A message from Ali Friedrich School counsellor

Social Distancing: What You’re Feeling Is Grief

COVID-19 and the coronavirus has caused us to rethink our lives as we know it. It is asking us to shift our very instincts as social beings by self- isolating and so protecting our community. Despite these warnings from Government some of us are still fighting the need to isolate but instead feel a strong desire to hold onto our lifestyles.

We are finding it hard to get our minds to adjust to the new way of living at least for the moment. Our instinct to gather for protection is being challenged by the new ideas of how to protect ourselves, which is to separate.

With separation comes loss, and with loss comes grief. That growing anxiety we feel in the night is the haunting presence of grief. You have lost something. Only you know what "that" is for you, but it is gone, and you’re grieving it.

We have lost or been forced to give up in the face of the growing pandemic—our lives as we know them. We have been forced to change so much, so quickly. For many of us, 9/11 was a similar experience. It was a personal reckoning, forcing us to re-evaluate our lives, our values, what we held dear. Our current situation is 9/11—on a slow burn.

As with any loss or grief experience, it is hard while you’re going through it to be able to see clearly what the future will hold. After that storm of life passes your heart and mind will be open to new hopes and dreams. When you look back on what you’ve lost you will see the new opportunities, experiences, and relationships have come into your life.

For now, whenever possible, hold on to hope/faith and while you do this remind yourself that it is normal to also feel the presence of uncertainty and grief.
When we don’t know what’s going to happen, we don’t know what to do and may find ourselves reacting to our stressors and that can lead to feeding our fears. As human being we cope better with structure, routine, and ritual as it gives us a sense of control over our lives.

Currently, our world feels like we have little control. We are not only concerned about what will happen, but again, what we will lose —connection, community, home, position, status, and money.

Without a physical connection to loss or a traumatic event it is hard for some of use to make sense of why we need these changes in our lives or community. Some of us may still be fighting the very thing that may, quite literally, save their lives because our nature is to be with others not just virtually but in person (to embrace, touch or be near).

Suggestions in how to look after yourself doing this season of loss and change:
This is a trying and unprecedented time. Let us be gentle with ourselves and practice self-compassion. Let’s allow ourselves to grieve missed time with loved ones, travel plans, celebrations, and stability. We likely won’t be as productive as we would normally; we can preemptively decrease our workloads when possible before feelings of exhaustion overwhelm us.

Our families will come out of this with greater personal strength and resilience as we practice self-care, rely on others, and connect with the those in need around us:
1. Structure your day
2. Have family meals
3. Limit media exposure
4. Exercise (morning or afternoon)
5. Reach out: physically distant but emotionally connected
6. Help others: look after the distressed and vulnerable
7. Practice good sleep hygiene: exercise during day, do calming activities at night
8. Stay positive and future -focused: anxiety/panic is contagious, but so is being calm.

The above information reflects the thoughts and works of Dr Bruce Perry, Michael J Formica (Psychotherapist) and Ali Friedrich (Prescott Primary Northern school counsellor)

PPN Pick-Up Zone

The increased pressure with our current weather and limited access for parents on campus has intensified our Pick-Up Zone. This document outlines ways in which you can assist us with this. Thanks for your patience! PPN Admin

Term 2 School Uniform 

We have extended our usual 2-week changeover between summer and winter uniforms. There will now be a 4-week changeover. That means students can wear either summer or winter uniform to school (even PE uniform if needed) until the start of Week 5. We understand that things are up in the air at the moment and the fact that our uniform shop has been closed to face to face appointments has made the usual uniform transition impossible. 

Daily Health Check

Term 2 Canteen Menu

Art Competition

One of the companies that we source art supplies for school, ZART Art, is running an art competition for school students. 

To enter: Create an artwork celebrating our theme: HOME is where the ART Is.
Artwork can be 2D (e.g. drawing, painting, sidewalk chalk drawing etc.) or 3D (e.g. sculpture, construction).

Email a photo of your artwork to zartart@zartart.com.au with your:

• Name
• Email Address
• Phone Number
• Year Level
• Category section
• School Name

For privacy reasons, student's FIRST NAME & SCHOOL NAME will be published only. Winners will receive art supplies for themselves, plus art supplies for the school. 

All other details can be found on their website: https://www.zartart.com.au/zartstatic/page/home-art-competition 

Autism Awareness

COVID-19 - Emergency Assistance Contacts for Vulnerable Individuals and Families