Welcome back to the first newsletter of the new year! These first few weeks of the school year are such an incredibly busy time for schools and families as everyone re-adjusts to new routines and classes. It’s a poignant time to reflect on how significant the return to school is, and how fundamentally important it is for students with complex medical and mental health conditions and chronic school absence to be able to join their classmates for the buzz and excitement of the new school year, as well as throughout the weeks and months to come.
When we share stories of students with complex medical or mental health conditions, one of the first concerns that is often raised is about how difficult their health journey must be. But we also know that one of the biggest challenges that these students face is loneliness – so the theme of this newsletter is to highlight connections, in their many forms.
Here at MissingSchool, our team has been busy behind the scenes, making sure students are set up with technology to connect to school, reigniting connections from last year, and preparing new resources and materials. Stay tuned – there’ll be more updates to come!
“Having a soft heart in a cruel world is courage, not weakness.” ~Sailor Mercury
Connecting Hearts with Play
Play isn’t just for fun—it’s crucial for children’s development and mental wellbeing, and a vital source of social connection. Play-based learning lets children explore, learn, and grow in environments that prioritise development. Students who can’t attend school due to their complex medical or mental health condition don’t have to miss out on play. As the opportunities for connection grow, so too do the options for play! Check out some ideas in this blog post. FIND OUT MORE >
Connecting with HeartKids
Our friends over at HeartKids recently celebrated an extra special Valentine’s Day with their Sweetheart Day campaign! HeartKids do truly amazing work supporting children, teens, and adults living with congenital heart disease (CHD) and childhood onset heart disease (CoHD) in Australia. There are eight children born with CHD every day, and Sweetheart Day is the biggest day of the year when it comes to raising awareness, encouraging donations, and making an impact. Please donate! CHECK IT OUT >
What’s New In Research?
A recent Guardian Australia article reported that school attendance and retention rates in Australia are continuing a long term decline. In 2023 86.4% of students from year seven to 10 regularly attended school, down from 91.2% in 2015. We know rising rates of medical and mental illness are contributing to school absence but we also know that students can “learn from anywhere” with the right technology and support. Our Helpline provides guidance on options that keep all students attending. CONTACT OUR HELPLINE >
What We’re Playing!
Some MissingSchool team members are gamers, and those with lived experience of childhood illness highlight the value of board games for keeping connected when socially isolated. This week’s recommendation is Hanabi, a cooperative card game perfect for students in hospital, home, or small classroom groups on rainy days. Players face their hands outward, collaborating to identify and play cards in sequence. Compact and engaging, it’s a blast with its fireworks theme! 🎆 CHECK OUT HANABI >
At MissingSchool, we believe in the power of community. Together, we can create environments where every child feels like they belong.
It would be impossible for us to stay the course without your incredible support. There are many ways to help:
- follow along and cheer us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
- share this newsletter with your family, friends, or colleagues so we can support more kids, and
- donate towards getting kids with complex conditions back into their classroom.
Every action moves us closer to the finish line: a world where every child is seen and heard at school. Where ‘learn from anywhere’ is universal.
Let’s keep connecting,
Megan
CEO & Cofounder
