We can learn from the Stoics
Although the writings from the Stoics are from a very long time ago, their relevance to our world today is still pertinent.
Whilst there are extensive works from the likes of Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and Epictetus, in this short piece I highlight the four key principles of Stoicism – wisdom, self-discipline, justice and courage. They involve dividing our experience of the world into things we can realistically control, and things we can't. It makes no sense to let ourselves be emotionally affected by the things we can't control. By looking at situations in a rational, objective way like this, we can reduce stressful emotions and negative thinking.
It's helpful to identify what we can control, influence and accept. For example, if you find a particular situation overwhelming, take a rational approach and ask yourself if there is anything you can control or influence to improve it? Could you use your skills to solve the problem, or ask someone else for help and advice?
If you are not able to control or influence the situation, then the best thing you can do is to adapt or accept it. This doesn't mean you're ineffective, passive or lazy. It shows that you are resilient to change, you know your limitations, and you can deal with difficult situations in a mature and intelligent way.
Consider how you can demonstrate the above principles of stoicism in your life and how you might pass these philosophies on to your children.
Semester One Reports
The Semester One Student Reports will be distributed on Monday of Week 10 (1st July). They emphasise the learning that students have demonstrated this semester and aim to give families a clear picture of a student’s educational progress to date, across all areas.
Learning and teaching take place throughout the year and so does the assessment of the learning. I encourage families to look at the ‘Approach to Learning’ (or the effort) section before viewing the grades. It is important to look at reports as a measure of your own child’s individual learning journey and not as a comparison to one another or their friends’ development.
For Reception students, the Semester One Reception Reports do not include an A-E grade. Instead, their achievement is reported as either: working ‘towards’, ‘at’, or ‘beyond’ the achievement standard.
Families can use the report to celebrate successes and identify ways to support their child. A student’s report is only one of many ways that schools keep families informed about student progress. I trust all families are aware that if they have questions about what their child is learning or how to help their child learn at home, they can make a time to discuss with the class teacher/s.
Positive driver etiquette and considering a short walk to school
As we are aware, school drop-off and pick-up times are busy. The aim is for this to happen in a safe and courteous manner. Please demonstrate consideration and patience, as well as travelling slowly around the school. In this edition of the newsletter, there is an attachment indicating what it means to be safe around schools. Please take a few minutes to read.
As a result of the busyness at drop-off and pick-up, finding a car park next to the school gate is usually unlikely. You could find a park a little further away from the school, where you will not only find it easier to locate a parking space, but also opportunity for some exercise with your child/ren, and an extra chance to ‘connect’, as you walk your child to and from school. Also attached to this newsletter issue, there is a 5- and 10-minute walking and cycling catchment map (relative to our school).
Save the Date – Family Movie Night
The Parents and Friends are holding a Family Movie Night on Friday 26 July at The Regal Theatre, featuring the film Despicable Me 4. Keep an eye out for details.
Thank you – Annual School Survey
I express my gratitude for taking the time to complete the recent ‘Annual School Survey’. The results and other pertinent details relating to the school appear in the yearly ‘School Performance Report’, which can be found on our school’s website (uploaded by 30 June each year).
Condolences
I extend my sympathies to:
- Staff members, Caterina Musolino and Jen Mastrangelo, on the passing of their maternal grandfather, Giovanni D’Apice.
- The Lionello family (Alessio, 3NZ and Ava, 4BR) on the passing of their paternal grandmother.
- The Swaminathan family (Avantika, 3VM) on the passing of her paternal grandfather (in India).
- The Korte family (Lexi, 6CK) on the passing of her maternal grandfather, Gerrie.
End of Term One and Beginning of Term Three
Please note that Term Two concludes on Thursday 4 July at 3:00pm. Further, the first day of Term Three, is Tuesday 23 July, beginning at 8:40am. OSHC is available on both 5 and 22 July.
Wishing you well!
Simon Mechis
Social