Dear Parents and Carers,

My name is Kate Dean and I am a Student and Family Counsellor with CatholicCare Canberra and Goulburn and I am excited to be working at Holy Trinity in 2020. I will be at the school every second Tuesday on even weeks and half days on some Wednesdays.

My role is to support the emotional and social wellbeing of students and their families. As a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers I offer a professional service and I provide safe space to talk about any issues your child is experiencing. Please feel free to contact me through the school office if you have any concerns for your child, or you can speak with your child’s teacher and they can refer you to me. You will need to fill out a referral form and I will make contact with you when I am next at Holy Trinity.

It has been a tough summer break this year with bush fires, smoke and high temperatures. I have included a few links to support you with helping your child through this time.

https://www.psychology.org.au/getmedia/9cd44a11-cdcd-41e6-bd13-70a704716b54/Helping-children-affected-bushfires.pdf

https://www.psychology.org.au/getmedia/5c0d043b-11b4-467e-be7c-f56743b366b0/Preparing-children-for-the-threat-of-bushfires.pdf

http://earlytraumagrief.anu.edu.au/files/Preparing_children_for_the_threat_of_bushfire_ACATLGN_APS.pdf

https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/10-ways-to-support-your-child-during-the-bushfire-season/

It’s also really important to look after yourselves as well. These resources may be useful if you are needing further support.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/ptsd-trauma/coping-with-bushfires

https://www.96three.com.au/bushfire-trauma-12-expert-tips-for-helping-someone-whos-struggling-to-cope/

If you find you are still struggling or concerned about your child then I’d be happy to have a chat with you.

Kind regards,

Kate Dean
Student and Family Counsellor
CatholicCare Canberra and Goulburn