#aussieED was founded on the belief that all teachers, and students, should have unlimited access to Professional Development, on their own terms, to improve their teaching, their schools and change the lives of the students they encounter. Since then, we have embarked on a mission to reach educators, not only in Australia but, all around the globe. We want to smash the barriers that prevent teachers from easily connecting and learning with each other. To that end, we have developed a regular Ed-chat each Sunday on twitter at #aussieED. The chat allows all teachers, leaders, administrators and all those connected with education to meet on an unbiased platform and discuss the real issues that effect what happens in classrooms everywhere. Our chats are authentic because we are real teachers walking the same walk that so many do everyday.
It's #WorldTeachersDay on Oct 26 and we're celebrating the inspirational work Aussie teachers do to help students shine! Who would you like to acknowledge? #MicrosoftEDU#aussieED
Welcome to #aussieED tonight with youth mental health advocate & Principal @LWholley leading the chat, plz introduce yourself & tell us how you manage good mental health of self and others? #MentalHealthAwareness#edchat
Welcome everyone. Loretta from Canberra. I'm not an expert in Mental Health, but I am passionate about making sure we talk about it and make safe environments for our children to grow up in. This includes teachers too :-) #aussieED
Welcome to #aussieED tonight with youth mental health advocate & Principal @LWholley leading the chat, plz introduce yourself & tell us how you manage good mental health of self and others? #MentalHealthAwareness#edchat
Q1 According to @beyondblue 1 in 7 (4-17 year olds) has had a mental health illness in the last year (statistics from 2016). 1 in 6 of these is currently receiving help! Why do you believe the statistics are so high?
@aussieEDchat@ZeinaChalich#aussieED#MentalHealthMonth
Hi all. Matt from Perth Hills. I check for signs in myself and take time if needed. I listen to those around me and check in with them when required. Listening is pretty important! #aussieED
Hi there, Anna here. I have learnt that I need to take time out from day to day life to maintain mental health. It usually involves the beach - my grounding. I encourage others to find their calm. #aussieED
Hi, Lux from Sydney. I always let my teams know that Iām ready to listen. I may not have the answers to their problem, but always an open mind and heart for them #aussieEd
Hiyas. Im an Aussie temporary teacher in the Newcastle area NSW and I teach year 4. I dont know about managing my own mental health well but I like that I can get home from school and have enough day light to play with my dog, Zelda. #aussieed
Hi all! I'm Michelle from Perth, WA. As a first year grad, I try to take at least one night of 'no work'. I also spend time with friends and family, take the dogs for a walk to keep the switch off when I can! #aussieED
Hi I'm Trish from Adelaide and I teach Mandarin in a primary school. My colleague and I go to a very quick lunch date on Fridays just to chat and reward ourselves for a hard week's work. We don't talk about school either, just focus on our private life. #aussieED
Ken fr Sydney, how is everyone! Big topic for one soon after the hols! MH needs time for yourself, balancing work & play, making time for family & friends and being realistic. Also knowing the world will still spin if you take a break. Watch the heroes #InvictusGames#AussieED
Hi #aussieED, Katherine from Adelaide. JP Special Ed teacher. I try to watch when I overinvest emotionally and ask āAre you ok?ā when others are talking. Iāll be in/out tonight as I need to cook dinner.
