman News Term 1 Week 10: From the Leader of Wellbeing Primary
There is no doubt the last few weeks have been a trying time for everyone in our community – students, families, and teachers. If I could deliver just one message to our Lavalla families at this time it would be this:
Please be kind to yourselves!
It seems increasingly likely that remote learning will continue into the near future. We know this is a stressful, unpredictable and difficult time for families. As a school we have an obligation to continue to provide opportunities to learn, and I acknowledge the hard work of teachers, office staff, and support staff in helping to make this happen. Their work has been nothing short of outstanding.
However, we understand that many families are enduring challenges that go far beyond the walls of the classroom. We understand that remote learning for some students this week was a great success, and that for others it may have been a real challenge. I would like all families to know that we are here and that we understand. If a child cannot complete an activity or their learning one day, that is ok. We know everyone is doing their best and that this will look very different for different students and families. We are totally ok with this. Parents need to know that the results of these next few weeks are not a reflection of themselves, students, or families. We know families are doing the best they can. We live the experience of how hectic teaching can be and know what families will be going through. We will provide the opportunities to learn, but we are also the first to understand if this doesn’t always happen too. Teaching is a tricky business!
Children are very resilient – much more so than we give them credit for. They will recover from this. We will help them, and guide them to become the able learners they can be because that is just what teachers love doing. The most important thing parents can do for their children is to simply be with them. Be present. Show them they are loved and cared for. Everything else will take care of itself.
I hope that everyone can take these next couple of weeks to reset, and reflect on this time as a family. To be there for each other, to be kind to one another, and to be compassionate to those around you. I hope that everyone enjoys the Easter break and can celebrate in the resurrection of Christ our King. We look forward to welcoming students and families back soon.