Health and Safety at St Patrick’s College – Novel Coronavirus

April 23, 2020

by Director of Risk and Compliance, Ms Jo-anne Dyer

Novel Coronavirus 

We are now very aware of the impact of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) globally and in our own local communities.

It is important to note that the safety messaging has remained consistent over time, that is, practice good hand hygiene, good respiratory hygiene and social distancing.

Strict safety protocols remain in place for all persons onsite at the College.

Messaging continues to be conveyed at St Patrick’s College through a variety of methods including onsite posters:

Cover Your Cough And Sneeze Poster (3)

Wash Your Hands Regularly Poster (5)

How To Handwash And Handrub

Social Distancing

 

Physical and Mental Wellbeing Tips

As we have moved to the world of online delivery you may’ve noticed that you and/or your family members are now glued to computer screens for extended periods of time.

A good idea to ensure that you remember to “move” is to set a timer at 20 minute intervals.  This will remind you to stand up and stretch, roll your shoulders, refocus your view – 20 metres away for 20 seconds – this will take only a moment to do and will allow you to return to your screen a little more refreshed.”   Of course, there are times when a meeting/class may not allow for such an interval, so please remember to stretch, etc., following each session.

We know that many of you will be juggling competing expectations of work with managing your children who are now studying and learning in the home.  AccessEAP have provided the following tools to consider:

  1. Give yourself permission to not do everything – as parents; we are human. It’s ok to make mistakes and change your mind.
  2. Remind yourself – you are not a teacher, and that’s ok. You have your own skills, so there is no need to judge yourself or compare yourself to other parents.
  3. Be encouraging and ask for help from the teacher or year level coordinator. Use online tools and support groups with other parents.
  4. Have a structure and routine as this provides stability and a sense of control.
  5. Be a role model, if you get upset or angry, simply apologise and show it’s ok to be emotional and to apologise if you make a mistake.
  6. Encourage your children to come up with solutions and ideas. You can help foster their independence and resilience.
  7. Make to-do lists, involve the family and tick off items. It helps everyone to feel and see achievements or goals being kicked.

Social isolation may be out of your control but having fun and laughing is very important.  It’s also great for the self-care and wellbeing of you and your family.  Both children and parents will miss their friends, so it’s important as a family to focus on fun and play.