New Beginnings

I have a growing sense of confidence that out of adversity, Korowa will flourish for many, New Beginnings By Helen Carmody, Principal

many years to come.

Last year was nothing short of extraordinary. It was a year that required a previously unimaginable level of resilience and energy from children, young people, staff and our whole community. We ended the year in a state of shared fatigue, but we demonstrated a profound and extremely deep capacity for resilience, coping and empathy.

Throughout 2020, we reacted, adjusted, adapted and changed a lot of what we do with surprising results and as we look back on the year that has passed, it seems short sighted to only focus on the fact that it’s over. It’s important to look at 2020 in a strengths-based, positive and considered way. Throughout last year I continued meeting future students to Korowa in online enrolment interviews. I asked each what they learned about themselves as they navigated the challenges of 2020. As is so often the case, there was a great deal of wisdom in the responses of 12 and 13 year olds. Many told me that they found they were more organised than they ever knew, some reflected on the importance of routine in their lives, especially for exercise and fitness and several talked about the ways that friends enrich our lives in ways, perhaps we never fully appreciated. This illustrates that there is much to be gained from reflection as we move into recovery. As we rebalance, recalibrate and recover, and look forward to a new year, it’s important to identify what we might hold on to and what we’ll let go. This means processing the experiences, impacts and disruptions of the year; ensuring we celebrate the gains and the incredible, sometimes less apparent, achievements. More than ever our highest priority will be the need for safety, connection and belonging. Schools have traditionally not been known for their flexibility, but perhaps last year we saw the possibility of doing things differently. Meetings, parent/teacher interviews and a staggered start and finish to the school day provided us with bonus outcomes that we never fully realised. In 2021, the staggered start and finish to the school day will offer more opportunities for students to be involved in the rich co-curricular program that includes sport, performing arts, music, debating, art and so much more. An extended day, means that we can provide a tutorial program for those students who require additional assistance outside the regular class times and integrate dance clubs and fitness routines before school for our younger students. Teachers have greater flexibility in how they work and deliver classes. This benefits them and their students. Without a doubt, our students rose to the fore in 2020. The student leadership team led by our School Captains Kelly Chen and Sophie Carne, never faltered or failed to impress me with their latest ideas for how we could keep the student body positive, connected and engaged. The independence achieved through coping and resilience in the face of adversity has materialised into a strong student voice and I am extremely proud that our students strive for impact on issues of ethics and social justice. In 2021 we will increase our collaboration with students on issues that matter to them and changes that make a difference to their lives. After a reflection and a celebration of our achievements, we now have the opportunity to optimistically frame the future. Clear goals emerge that we must focus on the need to prioritise people, safety, wellbeing, engagement and communication. We’ve developed a whole school Mental Health Strategy that has commenced in 2021. Investing in our community’s mental wellbeing is paramount for ensuring that our students continue to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially in a COVID normal world. The Korowa Mental Health Plan, as illustrated opposite, has been designed to enable the prevention and early intervention of wellbeing and mental health issues in students. This will be integrated through all areas of teaching with a particular focus on the Circle, Community and Crew classes. I have a growing sense of confidence that out of adversity, Korowa will flourish for many, many years to come.

Korowa’s

MENTAL HEALTH STRATEGY

CONNECTEDNESS Social connection is about being close to Working in partnership with other people to solve problems. It’s about open and trusting communication. Ceremonies and rituals mark occasions and transitions. They build shared experiences, connections and a sense of community. Characterised by friendly, generous and considerate interactions in tone, body language and C EREMONIESCOLLABORATI O N CLIMATE OF KINDNESS content. Approaching others other people and feeling with the warmth of an open-heart and concer for their experience. n Connectedness is a feeling of belonging. It is about feeling personally accepted, respected, included and supported by others (Goodenow, 1993). like we belong. Feeling seen, respected, and appreciated. CONNECTION

Practices which involve thoughtful CONTEMPLATION observation and reflection leading to enhanced self-awareness and spirituality.

SELF CARE

Caring for ourselves by CREATIVITY Self-care involves caring for oneself and adopting strategies that alleviate stress and increase wellbeing. engaging in arts, dance, music, crafts, expression and play. Treating oneself with kindness during moments of suffering and acknowledging that suffering is a part of life. This involves being open to painful emotions and talking to our self like we would a good friend. SELF COM P A SSION VALUES SOCIAL EMOT I O N A L L E A R N I N G Routines are repetitive actions. They create predictability and can make us feel SECURITY IN ROUTINE S safe and secure, which HEALTH PRACTICES helps us to cope with stress.

Positive health practices are about being physically active, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and effectively managing stress.

HEALTH

Comprised of sufficient physical activity, nutrition and a balanced diet, and adequate rest and sleep.

Psychological flexibility is about being able to adapt to changing circumstances, to balance competing demands, and to be versatile (Kashdan & Rottenberg, 2010). FLEX I B I L I TY

CHARACTER

Kashdan, T.B., & Rottenberg, J. (2010). Psychological flexibility as a fundamental aspect of health. Clinical Psychology Review, 30, 865-878. Goodenow, C. (1993). The psychological sense of school membership among adolescents: Scale development and educational correlates. Psychology in the Schools, 30, 79–90.