Unley Primary School staff are mindful of the disruption and uncertainty children are experiencing in what is a very challenging time. We are doing everything we can to support children’s mental health, including talking about what children can do to minimise the spread of coronavirus, helping them feel more in control. We are also explaining coronavirus in ways children can understand, drawing their attention to the facts around the outbreak and the reassuring aspects of this information.

Everyone responds differently to stress, and the coronavirus pandemic may be harder for some children to manage, for example those already experiencing anxiety.

We appreciate your calm, supportive approach at home. For those families interested in more information, the World Health Organization has developed a flyer on Helping children cope with stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Raising Children website also has some helpful advice. We have recently shared a document from the Australian Psychological Society with tips for coping with anxiety around coronavirus.

Importantly, the Unley Primary School sense of community is vital to maintain, even as routines change. At times like these, we are reminded more than ever just how fortunate we are to belong to a school where families and staff really care for one another. Thanks for the part you play in this.