Wellbeing is the most important thing for schools to focus on as we return to face-to-face learning and see out the remainder of the term, according to the head of a Hurstville pre-K-12 school.
Dr Emma Burgess, Principal of Danebank Anglican School for Girls, said while much had been shared in traditional and social media about the need to look after our mental health and wellbeing, schools were at the coalface of supporting children dealing with the challenges and stress associated with distance learning and needed to address wellbeing in class.
"Some students will be feeling anxious about the return, others may simply be excited. Some will be worried about friendships, perhaps others not so much. Some will be stressed about their learning and what they've felt they have missed while others will just be ready to learn in community. Even as adults, we are experiencing similar emotions and responses," Dr Burgess said.
"Now, as we emerge from our homes and return to face-to-face learning, many of us wonder how to support our children. More so, we wonder how to actively and practically support their wellbeing."
The authors of a study published in medical journal Lancet estimated that cases of depression as a consequence of COVID-19 rose 28 per cent above pre-pandemic levels while anxiety increased by 26 per cent.
In an interview with the Guardian, Dr Nicole Brunker, lecturer in education at University of Sydney, said wellbeing was the "number one" thing for schools to consider right now. According to Danebank's Dr Burgess, one way for schools to achieve this is by embedding a visible culture of wellbeing.
In 2021, Danebank entered a partnership with Professor Lea Waters from the University of Melbourne to become a Visible Wellbeing Partner School. Staff have been learning ways to support the development of wellbeing in students by implementing a Visible Wellbeing framework.
Called the SEARCH framework, it integrates an individual's Strengths, Emotional management, Attention and awareness, Relationships, Coping mechanisms, and Habits and goals to offer a practical foundation on which to build one's own wellbeing.
Brain breaks or brain boosters have become part of daily practice. During distance learning, students benefited from Wellbeing Days. The school has established a Wellbeing Committee and student-led initiatives have supported the strengthening of friendships.