Managing pupil anxiety

Suicide is at a distressingly high level in NZ - particularly among young men.
Understanding suicide in NZ

Today, as part of whole-school PD, we had a presentation from a child psychologist around the subject of Managing Child Anxiety. I am pleased that this topic is being given an airing because it is so important.
Limited reassurance is the only way to move forward. Ok to worry, but let's decide how we can manage this. Compassion is key. Exposure is the only way to overcome what we are scared of, but this needs to be handled carefully.
Hot/cold responses just add to the anxiety - remove the drama.

I believe that anxiety is very real. Without playing to the drama, it is important to find something positive to say to each student.

Where am I from?

Am I a local or 'from' a place?

RITUALS - DAILY walking the dogs, cooking for my family, (heritage) car-sharing to work, reading
Other rituals include roast dinners, christmas trees - things from 'home' /family traditions

RELATIONSHIPS - breakfast and dinner with (reducing) family, arguments about lack of respect for the house and home rules by young adults, chats in the staffroom, Facebook with family and friends in UK and NZ

RESTRICTIONS - reducing as the kids leave home. Travel time to work, social support network, cost of housing (Wanaka/Queenstown), job opportunities

Am I a 'kiwi', because I have become a citizen?

Where are my students 'from'? Does it mater? Are they local? Schools might have 30 different cultures amongst their students. Maybe as a 'community school', this is less important. Instead of making space for diversity we could design units to use their diversity  as a resource for our class and community for real work.

International Capabilities - the knowledge, skills, attitudes, dispositions and values. How do we prepare our students to work like this?
Need to create a willingness to work across cultures. Be aware of our own willingness.
RECOGNITION - can a person recognise cultural differences around them?
RESPECT - of  another cultures?
RECONCILIATION - of other cultures
REALIZATION - that things need to change.

SCHOOL CULTURE - customs, rituals and stories that are evident and valued throughout the whole school. Do we have road blocks? I feel there is big moves towards supporting Maori and Pasifika students but as an English staff member I actually don't always feel welcome and comfortable in a school where Irish heritage is highly valued. By focusing on ensuring some groups are not alienated, we need to consider that others may be feeling uncomfortable.