I might have to be quieter than usual during tonightās chat. Working with my teen to prep for exam week. Looking after his Mental Health as my priority š #aussieED
#AussieED Hi - Sharon, working in Voc Ed in south western Sydney, engage in mindful practices, in terms of others I listen , remain open and encourage (also refer on where needed ). Hi š
A1: So many reasons why its so high. Probably too many to fit into this tweet. It could be the stats are rising because we are becoming better at talking and sharing about mental health. Its losing some of the āstigmaā once attached to it. #aussieED
A1: Along with distractions, there is a lot of disconnect with people these days and the sense of community has declined over time. Add to that the incredible amount of sugar in people's diets can't possibly be good for mental health either. The list is long though #aussieED
A1: 2 of my 3 children fall into that category and I honestly donāt know why. All I know is that it takes time effort and patience to help us all cope #aussieED
A1 -high rates of mental illness due to living in times which are increasingly stressful. Also, I believe slowly there is less of a stigma around mental health and people are coming foward & talking more #aussieEd
A1: To be honest, I donāt know. Higher expectations, fear of failure, societal expectations, family pressure, self pressure. Really unsure. #aussieED
Maggie here! I love to travel and plan my next trips in down time. I'm always suggesting people take care of themselves when at work - come to staff room, talk to adults, take your breaks! #aussieED
Zeina from Sydney. I stay close to the ocean and my family and friends to maintain good mental health. Itās taken some time to be ok to say no to things that donāt help my mental health #aussieED
Hi! Narelle from Melbourne. Taking time out is a simple and effective way to manage mental health...I turn to nature...bush walks or the beach. Always encourage others to look at the big picture... will this matter in a week, a month, a year? #aussieEd
A1 Pressure to succeed - pressure to hit targets set - pressure to fit in. And for 16 year olds pressure to progress - where to go after compulsory education ends. #aussieED#MentalHealthMonth
In reply to
@LWholley, @beyondblue, @aussieEDchat, @ZeinaChalich
A1: Statistics: I think coming forward with mental health issues seems a bit more accepted now and has raised the numbers being recorded. As for causes. Parents working more and generally the "speed" at which life happens. Global information as well #aussieed
Hi! Narelle from Melbourne. Taking time out is a simple and effective way to manage mental health...I turn to nature...bush walks or the beach. Always encourage others to look at the big picture... will this matter in a week, a month, a year? #aussieEd
ā¹ļø Possibly? Among the many important things that are taught at school, including health and physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing isn't always highly emphasised. Many children also seem to lack resistance nowadays. Not sure what the specific cause could be. ^Michelle #aussieED
In reply to
@LWholley, @beyondblue, @aussieEDchat, @ZeinaChalich
Annie, an American primary teacher temporarily living in Sydney. Excited to join the chat tonight. At school, I like to find coffee buddies to chat with and listen to each other before morning bell, school related or not. For me time, I love to travel solo. #aussieED
A1 Have Chn always suffered mental health illness but in silence bc it was taboo to speak of it? Is it a case of being more aware now or have times changed & expectations are bigger on our chn? #aussieED
A1 Everything that kids do has to 'count', as a parent you have to make the most of your child's time. Overscheduling is a prob, I'm guilty of that one. We are expected to be happy to always achieve. Sometimes it's ok to not feel well and to leave be an ordinary life #aussieED
Ok - im just a little concerned at some of the seemingly simple solutions some people in this chat are suggesting. Having lost a brother to suicide itās not just a matter of connecting with nature or not over achieving #aussieED
#aussieEd A1 lots of reasons- both parents working more, long hours, managed lives outside school, social media- cyber bullying, greater focus in identity. I wonder if we give a name now to things that probably existed previously but kids just wore.
In reply to
@LWholley, @beyondblue, @aussieEDchat, @ZeinaChalich
Certainly when I was a kid, it was never considered āan optionā to discuss. You just got on with it. Scary thought and saw some very sad outcomes as a result. #aussieED
A2 Well, they just can't learn effectively or at all. Their minds are focused on fulfilling 'basic needs', and one can argue that academics is not one of them... #aussieED
No one can achieve anything, if they are not feeling right in themselves... learning and achievement are maximised when individuals have good mental health #aussieED
A2: In almost every way. When Iām not at my best, my teaching suffers. When life is messing with youā¦learning is the least of all issues some of our students are focused on. #aussieED
A1 Everything that kids do has to 'count', as a parent you have to make the most of your child's time. Overscheduling is a prob, I'm guilty of that one. We are expected to be happy to always achieve. Sometimes it's ok to not feel well and to leave be an ordinary life #aussieED
A2 you can't learn if things are not right. Ss come to school in many instances to escape - we need to make it a safe haven for them - and that's not about teaching the curriculum #aussieED
a2 #aussieED like any kind of illness the outcomes are never about positive growth. Since the mind is the CPU of the body, it's important to keep it well balanced through a rich diet of pragmatic thoughts, support structures, family ties and useful literature.
