Instant Gratification
In the Week 5 Parent Newsletter, I wrote about success coming from good habits. Today I focus on instant gratification – which reveals an important truth about success: because of how we are wired, most people spend all day chasing quick hits of satisfaction.
Author James Clear (of whom I referenced in the previous Parent Newsletter) writes that the road less travelled is the road of delayed gratification. If you're willing to wait for the rewards, you'll face less competition and often achieve a bigger pay off. As the saying goes, the last mile is always the least crowded. This is precisely what research has shown.
People who are better at delaying gratification have higher exam scores, lower levels of substance abuse, lower likelihood of obesity, better responses to stress, and superior social skills. We've all seen this play out in our own lives. If watching television or scrolling on our phones is delayed and homework is done, generally one will learn more and achieve better grades. If you don't buy desserts and chips at the store, you'll often eat healthier food when you arrive home. At some point, success in nearly every field requires you to ignore an immediate reward in favour of a delayed reward.
Here's the problem: most people know that delaying gratification is the wise approach. They want the benefits of good habits – to be healthy, productive, at peace. However, these outcomes are seldom top of mind at the decisive moment. Thankfully, it's possible to train yourself to delay gratification, but you need to work with the grain of human nature, not against it.
The best way to do this is to add a little bit of immediate pleasure to the habits that pay off in the long run and a little bit of immediate pain to ones that don't.
The vital thing in getting a habit to stick, is to feel successful – even if it's in a small way. The feeling of success is a signal that your habit has paid off and that the work is worth the effort.
I think it is worth considering the message of delaying gratification and talking to your child(ren) about means to implement this way of living. This may involve a change of mindset and a change of habits – but the results are worth it!
School Board, 2023
Earlier this month, members of the parent community convened for the St Joseph’s School Payneham AGM.
As there were four vacancies, one aspect of the AGM involved electing members to the School Board (noting, that those Board members who had completed a two-year tenure, but less than six years, were able to re-nominate). I thank all those who nominated, and I am grateful to those who will be part of School Board this year (see below).
I also advise that we have a new Board Chair for 2023 – Ernie Icolaro. This comes about as the former Chair of the Board, John Flynn, had his youngest child graduate from Year 6 at the end of 2022.
School Board, 2023
President (Parish Priest): Fr Michael Romeo
Principal: Simon Mechis
Deputy Principal: Ingrid Douventzidis
Chairperson: Ernie Icolaro
Deputy Chairperson: Daniel LaBella
Treasurer: Iolanda Calabrese
Secretary: Michelle Page
Staff Representative: Tania Melfi
P&F Representative: Stephanie Donnarumma
Members: Vince Mascolo
David Uglesic
Chris Talbot
Aly Giannitto
Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews, Week 2, Term Two – Early finish, 1pm on Monday 8 May
Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews will take place in Week 2 of Term Two. Information regarding the interviews, including the booking process will go home next week. I also provide early notice that on Monday 8 May (the start of Week 2) there will be a 1:00pm finish for students. Interviews on this day will start early at 1:30pm. If you are unable to collect your child/ren early on the Monday, this is fine, as all students remaining at school will be supervised by school staff, until 3:00pm, with usual pick-up procedures in place. OSHC will also be available as per typical routine as well.
Colour Blast
As has been widely promoted, the last day of Term One, that is Friday 14 April, we are holding a ‘Colour Blast’. For all information, please view the details which have been circulated to date. Thank you to the P&F, namely Skye Campbell-Hand for her work involved to organise this day for the school. It certainly promises to be a colourful day!
School Swimming
At the end of 2022, families were asked to participate in a survey asking for thoughts about the School Swimming program. Staff also had opportunity to comment. The final question asked families whether the School Swimming program should continue, knowing there will be a cost involved? Interestingly, of those who took part in the survey, the response had about a 50/50 split.
At the March School Board Meeting, Board members had a lengthy conversation about School Swimming. The dialogue which took place considered the community feedback, as well as a discussion of the pros and cons of School Swimming, with the decision being that School Swimming will not occur in 2023, but to be reviewed again in 2024.
School Uniform
Wearing the correct uniform brings a great sense of belonging to the community as well as pride in one’s appearance. Let’s work together to ensure it is sustained. At this time, can we pay particular attention to ensuring that hair past the collar length is in ponytail or tied up; for plain blue socks to be worn with the school uniform; and for plain white socks to be worn with the sports uniform.
As you are no doubt aware, from 2024 St Joseph’s Payneham will be endorsing a new school uniform. The Uniform Committee, together with the School Board have been working through this process. There will be a transition period from the current uniform to the new. Further details will be released in due course.
School Gates
A reminder that the Tarcoma Avenue gate is locked from 9:30am until 2:30pm each day (for the safety of the students). If coming on to the school site during this time, please access the Marian Road or Portrush Road gate.
Prime drinks
Recently, you may have come across the drink called Prime. The drink label has attracted considerable attention, especially amongst youth. Prime is not recommended for children under 15 years of age, and I encourage you to discourage your child from consuming the drink.
Year 6 Camp
Greeted with glorious early April weather, our Year 6s attended camp at Aldinga this week. It is always a rewarding time for the students. I thank the staff who attended (Michael Mastrangelo, Charlelie Kalz, Leah Tregenza and Michael Musolino), for being present and away from their own families, so the students could partake in this experience.
Condolences
I extend my sympathies to:
- Angela Scarpantoni (Year 5 Teacher), on the recent passing of her father, Domenico.
- The Lionello family (Ava, 3BP and Alessio, 2MG); and the Caiazza family, (Olivia, 6MM, Anthony, 2MG and Leonardo, PS Joeys), on the recent passing of their great grandfather, Domenico.
- The Skaqaj family (Kristjan, 3MM and Isabel, RJN), on the passing of their grandfather, Marash
Congratulations
I offer my best wishes to:
- Shana Phillips (Year 1SP teacher), who will be getting married at the start of the holidays. We wish Shana the best on her special day.
- The Kruss family (Carlisle, 3VM), on the safe arrival of baby boy, Jacob.
- The Jenkinson family Ella (RJN), on the safe arrival of a baby girl, Piper.
Easter and End of Term One / Beginning of Term Two
I take this opportunity to wish you all a holy and safe Easter. Students return to school after the Easter break on Tuesday 11 April for the final four days of Term One, which concludes on Friday 14 April at 3:00pm. The first day of Term Two, is Monday 1 May.
Wishing you well!
Simon Mechis
A new initiative starting at school soon is the ‘Wonder Recycling Rewards’. We will be recycling bread bags that might otherwise go to landfill. In return, our school will earn rewards points to redeem on new sports equipment. Further information will be shared with our families soon.
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