Dear Families,
Be present
In a world full of distractions, it is very easy to become side-tracked. However, I believe it is so important to be present; to live in the moment. The upside to this ideal, is that it creates huge benefit to our relationships, study, work, and well-being.
An article in an educational magazine, ‘How to be Present’ by Dilvin Yasa, really struck a chord. I will share some learnings with you.
Research indicates that not living in the present is quite detrimental to our wellbeing. This has a flow-on effect to our goals, personal relationships and ability to put a roof over our children’s heads.
Clinical psychologist Cameron Aggs, says, “Human connection is the heart and soul of a healthy psychological life. For the majority of people, emotionally connected relationships are the number one predictor of psychological wellbeing; more than money, possessions, or satisfying work. The problem is that the modern mind, much like modern-day life, is noisy and overworked, and the majority of us get lost in thoughts of a remembered past, or an anticipated future, putting us in a permanent state of autopilot.”
Aggs also states, “Although being absent-minded can affect many elements of your life, nowhere is it more important to be present than in the company of your children. Attuned relationships are the key context for children’s social and emotional development. When we are physically present, but emotionally absent, children learn they aren’t the top priority and begin to miss important details; little victories and struggles children experience. As a consequence, children, taking their cues from mum and dad, start to invest more in inanimate objects rather than human interaction, which is hardly an ideal foundation for their social and emotional growth and development.”
Being present also enhances the prospect of what psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi calls ‘flow’ – a highly focused mental state conducive to productivity. When we are in the state of ‘flow’, time seems to go by very quickly. Think of an activity that you thoroughly enjoy i.e., playing tennis, surfing, performing on stage, etc. – what seemed like 15 minutes, was actually an hour. When we are present, ‘flow’ is more likely to occur.
In closing, I leave you with the question: How do you engage your mindset to be present and engaged when there’s so much competing for your attention? The first step is acknowledging it’s a conscious act that requires your active participation, and the rest will follow.
National School Improvement Partnership Survey
As mentioned in the Week 1 Parent Newsletter, as well as in a Skoolbag notification last week, Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) through National School Improvement Partnerships (NSIP) are asking parents/caregivers to participate in a survey regarding St Joseph’s Payneham.
This survey is being offered to Catholic schools across South Australia. When you access the survey and enter the specific code for our school community (details below), all the relevant information will be sent to our school.
Please click on the following link and enter the unique school code when asked: SJPLLLP www.NSIPartnerships.com.au The survey has been extended and now closes on 26 August 2022.
Deputy Principal/APRIM Staff News
As highlighted previously, Ingrid Douventzidis is on long service leave during Weeks 3, 4 and 5 of this term. Michael Musolino is replacing Ingrid as Acting Deputy Principal/APRIM in her absence. Michael is currently involved in the CESA Aspiring Leaders’ Program and also part of our school’s Leadership Team. I congratulate Michael on this appointment.
Enrolments, 2023
Next week you will receive a letter asking you to fill in details about the 2023 school year. Such information is very helpful for future planning. We kindly ask for the respective details to be returned by Friday 9 September 2022.
Book Week
As has been promoted, this year’s Book Week theme is ‘Dreaming with Eyes Open’.
Weather permitting, the Book Week Parade will occur on Thursday 25 August (on the asphalt). Children are encouraged to ‘dress-up’, according to the theme, or as a character from a book. However, there is no need to go out and spend a lot of money on an outfit. Rather, creativity with items from home is encouraged.
The Book Fair will operate in the School Library from Tuesday 23 August to Friday 26 August. Opening times for the sale of books will be from: 8:30 – 9:00am (Tues. – Fri.); during Year 3-6 lunchtime; and after school, from 3:00 – 3:40pm (Tues. – Thurs.).
Thank you to our Library staff, Manuela Ciniglia and Giovanna De Meo, for the important work they do in the School Library. A special acknowledgement for the additional hours and attention to detail, in the lead-up to, and during Book Week.
STEM MAD News
Congratulations to some Year 3 and Year 6 students, who have qualified for the next round of the STEM MAD competition, to be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre, tomorrow 12 August. A big applause also goes to our STEM teacher, Nick Polvere, who has done a lot of work behind the scenes with the students.
Supervision Before School
Supervision in the yard commences at 8:30am – there is no staff member on yard duty before this time. Also, if entering the school grounds via the Marian Road entrance in the mornings, (unless accessing OSHC) the gate to be used is the one by the artificial oval, which is opened by a staff member at 8:30am.
No parking in the Parish/School Driveway
There will soon be a sign indicating no parking in the Parish/School Driveway. The driveway needs to be kept clear only for authorised vehicles and is also an emergency entrance/exit. Thank you for following this regulation.
Volunteering in the Canteen
Another reminder about our School Canteen wanting more volunteers. If you are interested, please contact the Front Office, either in person, or via email at: info@stjopayn.catholic.edu.au
COVID-19 update
As per SA Health guidelines, a reminder that close contacts (those who have someone in their household who is COVID-19 positive) and who are over 12 years of age (and who do not have a mask exemption), should be wearing face masks. Also, please ensure that you keep your child home if they are not feeling well, and to get tested for COVID-19 if they are experiencing any symptoms.
Condolences
Our sympathies to the following families who recently lost a relative:
- The Parrella family (Isabella, 3MM and Valentina, 1T and staff member, Emily) on the passing of their aunt Fenisia.
- The Ciccocioppo family (Sophie, 5V and Eliza, 4R), on the passing of their maternal grandfather.
Congratulations
I share with you the following ‘good news’ and offer my best wishes to:
- Emma Hills (Music/Performing Arts teacher) on the birth of her baby son.
- The De Palma family (Lucas, RD), on the birth of a baby boy, ‘Leonardo’.
Wishing you well!
Simon Mechis
bookings must be made each week via Qkr App.
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