Year 7

Sleep is your Superpower!

It’s simple, really: your body and mind need sleep in order to function properly. But actually, getting a good night’s sleep isn’t always so simple, especially with our new lockdown routines. Luckily, Lara from our counselling team has got some information, tips and hints in a useful video on things our young people can do to make it easier to get enough Zs.

SCHOOL TV: Physical Activity and Exercise 

Physical activity and exercise is not only vital to a child’s overall development but it has so many other benefits. With children spending more time on computers being sedentary, it is even more important to get kids moving more. As well as maintaining a healthy weight, it also improves concentration by helping to establish connections between different parts of the brain. It helps kids develop fundamental movement skills impacting positively on their confidence, self-esteem and ability to develop social skills. On an emotional level, it reduces stress and anxiety while improving posture and sleep. Physical activity and exercise is good for your child’s health, now and in the future. Parents should encourage their kids to move or play sport at every opportunity – in and out of school.

“Research shows, regular physical activity and exercise leads to changes in the brain. It improves cognitive function, elevates mood, improves learning and reduces ‘stress chemicals’ like cortisol.” Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

https://redlands.nsw.schooltv.me/newsletter/physical-activity-exercise

SCHOOL TV SPECIAL REPORT: Wellbeing Checklist for Secondary Students

During this time of Coronavirus, many of us have experienced a variety of emotions ranging from fear to anxiety. All of these are considered to be normal and natural responses to any challenging situation that can often result in our minds telling us all kinds of scary stories. This can be especially true for teenagers and senior students for whom ‘what if’  stories will often predict the worst.

Adolescents are considered to be more at risk of anxiety and depression disorders which may affect their mood, thinking and behaviour. Although this is completely understandable given the current situation, any unusual behaviour that lasts for more than 2-3 weeks may be a cause for concern. Adult carers need to remain vigilant for any signs of distress, even though your adolescent may not have any prior history of mental illness. Early intervention, diagnosis and treatment have never been more important. If you do have any concerns relating to your teenager’s mental health, you may wish to consider using the assessment tool provided by Beyond Blue. The checklist aims to measure how your teen has been feeling over the past four weeks. After completion, the results can be printed for your records, or alternatively, provided to your medical practitioner.

Click here to access the Beyond Blue Assessment Tool. Note: For New Zealand audiences the Beyond Blue site references Australian phone numbers. If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact your school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

https://redlands.nsw.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-wellbeing-checklist-secondary

Mr Edward Atkins
Yr 7 Advisor 
eatkins@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9909 3133