Dear Families,
Parenting is not always easy
Families and parenting author Dr Justin Coulson talks about that parenting can feel tough at the best of times, and the more challenges you face, the harder it is to parent?
Perhaps it’s a reflection of life and what it throws our way. In short, there is a lot to deal with as an adult. Add to this the fact we have kids to care for, pay for, and answer questions for, and it can all feel a bit much. Make no mistake, it’s hard for many of our children too, as they navigate the challenging world in which we live.
Dr Coulson says that most parents with whom he speaks, talk about feeling extremely tired, or languishing; as parenting is a taxing role to play, particularly since it’s not the only thing most of us are doing.
When times are tough, we often feel that sense of being ‘stuck’. We don’t know where or how to focus. Our motivation ebbs. Life feels hard, and we often see our children as one more task on our list, rather than as real people with real needs.
If that’s not you, that is good news. However, if this describes where you are, there is a way forward to overcome languishing:
- Finding flow in joyful activity.
- Giving ourselves uninterrupted time.
- Making progress on things that are important to us.
These are excellent ways to lift ourselves from languishing. It’s hard to find uninterrupted time in these circumstances. Joyful activities are something we did a lot more of before children; and finding creative ways to make this happen can feel like too much.
Plus, it’s often not just about you. There’s a child who’s struggling, making noise, and needing the support of an adult to get through a tough time too.
Dr Coulson also recommends some alternative ideas for parents who are really struggling. In the next edition of the Parent Newsletter, I will share ideas that may help you through tough, exhausting, and stressful times.
Multicultural Dress-up Day, this Friday 4 November
The SRC Executive has organised a ‘Multicultural Dress-up Day’ for this Friday, whereby students are invited to wear clothing from the family’s cultural background, or colours that depict the respective nation’s flag. The SRC Executive has planned this day, to promote multiculturalism.
This week has also seen Italian cultural activities occur during Italian lessons (and next week too). Thank you to Italian Specialist Teacher Maria Catalano for creating this opportunity for the students. Further, there have also been Canteen Special Food Days across the week, with a multicultural focus. I express my gratitude to Canteen Manager Josie Nicolescu for her work to make this happen.
Staff update
I welcome Viv Camerini to St Joseph’s Payneham. Viv started with us last Friday, taking over from Bernardette Robinson (in Year 4R) for the remainder of Term Four. Bernardette is recovering from surgery (required at this time) and the recuperation period will see Bernardette on leave for the remainder of Term Four.
World Teachers’ Day
Friday 28 October was World Teachers’ Day. As I said to staff last week, I believe the day should be called ‘World School Staff Day’, as it is a combined effort which is required to educate and support children. I pay tribute to all staff at St Joseph’s Payneham for the consistent dedicated work to the children in our care.
Building Work News
As has been mentioned previously, building work for the Stage 1 project (eight new classrooms with added facilities) commenced in early September. There are extra vehicles (including trucks) during this 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
Sports Day, Friday 18 November at Payneham Oval
This year Sports Day will be held at Payneham Oval on Friday 18 November (Week 5). I provide you with some information regarding the day, noting that Sports Coordinator and Physical Education Teacher, Adrian Mastrangelo will be circulating further details soon.
- Students to arrive at school, as per usual.
- Students will walk to Payneham Oval, with their class group (staggered departures from school).
- Sports Day will commence at 9:45am.
- Sports Day will conclude at approx. 2:00pm.
- Students can be collected and dismissed from Payneham Oval by parents/caregivers (as long as the child’s class teacher is informed).
- All other students will walk back to school with their class, arriving at approx. 2:30pm.
- Dismissal for the students at school will be the usual 3:00pm.
- A sausage sizzle (to be pre-ordered via QKR) will be available, as well as drinks and coffee.
- There will be free fruit available for all children; kindly donated by Tony and Mark’s.
- Students are to wear a coloured t-shirt that reflects their House colour (families can purchase a coloured t-shirt from the Front Office or via QKR).
- Families are encouraged to bring own chairs for the day (if wishing to sit).
- Parking is recommended in neighbouring streets.
I am looking forward to a great community day and hopefully fine weather!
COVID-19 update
To protect our school community, please note:
- If unwell, stay home.
- If there are cold or flu symptoms, get tested for COVID-19.
- If you have COVID-19, please stay at home until acute symptoms (runny nose, sore throat, cough and fever) have cleared. In consideration for the health of others, upon returning to school, please wear a mask while indoors until 7 days have passed since symptoms first started or since testing positive, (whichever is earliest).
Condolences
I extend my sympathies to:
- the Humphrys-Glynn family (Paige, 2MG) and (Madison, RD) on the passing of their maternal great grandmother; and
- Barb Cole (staff member – ICT Technician), on the passing of her father-in-law.
Wishing you well!
Simon Mechis
bookings must be made each week via Qkr App.
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