Hello, Braves!
I am so excited to launch this new, quarterly newsletter as part of our continual effort to increase mental health awareness within our community and to focus on our mission of caring for the whole of all of our students.
Although the return to school each year is a time of excitement and new beginnings, it can also come with its fair share of stresses. Now that we have almost made it to the end of our first quarter, my hope is that many of those stresses are in the rearview mirror. However, especially for our new students, this adjustment period can continue throughout much of the first semester. I hear from many students that it takes until at least Fall Break for them to really feel like they’ve “got this”.
To those students who have struggled with the transition back to school – whether that means getting to know the building and the schedule, making new friends, managing your academic load, or even just feeling like Brebeuf is the right place for you — please know that you are not alone and know that it’s definitely not too late to set yourself up for a great school year ahead. Here are a few Back-to-School tips from the School Social Worker that can help:
- Get involved! The more involved you are in the Brebeuf community, the more connections you will form, and the more part of the community you will feel. Join a club (no, it’s not too late!), go to a sporting or performing arts event, sign up for a retreat, or even simply get some Brebeuf swag and show your school spirit!
- Step outside of your comfort zone – talk to new people, try new things (see above), remember that small steps outside of your comfort zone can pay off in big ways.
- Practice self-care. That means sleep, eat, and make time to relax and recharge! Remember that teens ages 13-18 need 8-10 hours of sleep per night (yes, seriously). Without that sleep and the proper fuel (food), brains can’t function at their best. Everyone needs a break sometimes. Make self-care part of your routine. Self-care is not selfish! If you don’t know what self-care looks like or how to fit it in to your schedule, let’s talk about it!
As a reminder, the Counseling department is here to help support our students so never hesitate to reach out to me or to your School Counselor with any concerns you might have.
Whether this is your first year at Brebeuf, your last, or somewhere in between, I’m glad you’re here. In keeping with our community theme for this year, let’s make it one filled with HOPE!
Here’s to a great year ahead,
Libby Pollak
School Social Worker
