The overwhelming message that I am receiving from students and teachers is that this period of remote learning is proving to be much more challenging than last time. Some of the feelings I am hearing are frustration, loneliness, worry, helplessness.

From my perspective, there are a number of factors contributing to these feelings.

Firstly, Stage 4 is a much harsher lockdown than Stage 3. The restrictions on us are far greater, and it is more difficult to leave the house to release the overwhelming feelings we are having. As we continue through this lockdown, the novelty of staying at home wears thinner and thinner. The students and teachers are missing the structure and normality that learning at school brings. They are also missing the face to face contact that brings closer relationships and a better understanding of the feelings others are going through. Everybody misses their friends and their community.

This is undoubtedly an extremely difficult time for us all. However, there are practices that we can put into place in order to help us get through this difficult time.

• Pray – It is important that we place our lives in God’s hands, tell Him all our feelings and struggles, and keep trusting that He is with us and He is in control.
• Encourage - Parents, when you are helping your child to learn from home, remember that no one expects you to be an expert or a professional teacher. The most important thing you can do is to continue to provide comfort, support and encouragement to your child.
• Structure – Ensure that there is as much structure to your child’s day as possible. Children need a designated work space that is free from distractions, and that is a different space to where they play and relax. Try to separate home time and school time by sticking to normal school hours and routines.
• Play – Play is vital for the wellbeing of your child. Play encourages children to explore, discover, negotiate, take risks, and problem-solve which supports the development of cognitive, social, emotional and physical skills. This play involves DEVICE FREE time. No iPads, phones, TVs or computers should be used during this play time.
• Exercise – Use the 1 hour of exercise time allowed each day to get out of the house and enjoy the fresh air!