In reply to
@LWholley, @ZeinaChalich, @aussieEDchat
A2: it affects them negatively - they aren't in the mindspace to learn and some teachers can be unforgiving if little to zero effort is given - they may not realise it is mental health issues being the problem. #aussieED
Without a stable, strong mental health, anyone, let alone a child, would find it difficult to fully embrace and grasp all the learning opportunities that they are presented with. ^Michelle #aussieED
In reply to
@LWholley, @aussieEDchat, @ZeinaChalich
A1: Social pressures, an environment that focusses on ranking rather than learning, a generation that is accustomed to the "here and now" and perhaps not very resilient? #aussieED
In reply to
@LWholley, @beyondblue, @aussieEDchat, @ZeinaChalich
A2- mental illness is incredibly debilitating. I imagine it would affect every facet of life, making it hard to function let alone achieve in the classroom.#aussieEd
#aussieEd A2 Can I hone in on rising levels of attendance issues which directly impact on learning and cycle downwards to a chronic condition. One of many issues but a growing one requiring significant resources.
In reply to
@LWholley, @aussieEDchat, @ZeinaChalich
A2 Not taking risks and lower resilience. Great learning comes from failure and being able to fix it, improve and move on. If you dont have the right head space that valuable aspect of learning becomes an equally damaging process #aussieed
And at times these issues are hidden from us. If we had only known, perhaps the way we talked to or treated the student may have been a little different. #aussieED
A2: it affects them negatively - they aren't in the mindspace to learn and some teachers can be unforgiving if little to zero effort is given - they may not realise it is mental health issues being the problem. #aussieED
I think the problem can also come from parents/ carers addiction to social media. Chn aren't getting the love and attention they once did and have become second to devices in their homes. #aussieED
A2 Iāve seen Ss engage in disruptive, abusive behaviour bc they didnāt know how to self regulate & they were āpunishedā harshly for this. Self harm is another one, low self efficacy & a negative outlook. Triggers vary - some are environmental others psychological #aussieED
A1- Our lives are on show more than ever, due to technological advances. Social media has created, sometimes unrealistic expectations of how life āshouldā be. #aussieED
In reply to
@LWholley, @ZeinaChalich, @beyondblue, @aussieEDchat
A2 a lot of the time you and their friends canāteven tell if they have an illness. others show signs all teachers need to be trained to recognize impact varies. this is a big question #AussieED
A2 In my #IntrotoNursing course I have a broad range of students with diverse mental health needs - teaching students how to care for others mental health and their own is an essential component of the course #AussieEd
In reply to
@LWholley, @aussieEDchat, @ZeinaChalich
This is the bigger issue here, one that āmedicatingā doesnāt solve, how do we change the context for a child that isnāt being ānourishedā or ābalancedā #aussieED
a2 #aussieED like any kind of illness the outcomes are never about positive growth. Since the mind is the CPU of the body, it's important to keep it well balanced through a rich diet of pragmatic thoughts, support structures, family ties and useful literature.
