Head Above Water
In what was a wonderful display of community engagement, two Year 12 teams (and Mr Heath) and one Year 6 team (with some sibling support and Mr Rousel) undertook the 24-hour swimathon in support of Head Above Water. This group, which includes several of our Alumni, focuses on Mental Health in a Northern Beaches context. Whilst beginning last year, this year’s swimathon saw a great growth of participation from Pittwater House students. I am both thrilled and immensely proud of those students who braved an early and drizzly morning in support of this great cause.
Rarely if ever has the world as we know it, been so uncertain. It is an emotional time for all, given such variation in expert opinions. And social media is not at all helpful! We therefore need to remain calm and supportive of each other as we all endeavour to make the best decisions for all.
It is Sunday as I write this, and I am sure the decisions made by our Governments in the coming 72 hours before you read this edition of HouseNews may alter the landscape considerably.
Thus, my comments relate to the situation as I know it on Sunday.
We have endeavoured to keep you as informed as we can, as varying scenarios come into play. Knowing the extent of preparation, we have taken, I believe we are well placed to deliver an online program, should we be required to do so. Please remember though that each school will have a different approach; there is no one best way, it must be one that acknowledges the resources and known styles for students and Staff. Therefore, what you may read from other schools is not necessarily what we believe is best at Pittwater House.
In the meantime, I have cancelled or postponed ALL external activities for our students.
At this time, I am aware of the strain and challenge all our families face; I include here the families of our Staff as well as our students and their families. Please be sympathetic and flexible to us, as we are to you, as we roll out our program preparations. Preparation of online materials is time consuming when Staff are still very focused on work at hand.
Whereas tertiary education has been delivering through a distance mode for several years, it is a new domain for primary and secondary students. Children will find the experience interesting and novel, though I am guessing that this novelty will soon wear off and that will create additional challenges, for us and for you, at home. Given this, I encourage you to watch this presentation from psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg as he shares some support tips for you, as parents, dealing with this evolving issue. How Parents Can Explain the Virus: https://schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-coronavirus
In the meantime, I would urge you to ensure that your children have an appropriate online learning environment set up at home.
Should we be forced to adopt an online approach for all our families, I would ask that you ensure your children do NOT go out with friends, shopping or to the movies. This would undermine the reason the Government, on the advice of the Chief Health Officer, would call for school closure. Please support us to keep students’ school routine constant, just in a home setting.
I reiterate the advice given by our government and by so many organisations regarding health and hygiene practices: in particular, I stress the need for healthy habits.
10 ways to reduce your risk of COVID-19:
- Wash hands often, using soap, for at least 20 seconds. DRY with paper towel or hand dryer.
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.
- Isolate yourself at home if you feel sick. If you take medication, ensure you have adequate supplies.
- Phone your GP first if you need medical attention. They will tell you what to do.
- Continue healthy habits: exercise, drink water, get plenty of sleep.
- Don’t wear a face mask if you are well.
- Buy an alcohol-based sanitiser with over 60% alcohol.
- Get the flu shot (available at the end of the month).
- No shaking hands… find another way to greet!
Social distancing is key. Please discuss this with your children as this will be a real challenge for our young people who will struggle to understand its necessity. Remaining connected and supportive of each other is vital. Thus, I share a piece from the Kindness Factory titled #OneSmallAct:
Every handshake that we don’t make must become a phone call that we place. Every embrace that we avoid becomes a verbal expression of warmth and concern. Every inch and every foot that we physically place between ourselves and another, must become a thought as to how we might be of help to that other, should the need arise. Our COVID-19 pact.
Thank you for all you are doing in supporting us to provide a calm and secure setting for your children. As we have been told, we are at the beginning of what is likely to be a lengthy period as we fight the virus. Remaining open for as long as possible, is our aim.
