Fresh from observing Anzac Day, we reflect on the courage, sacrifice and resilience that the Anzac legend embodies—qualities that can be mirrored in everyday mateship. That’s why this week’s newsletter gets into the nitty-gritty of peers pulling together.
Speaking of which, we’re thrilled about finally releasing our new Peer Animations. It took us a year to make these tiny-movies (a story for another time!), but they bring with them a lovely full-circle moment.
And because we’ll continue to talk about the harm caused by loneliness and isolation, and how connection is the key, we’ve linked you to a series of global stories that will simply blow your heart wide open. Have a tissue or two ready!
In the wrap-up, you can head to our blog to find insights on why we’re creating digital lifelines between kids with medical or mental conditions and their peers. Keep these in your pocket for the next time someone says, “but what about the rest of the class?”
“I see that her classmates look forward to her dialling in, and they’ve already planned what they want to say to her and games that they want to play with her. It maintains friendships all round; it’s like she’s not missing. When she’s in the classroom [through technology], it almost feels like she’s really there in present time.” ~Teacher
Peer Animations Are Out!
As part of our focus on supporting siblings and peers of students impacted by complex health challenges, we’ve created educational animations to help minimise stigma and acknowledge peers’ role in making positive connections. The peer animations are available for sharing in primary and secondary schools across Australia, and will be rolled out globally. We’re so proud to say that the soundtrack behind these animations was composed by Ethan Waller, a graduate student of MissingSchool’s early See-Be telepresence robot service! GET THE STORY
Social Connection Globally
Social isolation is not only painful but it’s harmful to our health. Loneliness can affect anyone, anywhere. Students with complex conditions and chronic school absence are especially vulnerable. The World Health Organisation’s Social Connection Series of short films shares stories of people’s lived experiences of social isolation, loneliness and connection from around the world. We’re moved by these stories on the power of connection to make a positive difference – do check them out! SEE WHY IT MATTERS
Kids Need Digital Lifelines
One thing we hear most from parents of students with complex health conditions is that when their kids miss school, they really miss their friends and peers. Naturally, their friends and peers miss them too! It makes sense – relationships are two-way, after all. Peers play an incredibly important role in maintaining school connection. MissingSchool’s data shows that peer connections not only benefit the absent student’s social and emotional wellbeing but also their learning. Connection helps everyone win. FIND OUT HOW
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