In reply to
@LWholley, @ZeinaChalich, @aussieEDchat
That the same! Social media! I wasnāt talking about their use! I was talking about societal use of social media! Given that we are on it now, while my daughter is doing her math homework. #AussieEd
A2: In my view, learning can only happen if there are fundamental pillars in place: trust, motivation and a strong sense of security. Mental health can impact on this pillars significantly #aussieED
In reply to
@LWholley, @aussieEDchat, @ZeinaChalich
+ āThe keyā¦ is not to standardize education, but to personalize it, to build achievement on discovering the individual talents of each child... where they can naturally discover their true passions.ā Sir Ken Robinson #aussieEDhttps://t.co/9PSTkVK8ji
I mentioned earlier today that I was pleased to hear the Federal government announce extra Millions $$$$ for @headspace_aus which is great. Just hoping itās not a promise tied to an election win that may not eventuate #aussieED
A2: It can impact everything. I think a negative impact on student voice is a big one to consider. Students may lash out in disruptive behavior or may be completely silent about it all. How teachers react is very important. #aussieED
Too much expectation to ābe all and have it allā perhaps? Cost of living has pressures on parents, I often hear their struggles to find āquality family timeā I think the way society values āworkā over quality family time is contributing to this significantly #aussieED
It's unbelievable. Kids today have access to Internet and see how others in rich countries access education& exciting jobs. They spend little time outside away from school so they don't know their capabilities. They are pressured&terrified of the future & can't confide in parents
In reply to
@LWholley, @ZeinaChalich, @beyondblue, @aussieEDchat
#AussieED But who is looking after the spending of it? Iāve seen funding of STEM in last generation and funding of one 2one before that! Where is it now @MRsalakas
In reply to
@MRsalakas, @headspace_aus, @MRsalakas
And just because you do something to help with your well-being doesnāt mean itās the silver bullet for everybody else. I hate the generalisations and misguided simplicity of some responses Iām reading. It is complex and serious #AussieED
A3 - up until this year all staff have been completing the online MindMatters Modules @Mind__Matters - this will change to the new NEI soon. We have also had courses from Batyr and Communicorp. Last year we started a trial of Sources of Strength. @sourcesstrength#aussieED
Do you think itās the āaddictionā or the fact that being on the couch on your phone is easier, relaxing and a distraction from their problems? #aussieed
In reply to
@yeates_mark, @ponderingDan, @LWholley
We need to develop resilience in parents first, for them to realise their child will experience failure, disappointment and sadness in life - itās harder to say no to a child than it is to say yes, Iāll fix it all the time #AussieED
A3 #AussieEd As a starting point weāve appointed a Director SW, joined PESA, mapped a framework and are building a scoped program - age specific across the college founded in positive psych.
In reply to
@LWholley, @aussieEDchat, @ZeinaChalich
Yeah that's a great point. We all respond differently when it comes to mental health but it's great that there are many options from a therapy point of view these days to help. #aussieED
A3: Having a pastoral care director helps, along with quiet spaces for students to just be. We have a garden room that is a calm space. Teachers do what is needed for each case - it varies from student to student. Tried a few different things. #aussieED
A3: In my previous school firstly, mental illness was talked about and this was the first positive sign. Other programs like mindfulness and increasing students' sense of belonging to the school encouraged them to always find a person they could talk to at school #aussieED
In reply to
@LWholley, @aussieEDchat, @ZeinaChalich
#AussieED A3. We have a counsellor and disability consultant available to support learners and staff in identifying, making reasonable adjustments , referring on where appropriate and intervening when required. Thankful for their help !
In reply to
@LWholley, @aussieEDchat, @ZeinaChalich
It could be a combination of all of those. For me, when I am engrossed in my phone it's usually because I have a thirst for knowledge. I want to know one thing and then I end up 'Google drifting'. #aussieED
I think the missing link is how to work through those moments, giving permission to feel them and then know how to learn and move on from them, stronger when faced with the next negative emotion #aussieED
Butting in; but I think itās about showing our kids that we respond to lifeās experiences with a full gamut of emotions & feelings. For me itās about showing that even though we have these feelings (we shouldnt avoid or deny them) we are ok.
