Dear Parents,
I hope everyone is keeping safe and well as we continue to experience this unusual way of life. Thank you for supporting your children as they tackle all their lessons in a new and sometimes challenging environment.
As adults we are certainly finding some of the experience daunting, whether it be isolation, increased financial pressures, working as a key worker and trying to maintain the safety of your family or trying to motivate the children in your household to complete their school work, do some exercise or even in the case of some teenagers I would imagine, communicate! It is all unprecedented pressure and increased anxiety.
Our young people are undoubtedly finding it tough too. What was in some cases I’m sure greeted with glee, as the announcement that schools were to close, is now not so joyously celebrated. The novelty has worn off and the reality of not enjoying interaction with friends and teachers for a sustained period is beginning to show. There is also fear and anxiety about coronavirus that many will not know how to express. Young children may ask questions which are difficult to answer and teenagers may just worry internally.
With all, mental health is at risk and because children are anxious and worried and don’t fully understand why the changes have occurred their behaviour may change or become erratic. With younger children there may be an increase in tantrums or the opposite and they are more withdrawn. With older children the ‘teenage’ surliness may increase, sleep patterns change and there may be frequent often irrational mood changes too.
Over the last week I have received a number of very useful resources which address some of these difficulties and may help support you and your families through the crises. I will attach these at the bottom of this letter, together with important contact details.
Remote teaching and learning
Mrs Weller and I have both addressed the pupils via our assemblies and set guidelines for effective working at home:
I know that Hipperholme remains a very strong community and that as a team, parents, staff and children we will overcome the difficulties, rise to the challenge and maintain our positivity.
With appreciation for your continued support.
Best wishes
Jackie Griffiths
Mrs Griffiths j.griffiths@hgsf.org.uk or telephone 07526 170050
Mrs Weller s.weller@hgsf.org.uk or telephone 07526 170049
The Office (Mrs Hall) office@hgsf.org.uk or phone 07446 196688 from 9am till 12 midday
Finance Manager t.owens@hgsf.org.uk or phone 07857 047765
IT Manager a.eastcrabbe@hgsf.org.uk or phone 07743 869548
Please note that the main school switchboard 01422 202256 is not operational at the moment.
Chair of Governors letter regarding fees sent to parents 28 April 2020
Summer term 2020 welcome letter from Head of Foundation sent to parents 22 April 2020
The Brilliant illustrator of The Gruffalo, Axel Scheffler has produced a book about COVID-19 Coronavirus for children and is available as a free download click on the title below:
Coronavirus: A Book for Children – Nosy Crow
Being a teenager is a long, slow process of growing away from your family. Yet young people are suddenly being thrust back into the heart of their families, whether or not they want to be.
Social distancing and self-isolation bring challenges for everyone. But teens face a particularly hard time.
With schools closed, they’re going to be cut off from the people they care most about – their friends. The initial euphoria about not having to do exams will be replaced by the realisation of all the things they’re missing – the summer term, the sporting events, the performances, the parties, the gatherings, the end-of-exams fun, the flirtations.
On top of all that, they’re going to be forced to spend their entire time with their parents. At a time when they want more control over their lives, they’ve suddenly got less. So how can you help?
Organisation
You’ll need some routine if you’re not going to drive each other mad. Talk to teens about the need to find new ways to arrange your days. What do they need to do (learning, completing their lessons online, exercise, friends-time, down-time) and what do you need to do to make that possible?
More structure should, hopefully, mean less boredom and getting everything done.
There’s going to be much more focus on home. Get them to help with the practical things – the chores and cooking, keeping an eye on younger siblings, cleaning surfaces. Create an atmosphere of ‘all in it together’ which will help them take responsibility.
At the same time, encourage them to socialise. Screen-time rules may have to be relaxed. It’s vital for them to keep in touch with their friends.
Behaviour
No doubt they’ll be relying on digital tech more than ever before. This is fine – but you should still emphasise the need to get enough sleep, to learn new things, to respond positively to their online lessons, to be physically active and to have face-to-face time with the family. Do ensure they have a realistic routine. It’s no good if they are working through the night and sleeping all day. Becoming nocturnal is not the answer and will have an enormous impact on their mental health.
Accept that there will be times when they want to get away into their private space, and try to make that possible. Talk to them about the virus – which should help them get perspective, and will also help them behave responsibly, even though they feel frustrated.
Dealing with anxiety
It’s understandable that teens will be sad about what they’re missing and it’s important to acknowledge their losses – to show them you know that these are not trivial things, and you appreciate that it’s horrible to have to do without them.
They may find it hard to think about the future. Reassure them that this period will pass – and also that we may see things differently afterwards, so there could be opportunities to make the world better that they haven’t yet thought of.
Talk to them about their concerns about the virus. Are they getting their information from reputable sources? The NHS website, the UK government’s information, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) are all good places to start. The WHO has some excellent advice, including to avoid looking at the news constantly, perhaps rationing yourself to a couple of times a day.
Encourage teens to take control by structuring their days and setting themselves goals. Put yourself in their shoes and try to see things from their point of view.
Model good behaviour – if you are calm and rational, they will be too.
Useful websites
ParentZone.org.uk (the experts in digital family life)
ParentInfo.org (from CEOP and ParentZone)
NHS Covid-19 (NHS covid-19 advice)
GOV.UK Covid-19 (GOV.UK covid-19 advice)
WHO Covid-19 (WHO covid-19 advice)