Positively managing change and uncertainty

As we start 2022, we are faced with yet another year of change and uncertainty, but it is important to remember that whilst change and uncertainty pose challenges, managing these challenges can result in positive accomplishments and important growth and development. A recurring theme in staff meetings and discussions at the start of this year has been acknowledging change and uncertainty and how we can support each other as a community. The Māori whakataukī he waka eke noa (we are all in this together or working in unity) sums up how Medbury School would like to positively manage change and uncertainty. In this newsletter, I am sharing some ideas on this topic and I encourage you to think about these for yourself as well as talking about these with your son.

Firstly, here are some of the key points mentioned at the Teacher Only Days before the start of this term, focusing on how we can support ourselves and each other when facing change and uncertainty.

• Make space for and acknowledge the impact of change and uncertainty. Our brains like to know what will happen next and how things will turn out, so change and uncertainty are not always welcome. Be kind to yourself as you manage the emotions you are experiencing. Change and uncertainty can create the need for extra time and energy, as well as possible increased anxiety and stress levels. If you acknowledge this and plan for this then you will be better prepared.

• Have empathy for others and yourself as we all cope with change and uncertainty. This will increase our understanding and ability to cope as we look at a situation from another perspective or in another way.

• Be transparent, constructive and positive in your communication with others. Feed forward positive feedback and constructive feedback in a way that can lead to meaningful outcomes.

In addition you may like to revisit a previous newsletter, along a similar theme: Coping with events beyond our control. In brief, the three key steps suggested are:

• Use your support team and talk to people you trust: It is really helpful to have someone listen to any questions, worries or concerns that you have so that they can support you. For example, your son might be nervous about being back at school in the Red Traffic Light setting. You could talk with your son about how he is coping. This link may be useful: For parents and whanau: Back to early learning services, school or kura

• Looking at things a different way: We cannot control some things that happen but we can control our own response. So if an event happens that makes you feel a bit worried or unsure, try to look at it another way, such as looking for the positives, what you can control and what you can learn from the event. For example, if your son does not like the idea of getting vaccinated, you could choose to gather more information about how the vaccine works so he knows more about it and what will be happening. This link may be useful: COVID-19 - How the vaccine works

• Problem solving: is there anything you can do to solve this problem? For example, planning ahead so that your household is ready if someone is sick or needs to isolate. This link may be useful: Be prepared for COVID-19

We cannot control many events that happen to us personally, nor can we control the change and uncertainty that results, but we can control how we respond to these by thinking about the above points and talking with your son about them. 

Jenelle Hooson

Jenelle is a Registered Provisional Member with NZAC (New Zealand Association of Counsellors).

If you wish to discuss the services the School Counsellor can provide, please see your son’s homeroom teacher or Scott Johnson: scott.johnson@medbury.school.nz.