Life is about experiencing the moment
Addictive behaviours are everywhere in our world today and we are being programmed to do these behaviours as they are part of the advertising machine! #AussieED
Wholeheartedly agree with you. I'm disappointed with some of the threads popping up tonight, many don't show a true, empathetic understanding of the complex nature of this health issue which is concerning from people in this profession. Less inclined to add my voice #aussieED
A3: We put a lot of time/resources into supporting mental health. It was the main theme of our conference last year. We talk about it often. And we resource our families. I went to an evening aimed at our parents called āA conversation on Mental Healthā It was great. #aussieED
Intro: Hi David from Newcastle. Self: cooking, pausing to watch nature (even a tap flowing), walking a young dog. Others: Checking, listening & showing acceptance and understanding. #AussieED
We have scheduled time for teachers to conduct wellbeing interviews with students - really gives us an opportunity to have a good conversation with students and see how they are coping and feeling. #aussieEd It has helped
We have programs like āSeasons for growthā, āMindUpā, āKomochisā, āPlay is the wayā and an amazing Wellbeing Leader who is absolutely dedicated to our students and their families #aussieed
I agree Justine, but extra suggestions or tools in the kit are ok too. Complex issues require a complex response. Especially when it comes to suicidal ideation, self harm in its various forms and other diagnoses. #aussieED
A3. Very few, and worse still the systems that are supposed to protect our kids get less & les funding. Social services in Australia are in crisis? This is where the funding needs to go and schools need to force the use of it! #aussieED
A3: 1 way I like to check in w/ all students is using Presto Plans Friday 5-4-3-2-1. Ss reflect & fill out individually. I read & make it a goal to verbally check in w/ all. Not always this positive& that is ok! Not every week is a good week. Also helps keep me informed #aussieed
A3 School counseller, whole school approach to managing Ss at risk. Partnerships with parents & health officials, constant differentiation of learning & environment to support Ss wellbeing. Balanced program of health, meditation, sport, music & celebration of diversity #aussieED
#aussieEd A3 Weāve introduced coaching of Year 10 students to address learning goals and support them. Next we move to PC teachers doing it across the college.
The majority of my phone usage is work related..... š Knowledge finding as you said #aussieed I agree that technology has had a bigger impact than anybody realises. The new screen time app on my iPhone is giving me a reality check š³ @aussieed
In reply to
@ponderingDan, @yeates_mark, @LWholley, @aussieed
All in addition to working with school counselors, having frequent communication with parents and listening to any concerns, making learning environments as inviting and warm as possible, encouraging reflection and voice... #aussieED
In the last 30 years education has focused on the individual not featured the community. And in the background parents are having to meet an upward spiral of housing and cost of leaving increases while wages have remained static. Hence ... 1/2 #aussieED
A2 - it always has whether though deprivation affecting our focus or indeed anything doing so. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs must be met at foundation level before we go further. We should all become Mental Health First Aiders. #AussieED
I'm not aware of any school-wide programs but we have an incredible school chaplain for students to go and speak to whenever necessary. Besides that, teachers individually complete lessons and activities to reinforce student mental health wellbeing. ^Michelle #aussieED
In reply to
@LWholley, @aussieEDchat, @ZeinaChalich
A3- one strategy our school has done is joining a learning alliance with teachers and parents of other schools. Recently went to a great talk given by Dr Michael Carr-Greg which provided much food for thought @MCG58#aussieEd
A3: Also, We, teachers are not always modelling that OUR mental health is also important: meetings at lunch, long hours, etc. While I recognise that these pressures are put on us w/o choice, could we b doing it better, specially if our Ss look to us for best practice? #aussieED
Thanks Henrietta for exposing cynical use of scholarships to rob public schools of their cultural capital to enhance their own results. We now see through their claims to education excellence & high achievement. It's all about poaching talent. @ESIaustralia#AussieEd
In reply to
@henriettacook, @theage, @ESIaustralia
I think so. Some times I think we want to protect and sanitise our emotional hurt. But itās much more empowering to see it for what it is and accept it. Our eternal quest is who are we now and who do we want to be.
