Dean of Students | Mr Damien Cuddihy

Managing stress

Students are entering the “red zone” of the semester where assignments are being submitted and the preparation for the upcoming exam block starts to increase. Many of you will also notice the correlation between this and the levels of stress and anxiety that may rise with your sons. The topic of anxiety has been growing in importance in the pastoral care of students over the past decade. We know that some stress and anxiety is a good thing as they are part of life and can assist us to perform at our best. Keeping anxiety at an appropriate level is more important than completely protecting students from stressful situations. Below, I have included some tips for parents that research tells us can assist with managing anxious students and adolescents:

• Provide support and encouragement but don’t fuss too much
• Reward non-anxious behaviours
• Selectively ignore anxious behaviours and focus on positives instead
• Encourage risk taking in small steps
• Provide opportunities for developing independence
• Allow them to safely experience the natural consequences of their anxiety
• Use breathing exercises, music and appropriate physical activity
• Know who to ask for help – House Deans, College counsellors or health professionals

Cross Country

Next Wednesday, 29 May, we will be sending our Year 9 students to support the GPS Cross Country team at the annual championships.  We wish our runners all the very best and we look forward to our Year 9 students giving their best in support.  As we come to the end of Week 6, consistency is the key for all students.