It is wonderful to witness the strength and spirit within the Girls Grammar community. Many inspiring stories of community support and generosity, in response to the floods, are filtering through. Thank you to the School community for your ongoing care as we navigate the combined challenging circumstances of both COVID-19 and the floods. So many of you have expressed gratitude and compassion for others. Our thoughts are with families who have been directly affected by the floods.
Difficult events, such as the recent floods, impact us in ways we may not expect. Life is filled with uncertainty, which can take a toll on adults and young people alike. In times of worry, it is important to engage in self-care, acknowledge the feelings you are experiencing and reach out to those around you.
Adult carers can play a vital role in helping young people reframe their worries, encouraging them to see life as it is and getting them to focus more on the things they can control, rather than those they can’t. Parents and caregivers can help their children focus more on the good things in their life, rather than fill in the blanks with catastrophic narratives. It is important in such times of uncertainty and hardship to instil hope and remain optimistic.
Being involved in meaningful activities and being connected to others makes for a more enjoyable and hope-filled experience. The benefits of engagement at School have a flow-on effect on learning and life more generally. We admire the resilience and perseverance of the girls at BGGS, particularly as we continue with our routines to the best of our ability amidst the challenges in the early stages of the school year.
Some ‘flood recovery’ resources about managing the consequences of flooding are available on the Parent Resources tile on the Floreamus Centre Minerva page. These may prove helpful if you have been affected by the flooding or are helping a friend who has been impacted. Students are welcome to contact or visit the Floreamus Centre for support. Counsellors can offer email, phone, or telehealth support to any student who may not be on campus.
Ms Jody Forbes, Associate Dean of Wellbeing
Ms Melinda Egan, Dean of Students