A3 - I work in ITE. We are moving to training all Course coordinators in Mental Health First Aid. Resourceful people use resources. Also trying to open it up to the students for when they become teachers. #AussieED
We need the voices. The more voices the better the understanding. This is a complex issue and most teachers are not adequately trained for roles like this. #aussieED
2/2 .... they work longer hours and have less quality family time. Employment has changed to and there are parents on zero contract hours and they don't know from one week to the next what their pay cheque will look like next month. All this impacts on the child. #aussieED
A4 I have completed much through nursing, though my school has provided us training around resilience, and first aid related aspects. Students through the #introtonursing course explore mental health and related therapies - my advanced students complete a 10week focus #aussieED
In reply to
@LWholley, @aussieEDchat, @ZeinaChalich
For me this is about differentiation of āQuality Timeā in my house right now everyone is doing homework together. We just ate dinner together & talked.Till 6,45pm but quality! Iām not perfect but Iām trying to divide and show time &place,like my grandmother taught me! #AussieED
In reply to
@Jetstopia, @ponderingDan, @Narralakes
A4 - I believe all staff should complete a Mental Health First Aid course. This way we can identify the signs and then assist students and their families in finding the support they need through the appropriate channels. #aussieed
While talkimg about MHI is important, there is a greater level of concern for me, that no one has mentioned. A lot, and i mean a lot of our kids suffer from complex trauma. Ones you probably would never know about. #aussieED
The screen time check is giving me anxiety āŗļøšš»āāļø #aussieED but then Iāve listened to a podcast, caught up with family, read articles, learnt how to build an app - all by phone?
In reply to
@yeates_mark, @Jessaroo77, @ponderingDan, @LWholley, @aussieed
A4 as part of my role at uni I have been trained by mental health first aid as a Standard Mental Health First Aider. I feel I have enough to take action for the best outcome. #aussieED
We need comprehensive āmental healthā fitness training in schools - tchrs spend so much time with Ss we need to know what to look for & how to speak up and manage it, in partnership with family & health officials #aussieED
A4 I have completed much through nursing, though my school has provided us training around resilience, and first aid related aspects. Students through the #introtonursing course explore mental health and related therapies - my advanced students complete a 10week focus #aussieED
In reply to
@LWholley, @aussieEDchat, @ZeinaChalich
Whole school Understanding of Trauma Informed Care plus a commitment by all staff you contribute to creating a safe and secure environment. Focus on simple strategies starting with greetings and getting to know student by name and showing interest. Use Restorative Practices.
In reply to
@LWholley, @aussieEDchat, @ZeinaChalich
I was saying to my sister the other day that I wish it could tell the difference between time wasting and productivity. Because this chat is evidence that social media can still be productive #aussieed#professionallearning
In reply to
@ZeinaChalich, @yeates_mark, @ponderingDan, @LWholley, @aussieed
A4 - training more to do with Wellbeing as weāve explored #PositivePsychology but has mostly been for teachers at this stage. Our school also runs Mindfulness lessons K-6 which doesnāt fix the bigger problem but helps Ss potentially find techniques they may find helpful #aussieEd
A4: In my case, the best training was knowing who were the experts in my school and always turning to support. Mental Illness needs expertise, which I don't necessarily have. We need experts in schools #aussieED
In reply to
@LWholley, @aussieEDchat, @ZeinaChalich
This is the same problem we have with chn & screen time - if theyāre collaborating or creating on an iPad itās not an issue, we need to deconstruct how weāre using SM @JocelynBrewer talks well about this @diginutrition#aussieED
In reply to
@Jessaroo77, @yeates_mark, @ponderingDan, @LWholley, @aussieed, @JocelynBrewer, @diginutrition
True- we are the initial first point of contact and in many ways perform an essential component of Primary Heath Care - preventing and educating. Greater integration with the health sector would be ideal! #AussieED
While talkimg about MHI is important, there is a greater level of concern for me, that no one has mentioned. A lot, and i mean a lot of our kids suffer from complex trauma. Ones you probably would never know about. #aussieED
Yes, this is such a complex issue with many layers and ambiguity. It's important and necessary to have more expertise or people to turn to in schools. We need more voices, more trainings. Less stigma. #aussieED A4
