Middle Years

Middle Years Update

Continuing on from my last two articles in previous newsletters on 'parenting tips' I'd like to share the following ideas that I have learnt from parents, grandparents and some very experienced members of a range of different communities who have shared their expertise with me over the years. Some I have picked up from the wide range of material on this subject, on the internet or in articles on parenting teenagers. They come with no guarantees, but seem very logical to me.

'Listen' to nonverbal message

Children often communicate messages in a nonverbal manner by the tone of their voices, their facial expressions, their posture or changes in their behaviour patterns. The way something is said can tell you far more than what is said. These 'messages' signal the need for a quiet chat sometime very soon. Again remember the importance of listening and resisting the urge to have your say before you have heard your child's story. Help them feel that you appreciate the seriousness of their problem for them. The issue may seem trivial to you, but if it is a major concern to the child, take the time to offer them potential solutions.

Respect their personal space

Your teenager should be responsible for the cleanliness, neatness and tidiness of his or her room. In return consider knocking before you enter your child's room. Their room may be the only place that they feel that they can completely relax. This does not mean that you don't enter your child's room. Teenagers are struggling to develop their sense of individuality and independence so hopefully they would appreciate this sign of your respect and trust. In turn this encourages your child to offer you more respect.

Peace, happiness and fun

Try to make your home a place where your children (and other people's children) want to be, because it is associated with fun and happy times. Engage in banter with them, this friendly teasing is not only fun, but it helps to make them more resilient to any other form of teasing outside the home, so that they don't immediately see themselves as victims. Little family rituals like cards or games nights, when the entire family participates, or backyard bocce, street rules cricket or ' kick to kick' at half time during the footy finals can become traditions which the whole family enjoy. These are times set aside specifically for fun and family interaction sending the message that this time is precious to the family and helping them bond together.

Every family experiences tensions. Try to avoid arguing in front of your children. This is often easier said than done, but make every effort to resolve your difficulties without involving the children. Do your best to make your home a place of peace, an escape from the pressures of everyday life. Laughter is a characteristic which too many of us undervalue. Yes, we can view comedy on line or on TV, but try to share those little moments that occur in day to day life that give you a giggle or a good belly laugh. When your home is known for its laughter and smiles it is much easy to resolve your problems.

Year 9 Exams

All Year 9 students will sit formal examinations on the 4-5 December. The exams will cover the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Humanities, LOTE, Science

Summer Uniform

It is important to remind all Middle School students that their school uniform should always reflect a level of care in their personal presentation and that they are to be correctly dressed at all times – this includes both travelling to and from school as well during the school day. We are extremely proud of our students and our College and our expectation is that students will wear the Koonung uniform with pride at all times.