Rob Phillips has worked with families throughout his career, supporting children and young adults to tackle life’s challenges, build their personal resilience, and manage their mental health.
Having gone through a similar school fire experience as a teenager, he understands the anxiety students can feel when returning to school in the aftermath.
While back-to-school nerves are common, the aftermath of fire can impact students in a variety of ways.
Having the knowledge, skills and support to navigate uncertainty and anxiety can help students to prepare and make a smoother transition.
“The school environment is typically very structured – timetables, uniforms, lessons, year groups, and so on,” says Rob, who now works for Intereach.
Deniliquin High School students are returning to onsite learning next week after last year’s campus fire.
Over the holidays, the school oval has been transformed to accommodate a small village of temporary classrooms. And preparations are well underway to welcome students back.
“When an event occurs that disrupts your usual routine or expectations, you can feel uncertain, unsettled, and worried,” Rob said.
“Those feelings are perfectly normal. And they can be managed.
“Keep talking to the people you trust. By putting your worries into words, your emotions become easier for you to process and manage.
“Stay up to date with the information from your school and the Department of Education. Understanding what is happening can help you to feel more in control and reduce some of the anxiety you may be feeling.
“Try to frame the changes in a more positive light. Demountable classrooms might offer some benefits that you won’t know about until you try.
“And, in the longer term, once the re-build is complete, you will have access to new and improved classrooms for your lessons.
“After fire there is renewal. The Australian artist Fred Williams painted landscapes with the first green shoots after bushfire. We know our young people in Deniliquin are full of life and creativity.
“Now is a time to express how you feel about your school, friends and community.
“Access the support services provided by your school. Counsellors and teachers can help you navigate this experience and provide tools and techniques to help you through this period of time,” Rob said.
“Your teachers, librarians, and support staff are also feeling the loss of classrooms, learning resources, and historic records. They will be there alongside you as the whole school community adjusts to a new way of working,” he said.
Parents and carers have a key role in helping children prepare to return to a changed school environment. One of the best things they can do is be aware of their child’s anxiety levels.
“Students have navigated a series of big changes since the fire occurred in November - the fire itself, the change to off-site schooling, the constant and very visible reminder of the fire, and now the return to onsite schooling,” Rob said.
“It is completely natural for students to feel a little overwhelmed or worried.
“If you, or someone you care about is experiencing increased fear or anxiety about the return to school, seek support.
“Talk to the people you trust and lean into the counselling services available through the school. Alternatives are available.”
These include: Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636; 13 YARN: 13 92 76; Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800.
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