In the wake of disaster

WE HAVE all been affected by the devastating bushfires that have had so many of us glued to our Fires Near Me apps during the spring and summer months.

There have been stories of such loss and despair, but also ones of inspiration and generosity.

The past four months have reminded me, again, how important schools are to our community.

They are places many people turn to when they are confused, uncertain or seeking comfort.

The toll bushfires take on the wellbeing of young people can’t be underestimated.

Schools are well prepared to support their students and staff to manage the complex emotions caused by events such as bushfires.

And teachers are great at spotting those who are feeling sad or fragile about what is happening, either checking in with them or putting them in touch with a school counsellor.

I was moved recently when one of our schools got in contact to tell me they were keen to make a long-term commitment to one of the small government schools on the New South Wales south coast that was lost in the fires.

All of our schools are currently planning fundraising activities that will hopefully make life a bit easier for affected communities.

I know this is also happening in schools and workplaces right across the country.

Some parents are also looking for advice about how to talk to their kids about these matters.

A website with some great information is the Student Wellbeing Hub, found at studentwellbeinghub.edu.au.

The Headspace (head space.org.au) and the Kids Helpline (kidshelpline. com.au) websites also provide good advice about how to cope with the stress caused by natural disasters.

Passionate and committed young people and staff everywhere are standing up for those who need our support. We salute them.

TEACHERS ARE GREAT AT SPOTTING THOSE WHO ARE FEELING SAD OR FRAGILE ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING, EITHER CHECKING IN WITH THEM OR PUTTING THEM IN TOUCH WITH A SCHOOL COUNSELLOR.

Greg Whitby is the executive director of schools for the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta.