September 2022

September topic is CHILD PROTECTION

It is important to monitor your child's electronic devices to help keep them safe. Many platforms such as WhatsApp, TikTok and Snapchat are used to lure young children and teens into dangerous topics and activities.

Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year!

We are excited to welcome students back to campus and look forward to a successful year!

My name is Miss Roya I am the Secondary School Counselor and will be offering counseling support to all students in Grade 5-12 (PYP5-DPII).

I provide short-term counseling in the following domains: Academic, Social-Emotional and College and Career Readiness. I will begin accepting appointments starting August 27, 2022.

Students and Parents in Grades 6-12 may use the link below to submit a referral for counseling.

**All referrals for Grade 5 must go thru Mrs. Joanne or Ms. Cecilia.

If you would like to meet privately/one:one please complete counselor referral:

https://forms.gle/RVmdqgyJUSfYutxd7

Dear Parents,

During the pandemics, uncertainty, fear, and being held up at home combined with online learning can make it challenging for all of you to keep a sense of calm. During these times, it's essential to help your child /ren feel safe, keep healthy routines, manage their emotions and behavior, and build resilience.

Here are some tips:

Address children's fears

Children rely on you for their safety, both physical and emotional. Make sure that you recognize their feelings, make sure that you stay in touch with your loved one, talk through how you are managing your own feelings.

Keep healthy routines

Especially during online learning, it is more important than ever to maintain bedtime and other routines. Having a routine creates a sense of order to the day that offers reassurance in a very uncertain time. Make sure your child understands that you are there for them and that your family will get through this together.

Structuring the day with wake-up routines, getting dressed, breakfast, and some active play in the morning, followed by quiet play and snacks to transition into schoolwork. Don't forget to add family time and reading before bed :)

Use positive discipline

Children may not have the words to describe their feelings. They're more likely to act out their stress, anxiety, or fear through their behavior. In a situation like this, redirect bad behavior, know when not to respond, use rewards and privileges, and avoid physical punishments.

Reach out to me with any concerns you have about your child's behavioral or emotional well-being and managing your family's stress. My office hours are daily between 8:30am-9:30am via

Sincere regards,

Ms. Roya

Secondary School Counselor

Parenting in a Pandemic: Tips to Keep the Calm at Home - https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/COVID-19/Pages/Parenting-in-a-Pandemic.aspx

Helping Your Child Deal with Anxiety from The Learning Center (March 23, 2021)

Helping Your Child Deal with Anxiety

In addition to all the regular challenges children face at school and in their daily lives, there is a lot happening in the world right now that can increase students’ worry and anxiety. Here are a few simple strategies you can use at home to help your children express their feelings and manage their worries in a healthy way.

· Take casual opportunities to ask how it's going. As you listen to stories of the day's events, be sure to ask about what your children think and feel about what happened.

· If your child seems to be worried about something, ask about it. Encourage kids to put what's bothering them into words. Ask for key details and listen.

· Sometimes kids worry about big stuff that they hear about at school or on the news. Parents can help by discussing these issues, offering accurate information, and correcting any misconceptions they might have. Try to reassure them by talking about what adults are doing to tackle the problem, and discuss how they can be a part of that.

· Be aware that your own reaction to global events affects them, too. If you express anger and stress about a world event that's beyond your control, teens are likely to react that way too. But if you express your concern by taking a proactive approach to make a positive difference, your kids will feel more optimistic and empowered to do the same.

· Offer reassurance and comfort. Sometimes what they need most is a parent's reassurance and comfort. It might come in the form of a hug, some heartfelt words, or time spent together. It helps them to know that, whatever happens, parents will be there with love and support.

· Schedules are busy, but make sure there's time for your children to do little things they feel good doing. Daily doses of positive emotions and experiences — like enjoyment, gratitude, love, amusement, relaxation, fun, and interest — offset stress and help them do well.

· Be a good role model. Your response to your own worries, stress, and frustrations can go a long way toward teaching your children how to deal with everyday challenges.

· Encourage your child to talk about his feelings, but try not to ask leading questions— “Are you anxious about the big test? Are you worried about the science fair?” To avoid feeding the cycle of anxiety, just ask open-ended questions: “How are you feeling about the science fair?”

· Think things through with them. Sometimes it helps to talk through what would happen if their fear came true—how would they handle it? For some kids, having a plan can reduce the uncertainty in a healthy, effective way.