School Counsellors

With the holidays upon us, as Counsellors, we are aware of the joys and challenges of this time.  Many of our students have already been learning from home and now without school to occupy and provide some connection, staying at home during the COVID-19 restrictions provides a unique challenge for students and parents.  We are noticing the creative ways that adults and young people are responding to this and wanted to share some ideas to help the wellbeing of our families.

Staying connected

This is a time to be grateful for those we live with and find ways to have fun, support each other with the stress, and perhaps take a break from each other too.  The Parenting Ideas attached to the last SJPC newsletter had some useful thoughts including keeping up family rituals even if you need to modify them to include family not living with you at the moment. Staying connected virtually such as face timing while doing activities, using apps to play together, sing, and share are all ways young people and adults are exploring to stay connected. 

Keeping active

It is still okay to be active, we are both finding how important this is now that we are at home more.  We know the P.E. teachers have shared resources for keeping active. Students and family can try this out and even set challenges with each other or friends.  We love the videos people have shared of dancing. Walking together, as well as doing some of the many fitness and yoga YouTube activities are other ideas to try to keep active. 

Trying new things or picking up old things again

We are hearing about young people cooking and baking - maybe this is a time for young people to develop that signature dish/cake/bread they can prepare for the family.

Trying out some art - maybe students could do some of the art they have been doing this term or even last year with other family members.  We are sure the art teachers would love to see what their students and families have been creating, and it would look great around the house or on your wall.

Try out some music - learn a new song, if you play an instrument great! If you don’t, try singing, there are even apps that allow you to do karaoke with your friends.

Gardening is a great activity whether you grow sprouts, vegetables or flowers.

Supporting each other

Giving around the house to our family.  We are hearing about small and big ways that young people are contributing while at home around the house, with small monetary rewards or just for the love of it. 

Making things to send to grandparents or other family and friends - as well as video calling our grandparents, creating something personal to send by snail mail can make a difference for those self-isolating at the moment.  

We look forward to hearing what you got up to over your holidays when students return to school (blended) next Term.  It certainly will be a holiday to remember. We wish you all a lovely Easter with family and a good holiday.