Presentation Well-being News Letter

25th March 2020

Dear Parent and Students

Thank you for your co-operation with school closure and your support to extend the learning remotely. There has been great feedback from both teachers and students regarding the engagement with online continuous learning in this short time period.

As of Tuesday 24th March, the Taoiseach announced that schools will remain closed until April 19th as efforts continue to stop the spread of COVID-19. With this new reality of hand hygiene, social distancing and online Teaching and Learning continuing, please be assured of our best efforts to support students to stay connected with our school community.

There are new routines to be drawn up to include continuous learning online, support for well-being, physical activity, positive mental health and advice on coping strategies.

We have encountered new challenges and expect more with cabin

fever setting in, motivation levels dipping, feeling lonely and isolated, feeling anxious and finding it difficult to switch off from social media. This can be true for all of us. We are being creative and learning to adapt in combating these challenges and finding new ways through our Student support teams to staying connected

There will be much talk and rumours on media around the Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate exams in June. We ask you to ignore this commentary and focus on the exams taking place as scheduled.

You will appreciate that this is a very fluid situation. Take it one day at a time!

Yours sincerely,

LORRAINE O’KEEFFE MARTHA KENT

Principal Deputy Principal

Stay Connected

Check in with your friends and family while following social distancing guidelines. Don't congregate in groups, congregate on video calls and group chats

Limit Social Media Usage

While staying digitally active, it is also important to carefully choose your news and media sources wisely. Restrict your social media usage also so that you don't become overwhelmed with "staying connected".

Maintain Healthy Sleep Habits

This is so important for your mental health. Follow your normal routine. Don't get into the habit of staying up late to sleep in for longer. Set your alarm for your normal weekday start.

Time for Self-Care

Whatever this is for you. From listening to music to reading a book, to getting out in the back garden with a hurl or a football. Walk the dog. Painting your nails or following an online make-up tutorial. Do what is good for your soul. Stay active!

Time to Remember Others

Pope Francis has encouraged us all to pray for those impacted by this Covid-19 crisis.

Tips for Students While Working at Home

Keep Your Daily Routine (Write it down)

Keep it similar to what you normally do. Get up, shower, have breakfast and get ready for the day. Add things like gratitude, prayer and exercise breaks.

Work in the Same Place Each Day

This lets your brain know that it is time for work, like walking into your classroom! It doesn't have to be a full room just a place where your materials stay.

Take Breaks!

Make breaks part of your schedule! Get up and walk around, go outside to exercise if you can. Don't stare at screens too long and don't sit for too long.

End Your Day with Something Special

This lets your brain know that you are done with school for the day. Maybe a few stretches or a healthy snack.

Make Healthy Choices

Eat the best whole foods you have. Make sure you are eating away from where you work, Nutrition is key to our immune system and mental health.

Don't get cooped up! Get Outside.

If you can sit outside while you work, do it. If you can take a walk, do it. Sunshine is good for our brains and for our bodies.

Have a Check-in Buddy

A friend you feel comfortable with that you can reach out to and talk to. Set a time to video chat and talk about how you are feeling.

Try New Things with your Family

Use the time together to try a new craft, read a book together, (family book club), or do a puzzle. There are lots of fun things to do together online - Google "12 Virtual Tours of Famous Museums" for example!!

Get enough Sleep

Being at home so much can impact on sleep patterns. Be sure you are getting enough rest. Try to keep it similar to your regular sleep schedule.

Keep your Chin Up!

This is temporary and you're doing a great job. Remember to have fun and laugh and do things that brighten your day!

Staff Suggestions for Staying Well

Home Economics Department

Prepare a sweet or savoury dish of your choice. Share an image of your dish and the recipe via email with one of the Home Economics teachers. We will share the best dishes with everyone in the next Well-being newsletter.

PE Department

Continue the "Miles to Marathon" Challenge - either run or walk approx 2km a day. Remember to socially isolate when completing this challenge

Art Department

Create a poster to raise awareness around the guidelines that need to be followed during this Covid-19 pandemic. Share your poster with the Art teacher and we will include some of them in our next well being newsletter.