From the Principal
As Preparatory and Redlands House parents were advised earlier this week, I am delighted to announce that Mrs Ainslie Breckenridge has been appointed as the new Head of Preparatory School and will commence in the role at the start of Term 2.
Ainslie has a great passion for Early Childhood education and is currently the Primary Years Programme (PYP) Coordinator in the Junior School at Barker College. She previously held the position of Head of Junior School at PLC in Armidale and taught at Trinity Grammar Preparatory School.
Ainslie is looking forward to building on the wonderful work and dedicated leadership of Audrey Fellowes who will be finishing at Redlands at the end of March. I take this opportunity to sincerely thank Audrey for her significant service to the School and wish her every success as she embarks on her new role as Head of Primary (P-6) at Clayfield College in Queensland. For the last weeks of term after Audrey’s departure, Ari Guha will be Acting Head of Junior Campus.
I know that our community with provide Ainslie with a very warm Redlands welcome when she commences next term.
I attended a regional Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA) NSW/ACT branch meeting over the weekend and on Monday at Port Macquarie and as you would expect, a key topic of conversation amongst the Heads was the current situation with the coronavirus and any further potential future impacts on our school communities. We are in regular communication with the Association of Independent Schools NSW and their CEO Dr Newcombe presented at the branch meeting.
As our community is aware, we took a conservative approach at the outset regarding students’ attendance at school following travel overseas, in order to ensure the wellbeing of our students and families and we have continued to strongly reinforce good hygiene practices throughout the School. We are closely monitoring advice from the NSW Health Department and will ensure we keep our community informed of any developments.
I am conscious that at this time of some heightened anxiety, it is important to reassure and openly communicate with children regarding the situation and to address any concerns or questions that they may have. Our students are incredibly connected to news and media around the world and the 24 hour cycle can become overwhelming. You can help them by seeking out accurate information, sharing it with them openly and reassuring them. Some points below from a recent New York Times article may be useful.
Fill in the Facts
Wendy Mogel, a clinical psychologist and the author of ‘Voice Lessons for Parents’, noted that the coronavirus has all the makings of a horror movie that will fascinate many older kids.
“The virus’s origin, the quick spread around the world, the allure of this novel disease is everywhere,” she said. “Turn off the news and really find out what your kids know about the virus.”
“Answer their questions, and if you don’t know the answer, be honest. You can research the answers together,” Dr Mogel said.
What Scientists Know about the Virus
Richard Bromfield, a psychologist at Harvard Medical School and the author of ‘How to Unspoil Your Child Fast,’ agreed. “Kids are exposed to so much information today that they marinate in it,” he said. “Manage what your kids see and hear, but have them share with you what they are exposed to so you can discuss it. Try to see it the way they see it, and help correct misinformation and put it in context.”
Make It a Team Effort
Dr Mogel suggested passing along the words one teenager recently used in talking about the virus to her: “She said people with stronger immune systems should take more responsibility to keep people with weaker immune systems well.”
She added, “It’s also a good opportunity for parents to reinforce what they have always told their kids: Get a good night’s sleep, get some sunshine, eat well and make sure you wash your hands.”
“Give teens the right information about how viruses are transmitted and put it in context,” suggested Heather Turgeon, a psychotherapist and co-author of ‘Now Say This: The Right Words to Solve Every Parenting Dilemma.’
“Explain that part of why we take certain precautions, like 20-second hand-washing before snacks and lunch, not sharing food and utensils and so forth, is that we’re protecting vulnerable people. It’s a community effort,” Ms Turgeon said.
As I finish writing this article, the rain is once again falling and this time over a much broader area of regional Australia, which is reason to pause and give thanks. This will no doubt be of great assistance to our farming regions who have been severely impacted by prolonged drought. It reminded me of the importance of stopping and even in the midst of very challenging times, finding the things we are thankful for and expressing gratitude.
Mr Stephen Webber
Photo caption: Preparatory School students enjoying their library books as they participate in the Premier’s Reading Challenge.