A4: In my case, the best training was knowing who were the experts in my school and always turning to support. Mental Illness needs expertise, which I don't necessarily have. We need experts in schools #aussieED
In reply to
@LWholley, @aussieEDchat, @ZeinaChalich
Yes, an awareness of possible signs is always useful, but with assisting students and families I think that's when experts come in. Sometimes we think we are helping, but we might, in fact, be doing damage. #aussieED
A5: When I know. Its more about how I talk to and work with this student. Nothing different really, but sometimes more space/flexibility and opportunities to ensure they are okay. Its not always about the learning. #aussieED
True- we are the initial first point of contact and in many ways perform an essential component of Primary Heath Care - preventing and educating. Greater integration with the health sector would be ideal! #AussieED
Thatās awesome and great way to provide holistic education and Heath training. I strongly believe this integrated approaches are ideal and we already have such amazing programs that can easily work together. #aussieED
In reply to
@dmsroy, @LWholley, @aussieEDchat, @ZeinaChalich
A4) My School has trained us all in regards to students that self-harm, my own experience helps me with other student situations and certainly I have a range of strategies and knowledge of support services to arm parents with if Iām concerned. Know how the system works #aussieed
A5 #AussieEd Doesnāt get enough attention in secondary classrooms which points to the need for ongoing work with a broad sense of what inclusion means. @dmsroy
In reply to
@LWholley, @aussieEDchat, @ZeinaChalich, @dmsroy
A5: When I know. Its more about how I talk to and work with this student. Nothing different really, but sometimes more space/flexibility and opportunities to ensure they are okay. Its not always about the learning. #aussieED
I greet each student personally with a welcome as they come in. Vary the welcome each different day. Be open about your own personal challenges (in an age appropriate way). Communication, honesty and trust. Create a room where we can fail but be supported. #AussieED
Absolutely agree Berni. Teachers are not the experts, but we are great conduits to ensuring that students are put in contact with the services they need. #aussieEd
In reply to
@BerniMoreno, @aussieEDchat, @ZeinaChalich
A5 flexible seating & space, sensory support, choice in withdrawal/inclusion,1to1 support, more physical breaks, change in processes, content & context but still high expectations for self in social & learning settings, looks different for all Ss but ongoing monitoring #aussieED
A5- I converted my classroom into a hospital - to make for real world experiences. Through supporting students with mental health to explore this space it makes the real world setting less confronting and reduces cultural shock- thus reducing anxiety and fear responses #AussieEd
In reply to
@LWholley, @aussieEDchat, @ZeinaChalich
A5 environment aside Ss need to have someone, any1 in the school, they feel comfortable going & talking to. Hopefully that person is the head teacher as they see Ss th e most but any connection is important. Voice, concerns, feelings need to be heard by someone Ss trust #aussieED
6) Personal experience (with yourself, friends or family) - compassion and understanding is key. You have no idea just how horrible it can be unless youāve been there. TALKING is the key - venting, debriefing and listening #aussieED
Have we as a culture pushed our youth hard too achieve for centuries but only now are waking to the negative side of driving youth too far? Shakespeare quote from Macbeth āFair is foul and foul is fairā - Do we want success at any cost? #aussieED
A6: Someone more than a teacher. This calls for professional help and strategies which most teachers do not possess (and why should they). My best bit of advice. Knowing your limits and knowing when to involve someone else is critical. #aussieED
A6- ideally we need great integration with the health sector to have on campus services. Also in our training of teachers we need to better incorporate the health sector to train teachers on identifying and addressing mental health needs of students #AussieED
In reply to
@LWholley, @aussieEDchat, @ZeinaChalich
A6 close partnerships with parents, we need to know where these children are coming from, what are they dealing with & co construct open, honest and inclusive ways of communication where Ss feel supported to share their problems #aussieED
Positive Learning Relationships is critical. In England there is a school programs on building relational schools. Worthy of a look. What contributes to a wellbeing environment is predictably especially with adult moods.
