You’ve Got A Friend In Me

Anyone else feeling bombarded by bad news about schools? It’s not the full story!

To fill the hopper of hope, our Community Lead, Doreen, dug out a bunch of positive quotes from parents and teachers. It was fast work, because we have heaps of ’em.

When absent kids can stay connected to their school peers, good things happen.

Even being telepresent keeps relationships steady. When kids can be seen & heard, they’re not forgotten—they stay a part of the social circle.

Virtual hangouts in lunch breaks, and for playtime, work wonders for mental health. It’s a dose of normalcy, keeping kids with medical absences laughing and in the loop.

There’s a lot of empathy that grows too. Classmates get a glimpse of what their absent mate’s going through, making peers more supportive, including when the student returns.

Telepresence engages the whole class, actually. Having a “telepresent” student draws peers in, and some kids naturally step up to make sure their classmate is involved.

Real inclusion floats all boats. Suddenly, kids are experiencing a “show, not tell” moment of belonging for a kid who has a physical barrier to “being there” in person.

And when these kids physically return to school, they’re not walking into a room full of strangers—they’re simply continuing their presence.

Connections matter. Connections are where meaning is made. Supplementaries below!

“Yeah, you’ve got a friend in me! ~ Toy Story

Making The Middle Years Peer-ific!

The Australian Institute for Family Studies has produced a series of evidence-based resources on peer relationships and the “middle years” or early adolescence (from 8-14 years). These resources explore the role of parents, teachers and young people in shaping supportive peer relationships. We see how the materials highlight the importance of peer connection for students who are absent from school and may be missing out on critical social and emotional development during this important phase. There’s more where this came from! LEARN MORE

Chronic Illness Peer Support (ChIPS)

ChIPS is a vibrant peer support program at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital. It offers a variety of opportunities for young people aged 12 to 25—kids in high school through to young adults—who are living with a chronic medical condition. Participants join an intake program and engage in group settings, finding a supportive community where they can connect and grow together. It’s a fantastic space for kids and young adults in Victoria to support one another. Let’s go! CHECK IT OUT

Digital Lifelines Between Peers

One thing we hear most from parents of students with complex attendance and health challenges is that when their kids miss school, they really miss their friends and peers. Apparently, their friends and peers miss them too! It makes sense – relationships are two-way, after all. When they work well, peer relationships are the bee’s knees. MissingSchool’s data shows that peer connections help the absent student’s social and emotional wellbeing, along with their learning. Seems that learning alongside peers gets results! FIND OUT MORE

Mental Health Awareness Month

October is Mental Health Month, when the Australian community pushes forward to raise awareness and promote mental health for all. Check out the resources at Way Ahead, including a “Let’s Talk About It” card game to get students talking about everyday scenarios and coping strategies. The Black Dog Institute adds excellent teacher resources, including BEAM for educator training, HeadStrong curriculum resources, and the “Talking About Mental Illness” interactive program. LET’S TALK ABOUT IT