Middle Years

Congratulations to all students who participated in The Beauty and the Beast last week. What a wonderful production, a joy to watch and I was so proud to watch the stunning performances.

This week we welcomed six students into MyPEC during the Boarding Trial days early in the week. I hope that Maddox, Abigail, Luca, Tessa, Henry and Annabelle enjoyed their time with us.

I have heard recently that there is a lot of swearing going on in general conversation between our Middle Years students. I am not sure if this is entirely accurate, but if it is the case it worries me. I am referring to teenagers’ language when adults aren’t around. It is also occurring when our students are representing the school in sport. Swearing is not ok, and it’s not a productive habit. Can I ask all parents to have a discussion at home?

Kids Health website “Swearing in public upsets many people. It can be viewed as verbal harassment if other people can hear it. It is good manners to remember where you are and think about other people's rights and feelings. Everyone has the right to feel safe and having to hear loud nasty words can make people feel unsafe. If people are annoying you by using bad language move away from them and don't use it yourself”.

https://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetailsKids.aspx?p=335&np=287&id=1538

Swearing is not ok

In public or at school
Around older people.
In public places like shopping centres and sports grounds.
In church.
On television or radio.
Anywhere there are other people who can be upset by swearing.

Practising Gratitude

On a more positive note, in "Practising Gratitude," we need to follow two simple steps.

"The first step in any gratitude practice is to reflect on the good things that have happened in your life. These can be big or little things. Next, allow yourself a moment to enjoy that you had the positive experience, no matter what negatives may exist in your life. Let positive feelings of gratitude bubble up." Rita Watson

Forego anger and have the courage to say "I'm sorry”.
Develop an attitude of gratitude rather than taking love for granted.
Smile often – at friends, family, and strangers.
Practice mindfulness when you walk and when you find moments to be alone.

Julia Winter Cooke