This week’s newsletter is dedicated to children’s hospitals nationwide and their devoted teams, who tirelessly save and support lives every day.
Having spent two intense years at Sydney Children’s Hospital with my son, I am deeply moved by the lifesaving care currently being given to baby Harriet, following the tragic events at Bondi Junction. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the loss and suffering.
We are thinking of the children impacted by this event and those experiencing trauma concurrent to their own medical or mental health crisis. We’ve pulled together a few hopeful items and articles that might help.
Join us as we celebrate Juiced TV, an innovative platform which enables children in hospital to produce their own TV content and connect with peers, fostering a sense of belonging and joy.
Meanwhile, we honour the dedication of hospital school teachers who provide a sense of normalcy and routine by providing educational continuity for students who are isolated from their regular schools while they’re in hospital.
In addition, we explore expert advice on supporting children through difficult situations and events, guidance for navigating medical trauma, and heartfelt conversations on medical care and parenthood.
Together, let’s embrace the power of connection in bringing community together.
One person can make a difference, and everyone should try. ~ John F. Kennedy
By Kids for Kids in Hospital
We loved this week’s ABC News story on Juiced TV, an initiative created by Pip Forbes for children in hospital. This innovative online platform enables young patients to produce their own TV content, directly connecting them with their peers. Juiced TV not only entertains but helps reduce feelings of isolation, enhance educational engagement, and boost morale among these brave learners. We celebrate and support such transformative programs that provide continuous, engaging education for hospitalised children! FIND OUT MORE
Cheering Hospital School Teaching
We want to take a moment to highlight a special group of schools who ensure education continues even in exceptional circumstances: hospital schools. These unique schools, marked by their exceptional dedication and specialised skills, play a critical role in ensuring students with medical and mental health conditions continue their learning journey during hospital stays. Hospital school teachers show that no students should fall behind. We’re thoroughly inspired by the essential work of these educators. READ MORE
Talking to Kids About Difficult News
It’s been an especially heavy week for news in Australia. Our hearts go out to all those affected by the tragic events in Sydney, especially the families whose lives have been changed forever. Supporting children through times like this can be difficult. This article from Save The Children Australia provides useful advice and downloadable conversation cards to help guide discussions with children about what happened in Bondi Junction, and when sharing difficult news more generally. RECOMMENDED READING
Managing Medical Trauma
Many students with complex medical and mental health conditions, and their families, experience medical trauma. It can be hard to know how best to support students and families to navigate this trauma and its associated symptoms. This guide for health practitioners is backed by research and provides practical tips for supporting children and families. It also has a list of recommended reading if you’d like to go deeper. FIND OUT MORE
What We’re Listening To
This recent episode of Dr Preeya Alexander’s podcast takes a peek into the operating theatre with a GP, an anaesthetist and a surgeon. We especially appreciate their vulnerable discussion about what worries them most when it’s someone they love who’s going for surgery, and the questions they would ask the medical team if it was their child. It’s a wonderful combination of medical expertise and parental empathy. LISTEN HERE
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
