Supporting Schools in a time of COVID-19 is an online professional learning opportunity for primary classroom teachers and education staff, consisting of a series of four modules.

The modules have been developed to assist primary school educators to support their students’ mental health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic and can be accessed and completed at times that suit the educator.

There is no cost for educators accessing the modules.

The modules aim to:

• Provide strategies for educators that involve small, efficient changes within the classroom while maximising impact on student wellbeing, with a focus on the practicalities of the teaching role and curriculum alignment
• Guide educators to navigate existing resources, determining which tools and resources are appropriate and likely to be effective for which child (class, or group of students) and on which occasion
• Support educators to implement existing decision-making models and care pathways, including advice on when to escalate beyond the classroom to tertiary services both within and beyond the school
• Build on educators’ existing skills to enhance family engagement in the school environment, using evidence-based strategies
• Build the capacity of educators to implement strategies to improve their own wellbeing and manage stress

Module 1 focuses on mental health literacy.

Module 2 focuses on supporting students with COVID-19 related anxiety.

Module 3 focuses on working with families.

Module 4 focuses on teacher wellbeing.

Educators can also access a moderated discussion board to share experiences and build professional connections. Educators will also receive a certificate for each module with Professional Development hours.

Within 24 hours of registration, you will be sent information on how to set up a Canvas (online learning management system) account to access the modules.

Supporting Schools in a time of COVID-19 has been created in partnership by the University of Melbourne’s Graduate School of Education and the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and is generously funded by a rapid response grant from the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust.

For further information please contact mhips-support@unimelb.edu.au