Phew! What a busy term we have had!
Congratulations to all students for making it through a tricky term of high workloads, competing deadlines for assessments, exams, and some very cold weather. It has been a pleasure to be a part of the Merici community this term and I am very excited for the semester ahead.
The school holidays are an important time to relax, reset and recharge your batteries after a busy period. Much like you wouldn’t allow your phone battery to get below 10% charge – we too need to be aware of our inner state and take a little bit of time to replenish our energy and charge our social and emotional battery.
For students and families who might need some additional support over the school holiday break, I have listed a few references that you might find of benefit.
For Students :
- support young people to navigate Canberra’s mental health system and find mental health services, supports and resources (12pm-11pm/7 days)
- headspace online mental health service speak with professional counsellors over the phone or webchat (9am-1am/7 days)
- (13 92 76, available 24/7) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support crisis support phone line
- Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800, available 24/7)
- headspace How to stay healthy over the holidays
- Reach Out Ways to chill for cheap
For Parents :
- Headspace factsheet Keeping healthy over the holidays – for friends and family
- Reach Out Parents has information for parents and carers on a range of topics.
- Raising Children has tips and advice around a range of topics that can assist parents in supporting young people.
- Beyond Blue has some tips on supporting healthy home and habits and how to talk about mental health if you are wanting to start a conversation with your young person
- ReachOut has a One-on-one support service which provides free coaching to parents and carers of teenagers.
- Parentline ACT provides telephone counselling to parents and carers. Call 02 6287 3833, Monday to Friday 9am-4pm
It is important to note that school counselling is not a crisis service but should you feel your daughter may benefit from school counselling when school resumes, please speak with your daughter’s House Co-ordinator or email me on [email protected].
I wish you all a very relaxing and wholesome holiday break and look forward to seeing you all back next term.
Ms Hannah Johnson
