Managing Emotions - Anxiety Friend or Foe?

This week marked a special return to school, with our whole community finally back together. After 10 weeks, all Issoudun students and staff are once again onsite following their transformative experiences in the Nous Sommes and Hartzer programs.

For some students, Monday’s return carried a mix of emotions - excitement to be back at school alongside a natural sense of unease about re-establishing routine and some anxiety. As Dr Michael Carr-Gregg reminds us, “Anxiety is a normal and healthy response to stress. However, when it becomes overwhelming and persistent, it can interfere with a child’s daily life.”

Anxiety is a natural and expected part of life. In fact, it plays an important role in helping young people prepare for challenges, stay alert to potential dangers and adapt to new situations. It can motivate students to study for a test, practice before a performance, or tread carefully in unfamiliar settings. However, for many adolescents today, anxiety can shift from being a helpful response to becoming intense, persistent and disruptive.

The world young people are growing up in is fast-paced and often demanding. Academic pressures, social expectations, family changes and the constant presence of digital media, can all contribute to heightened stress and worry.

When anxiety is left unrecognised or unsupported, it can begin to affect a young person's wellbeing, learning, friendships and self-confidence. That's why it's so important for adult carers to understand how anxiety may present in children. Everyone experiences anxiety differently, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution.

This week’s edition of SchoolTV raises awareness and provides families with practical strategies to help young people manage anxiety in healthy, constructive ways. Watch the edition here.

Education Opportunities for Parents

Susan McLean and Dr Michael Carr-Gregg will share invaluable insights on how to empower young people to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

WEBINAR: Digital Media Literacy & Safety (Part III)
DATE: Wednesday, 3 September 2025
TIME: 7:30 pm

Topics in this webinar include:

• New Social Media Regulations
• Digital Footprint and Reputation
• Screen Time and Brain Development
• Parental Controls

Register here

Tuning into Teens – online course for parents

Tuning in to Teens is a University of Melbourne parenting education program focusing on teaching emotional intelligence (see flyer attached). The program will be delivered by Liz Kelly, an education and parent consultant with 30 years experience working with children and their families. This program will be run online for parents on Wednesdays 15, 22 and 29 October, and 5, 12 and 19 November from 6pm-8pm. COST: $250 per person, $350 per couple. Limit of 12 participants.

Register for this course here

Ms Dina Oro
Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing