Speak Out OCTOBER 2021 DIGITAL EDITION

FEATURE

Discuss options for putting special programs in place for when onsite learning returns. Get the pre-production work happening. Teachers might find some relief in having a plan ready to go, and you'll be productive. Don't forget, teachers and clients are very busy. If teachers are overloaded, they can't implement something new: Half-way through terms two and four are report writing times, and the last week of term is also a busy time for teachers And what about stress over deadlines? Keep a clear record for yourself of the deadlines you need to work to, and plan so that you can make informed responses about whether you have capacity to take on more work. Everyone will have their own system. Have one and make it something that works for you. Share ideas with colleagues. And if you're not sure, then ask your colleagues what systems they use. It's also about self-care. Take advantage of guided support in the workplace via videoconferencing. Maybe invite someone to guide a meditation session once a week. You could even send out invites to start your own. There are plenty of free meditation apps you can use to guide the group. Some speech pathologists aren't feeling busy and feel guilty. Any advice for them? This is a good time to build knowledge through reading and professional learning. A good time to think proactively about what it is you would put in place or offer to schools if you could. To develop programs or fact sheets. And let me assure you, this is a common feeling in our sector—guilt around not being busy when schools and families are struggling—so you're not alone. What can they do about too much screen time? You could organise a stand-up desk. It's just a different “screen” experience. Check the ergonomics of your desk. You can look this up online. There's plenty of posters ready to print on Google images. Make sure your prescribed glasses (if you wear them) are specific for closer screen use. Make it fun too. Play around with backgrounds and desktop themes. Try listening to music. And try not to sit at a screen when you have a break— this is flaw of mine! Capitalise on mini breaks and getting little jobs done around the home or at your desk that require gross motor movement. Tune into meetings through your phone. Stick in your earbuds, turn off the camera, if this is appropriate, and go for a walk.

Any tips for parents managing working from home with their kid's learning remotely? Let colleagues know your home situation in relation to child-care and remote learning; if we know, then we can support you to work at times, and on tasks, best suited to your circumstances. We all have challenges. Living alone, for example. Share your situation with colleagues. We can support each other. What are some ways we can stay connected to our teams remotely? We've had sporadic opportunities to meet between lockdowns. It is so special to see people in three dimensions when all we've had lately is two. I think the pandemic helped us realise how special it is to be in the presence of others. Ask managers for “check-ins” at team meetings—make it an agenda item, where the chair systematically asks each person how they're going: You could try asking what has been good, bad, ugly about your last week? Acknowledge the bad and the ugly but celebrate the good stuff too. Don't forget, this lack of connection will pass eventually.

Annie Neeson is school psychologist at the Department of Education & Training, Victoria.

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October 2021 | Speak Out