In reply to
@LWholley, @aussieEDchat, @ZeinaChalich
A6 We need better communication/cooperation with service providers (hospitals, psychologists, government agencies) We must work together. Everyone wants the best, we need a case approach the child at the centre, with carer & making sure they keep engaged with school. #aussieED
Mental Health is all about knowledge - whether it be what support is out there or what you can do to help. Itās all about knowledge. Knowledge is about understanding. Talking and listening šš» #aussieed
A6. Training, and them having support as well. Trauma is infectious, it can leave something with those that support it. Supportive colleagues, management and executives (if they can be and are not the cause). #AussieED
a6. #aussieED a workflow that ensures such kids are made to feel safe and valued. Qualified professionals need to work closely with them and the community to create both awareness and support systems. Empathy needs to be the culture.
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a6. #aussieED a workflow that ensures such kids are made to feel safe and valued. Qualified professionals need to work closely with them and the community to create both awareness and support systems. Empathy needs to be the culture.
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@LWholley, @ZeinaChalich, @aussieEDchat
A5: I don't make the distinction. I'd like 2 think I do 4 all my Ss; Always greeting them by their name, make eye contact. I have a habit of sitting with my Ss, I sit in a different place every class. I always leave spare seats for this reason. Kids like it #aussieED
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A7 everyone has a role to play even if just being silent to listen, more importantly one must be supportive, empathetic & proactive. Mental health is real. #aussieEd
BQ: Everyone is involved in building a positive culture around wellbeing and developing positive Mental Health. The school community. Teachers and students need professionals they can turn to in times of need and in times of crisis. Not everyone can or wants to be that. #aussieED
a5 #aussieED would spend lot if time listening to experts. Having someone come and observe my classes. Work closely with parents to get better insight into both the illness and required planning from our side as a school.
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@LWholley, @ZeinaChalich, @aussieEDchat
A3 #AussieEd As a starting point weāve appointed a Director SW, joined PESA, mapped a framework and are building a scoped program - age specific across the college founded in positive psych.
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A7 on top of better integrating the health sector in training of teachers and in schools, I would like to see programs which use immersive classrooms and real world programs like my #introtonursing course that help students develop resilience and combat cultural shock #AussieEd
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A6 Itās important to note that for some students they learn to live with and manage mental illness, itās not something we can instantly fix or merely accomodate, this is the Grey area where Tchrs need more support #aussieED
#aussieEd Requires a good framework for a teacher to diagnose, good information of students with identified issues in teachers hands- treat teachers as professionals and trust.
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A6: School leaders need to make inclusion, security and a strong sense of belonging a priority. Students need to continue to come to school. Keep communications open and continuous with parents and health specialists. #aussieED
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@LWholley, @aussieEDchat, @ZeinaChalich
#aussieEd Requires a good framework for a teacher to diagnose, good information of students with identified issues in teachers hands- treat teachers as professionals and trust.
In reply to
@mauriziovespa, @LWholley, @aussieEDchat, @ZeinaChalich
If you or someone you are close to are struggling with mental health, thereās always someone you can talk to. All of these services are free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Kidshelpline 1800551800
Lifeline 131114
Beyond Blue 1300224636
Headspace 1800650890
#aussieED
a7. #aussieED mentally illness comes in as many forms as minds on earth. Addressing the challenges and possible solutions should be an ongoing dialog at every school. Not just based on some identified students. Wellness programs need to be funded and nurtured too.
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