Perspective and Empathy
As parents, we play a crucial role in nurturing our children's cognitive and social development. One essential skill that can significantly benefit our children, throughout their lives, is having perspective. Perspective involves understanding and appreciating the viewpoints, feelings, and thoughts of others, closely linked to empathy.
I recently finished reading the book, ‘The Power Paradox’, by Professor of Psychology, Dacher Keltner, where he writes extensively about empathy. Keltner’s research recognises children, teenagers and adults who have high levels of empathy are more likely to experience a dense network of good friends; greater status in the eyes of peers; higher levels of trust; fare better academically; have healthier job satisfaction; less vulnerable to depression and anxiety; more probable to rise to positions of power; and more pleased with life.
Cultivating perspective and empathy from a young age can help children become not only empathetic, but also open-minded and effective communicators.
Perspective is at the core of empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. When children learn to consider someone else's point of view, they become more compassionate and considerate individuals.
What else does perspective and empathy promote:
Conflict resolution: Being able to see things from another person's perspective helps children navigate conflicts more effectively. They learn to negotiate and compromise, leading to healthier relationships.
Communication: Perspective and empathy enhances communication skills. Children who can understand different viewpoints are better listeners and can express their thoughts more clearly, leading to improved interpersonal relationships.
Open-mindedness: Embracing different perspectives and having empathy encourages open-mindedness. Children learn that there's more than one way to view a situation, fostering tolerance and respect for diversity.
In closing, children learn by example, so it’s important to show empathy toward others in your interactions and discuss how you consider their feelings. Narrate your own thought process to highlight perspective. Additionally, fostering perspective skills in our children is an investment in their emotional intelligence, communication abilities, and overall character development. By guiding them to consider different viewpoints, we equip our children with tools that will serve them well throughout their lives. Remember, it's a gradual process, so be patient and consistent in your efforts to cultivate this invaluable skill.
Book Week
This year’s Book Week theme is, ‘Read, Grow, Inspire’. Today we held our annual Book Week Parade. It was great seeing the children dressed up as a book character. I thank our Library staff, Manuela Ciniglia and Giovanna De Meo, for the additional work in the lead-up to, and during Book Week. Of course, the real purpose of Book Week, is to celebrate literature and the benefits of reading; so an opportune time to highlight with your child/ren all the wonderful benefits of reading.
Appointment of new Deputy Principal
As you would have read in the circular from Catholic Education South Australia Executive Director, Dr Neil McGoran, Michael Musolino has been appointed as the next Deputy Principal at St Joseph’s Payneham, commencing at the start of 2024. I congratulate Michael on this appointment. Ingrid Douventzidis will complete her tenure as Deputy Principal at the end of this year.
Furthermore, the process to employ a new Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission (APRIM) has started, with the position to be advertised soon.
Catholic Schools Open Week
You may have noticed the banners, advertisements, etc. promoting ‘Catholic Schools Open Week’, which is taking place this week. There are some posters on bus shelters endorsing our school as well. ‘Catholic Schools Open Week’, is a time to highlight what is great about Catholic Education and closer to home, acknowledging the magnificent work that happens here at St Joseph’s. Thank you for choosing St Joseph’s Payneham and your contributions to the school community.
School Fees, 2024
I am pleased to inform that there will be no increase in school fees for the 2024 school year. Additionally, further fee remissions are available to any family who is struggling to pay school fees due to financial difficulties. Families should contact School Finance Officer, Helen Crosato, hcrosato@stjopayn.catholic.edu.au for more information.
STEM MAD congratulations
As you are no doubt aware, all students from Reception to Year 6 have a STEM specialist lesson every week, with STEM Specialist Teacher, Nicholas Polvere. Late last term, some student groups submitted entries for the annual STEM MAD (Make A Difference) competition. Two of the groups were successful in making it through to the next stage, which meant they presented at the Adelaide Convention Centre on 17 August, up against other finalists from South Australian Catholic Schools.
Our two student groups – Violet, Rayan and Anhad; and Jack, Lily, Luisa and Eric presented their products in a very professional manner. I offer my congratulations to the groups, who both came a joint second in the primary school category – a fantastic achievement! I also acknowledge Nicholas Polvere, and the many extra hours spent in working and supporting the students, to aid their presentations.
Building and Infrastructure update
Work on the new Junior Primary Building facility is proceeding in a good manner. Completion is likely to happen during early Term Four this year, in readiness for the commencement of 2024.
You may have noticed new signage on the corner of Portrush Road and Marian Road, as well as the front entrance to the school (on Portrush Road). The new signs reflect a more contemporary look for our school.
Father’s Day
Sunday 3 September is Father’s Day and I remind our dads about the inaugural ‘Father’s Day Morning’ on Friday 1 September. Please see the flyer which has been distributed for details. Hoping dads can come along. Further, thank you to the Parents and Friends Committee for organising the upcoming Father’s Day Stall.
New School Uniform, 2024
As has been mentioned, at the June School Board Meeting, the proposed new school uniform was endorsed. You will be notified when new uniform items will be ready for purchase. As I have been promoting, there will be a transition between the current and new uniform. A storyboard of the new uniform items will be circulated to families soon.
Hats are back on soon
From the start of September, as per our Sun Smart Policy, students need to be wearing hats when outdoors i.e., recess, lunch, P.E. lessons, after school sport trainings, OSHC, etc. Please ensure you remind your child/ren to place their labelled hat in their school bag each day. From the start of Week 7 (Monday 4 September), children not wearing a school hat when outdoors will be directed to an undercover area.
Student Free Day – Friday 8 September
As you may have noticed in the Term Three Calendar, Friday 8 September is a Student Free Day. Staff will be involved in professional activities on this day. OSHC will be available for those students requiring care on this day.
Condolences
I extend my sympathises to:
- the Bertin family (Annabel, 6CK, Hugo, 4PA and Will, 2SW), on the passing of their paternal grandmother, Maria Teresa Bertin, who passed away on 16 July.
- the Plawecki family (Cartia and Oliva, 2TM), on the passing of their maternal great grandmother.
- the Dias family (Jayden, 1SP), on the passing of his maternal grandmother.
Best Wishes
Congratulations to:
- the Mascolo family (Siena, Preschool ‘Koala’ group), on the birth of a baby boy, ‘Gianluca’.
Wishing you well!
Simon Mechis
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