Use Curiosity and Compassion
I recently read a book on raising teenagers, by author Louise Clarke. Whilst the content is predominantly aimed at teens, many of the main messages can also be applied to children. I share with you the section that discusses curiosity and compassion.
Our child’s behaviour is a means of communication and that beneath most behaviour is an unmet need. As hard as it might be in the moment when face-to-face with an emotional child, remind yourself that they are trying to figure it all out too and haven’t yet developed the skills to be able to control themselves (their reactivity, impulsivity, and everything else in between). This reminder can help us stay non-reactive and in control in the moment. It is important that we manage to control ourselves so we can guide our children.
The human brain is complex and for children there are many changes happening, which means that at times, life can be difficult to navigate, not to mention the pressure to fit-in, find friends, achieve and be ‘successful’.
Ask many parents what they want most for their child, and you often hear the response, “I just want them to be happy and successful.” If parents ‘just’ want their child to be happy and successful; what if their child is sad? If they know you want them to be happy, they might think it’s not okay to be sad. The same goes for being successful.
The pressures on children today to be successful can be quite daunting. It does depend on what success means to you and what it means for your child. These are good questions to ask yourself and probably hard to answer because we are so wrapped up in society’s definition of success. Don’t get me wrong, high expectations are important – they provide purpose and accountability. However, goals are personal, and different for everyone. This is what counts.
In the heat of the moment, being curious and asking yourself the question, “I wonder what’s going on for my child right now?” can help you stay compassionate rather than frustrated or accusatory.
Using empathy and remembering just what it was like when you were a child is always a good place to start. If you look back to when you were in their shoes, chances are you too were unsure why you behaved the way you did – your child is no different. It’s okay for them to be sad, angry, frustrated, emotional, make mistakes and fail. As parents, it is our job to support our children and try to take some of the pressure off them (not add to it)
Summer Uniform, Term Four
As we are now in October, we often see some cool mornings and warm afternoons. As usual when we change from Term Three to Four, parents can choose which uniform their child wears for the first two weeks. However, the Summer Uniform is expected for all students from Monday of Week 3. Please ensure your children does not wear a ‘mix and match’, with elements from both uniforms, as this really does detract from our uniform.
Further, as per our Sun Smart Policy, students need to be wearing hats when outdoors i.e., recess, lunch, P.E. lessons, etc. Please ensure you remind your child to place their labelled hat in their school bag each day. Thank you to those who consistently send their child in neat, clean, full, and correct uniform daily.
Multicultural Dress-up Day, Friday 4 November
The SRC Executive invites children to wear clothing from their family’s cultural background, or colours that depict the respective nation’s flag. The SRC Executive has decided to organise this day, to promote multiculturalism. No gold coin donation is necessary for this day. Also, the Canteen Special Food Day on Thursday 3 November will have a multicultural focus. Additionally, in Weeks 3 and 4, Italian classes will concentrate on cultural activities during lesson time.
Parents and Friends (P&F) funding going towards items
Various P&F fundraiser events have taken place this year, including the movie night, school disco, Mother’s and Father’s Day Stalls, and the recent selling of Cadbury chocolates. Thank you to the P&F for organising these events. We would also like to thank everyone for your continued support with our various P&F fundraisers so far this year. Without this support we wouldn't be able to raise money for our school.
With the funds raised this year, it has been decided the following items will be purchased for the school: educational games for each class; a new oven for the school canteen; portable speakers for the Preschool; two tents with SJP logo; an outdoor PA system; coloured sporting flags with new SJP logo; and protective pads for the school’s football posts.
Building work update
As has been mentioned, building work for the Stage 1 project (eight new classrooms with added facilities) commenced in early September. There will be extra vehicles (including trucks) during the construction period (on Tarcoma Avenue), so please take extra care when driving and dropping-off/picking-up your child(ren).
You can view images of what Stage 1 will look like upon completion, by clicking on the following link: https://issuu.com/stjopayn/docs/new_building_2023
COVID-19 isolation rules update
You have no doubt heard that it is no longer mandatory for those who test positive to COVID-19 to self-isolate at home. However, if your child is unwell, please do keep them home, as this is the most effective control against an outbreak of COVID-19 in our school community.
Also, please note that you are still required to notify the school if your child returns a positive COVID-19 test, so that we can record the absence period and record data requested by SA Health.
No Parking in the Parish/School Driveway
Please observe the signage indicating no parking in the Parish/School Driveway. This is in place for the safety of our children and community members. Moreover, the driveway needs to be kept clear (it is only for authorised vehicles) as it is an emergency entrance/exit. Thank you for following this regulation.
Term Four Calendar
Please view the Term Four Calendar (circulated on Friday 30 September), so you can see the different events occurring during the term.
Condolences
I extend my sympathies to:
- the Jaensch family (Harriet, PS, Kanga group) on the passing of her maternal great grandmother; and
- the Jonas family (Alice, RPT) on the passing of her paternal grandmother.
Wishing you well!
Simon Mechis
bookings must be made each week via Qkr App.
Social