Principal Reflections

From the Principals - Alison & Pete

Dear Parents & Friends, 

A Reflection to Share 

A very experienced Principal colleague in our Diocese recently shared these thoughts in her school newsletter, and upon reflecting on the increasing social and emotional needs that our students bring with them to school each and every day we thought it was too good not to share. 

I recently read the following article: 

“There is no one right way to raise a child. Research tells us that to raise a self-reliant child with high self-esteem, it is more effective to be authoritative than authoritarian. You want your child to listen, respect and trust you rather than fear you. You want to be supportive, but not a hovering, helicopter parent. All of these things are easy to set as goals, but hard to achieve. How do you find the right balance? As your child develops, the challenges will change, and your thinking may evolve, but your approach should be consistent, firm and loving. Help your child learn through experience that making an effort builds confidence and helps you learn to tackle challenges”. 

I have noticed in my time as Principal that sometimes some parents allow their children to make decisions about things that they probably shouldn’t. Poor attendance at school really concerns me. Children whose parents don't read with them or practice tricky words with them concerns me. Children who are allowed to access things on their devices that they are not equipped to understand concerns me. Children who are on social media sites with an age limit of 13 concerns me. Children who have a mobile phone just because their parent gave in concerns me.

Some of our children are being exposed to things they are not ready for and mature enough to understand and anxiety is on the increase. I urge parents to be a parent to their children, not their friend. It is the hardest job in the world but you will reap the benefits by being consistent, firm and loving. 

Keep smiling,

Alison Hatton and Pete Flynn