New educator self-care

New educators New educator self-care

By Natalie Blewitt Growth Team coordinator

Commencing your teaching career is challenging enough without the complexities of COVID-19, but that is how some of our newest members have embarked on their teaching journey. A few weeks into a new school year and we were all faced with the virus that came to dominate every aspect of life and turned classrooms upside down. We were quickly faced with uncertainty about what the educational landscape would look like, finishing Term 1 with a variety of plans to deliver content via multiple modes of delivery. Many of you would have spent time planning over your holidays and being ready for anything when Term 2 commenced. Parental choice led to further confusion and heightened anxiety as many students tentatively returned to the classroom for the start of a new school term. Throughout weeks of rapidly changing advice and information, trying to alleviate concerns for both parents and students in our classrooms and for many, lots of sleepless nights, our COVID-19 case numbers have continued to drop and restrictions slowly eased. Attendance numbers in schools have begun to rise and some sense of normality is beginning to return. There is now some time and space available to stop and reflect upon a very stressful period. As educators around our state are pausing to reflect and continue to follow the road out of COVID-19, it is vital you take care of yourself. Remember to recharge, stay connected to others, support those who are important to you and above all, access personal support if you need it. There is no shame in reaching out for help, talking to someone outside your usual support network of close family and friends, seeking advice from a trusted professional or having a phone conversation with someone in the know. The Employee Assistance Program, PeopleSense, provides confidential counselling services for employees. These services can be accessed for personal or work-related issues and are designed to provide short-term psychological assistance for employees and their immediate family in need.

Department of Education employees can access up to six sessions each year, all of which are confidential and free of charge. Further information about PeopleSense can be found by visiting peoplesense.com.au or by phoning 1300 307 912.

Lifeline also supports the community, offering a range of ways to get in touch, as well as other helpful resources.

Over 47,000 Western Australians call Lifeline WA every year. You can access 24/7 crisis support on 13 11 14 or by texting 0477 13 11 14 (6pm-midnight AEST).

There are a number of additional avenues where you can access support and advice if you need to talk to someone.

A list of these organisations can be found on the Department of Education website: bit.ly/2yB7bdx There are loads of other actions you can do to look after both your mental and physical health. Here are some ideas from Beyond Blue:

Stay active.

Go for a walk each day.

Spend time with a furry friend.

Get out in your garden.

Sign or dance to your favourite song.

Eat healthy foods or even create something.

Other activities, such as yoga and mindfulness, can also assist in reducing stress and help people to cope with tough times.

Remember, we have all been through a very complex and worrying time. Be kind to yourself. Your students will thank you for it.