Deputy Principal's Report

Fostering Resillience in our Children

On the back of NAPLAN and thinking forward to our whole school Atheltics Day we reflect on how resillient our kids can actually be. Our students, and their families, should be proud of the positive energy and can do attitude they came to school with during the NAPLAN assessment period. Our PE teachers have also commented on how well all of our students are trying new things in preparation for our upcoming Athletics Carnival this Friday.

As parents, we often seek to shield our children from difficulties, believing that protection fosters happiness and success. Research suggests that exposing children to challenges early and guiding them through overcoming these obstacles is crucial for their resilience and overall development. 

It is important to know how we can encourage our children to embrace challenges in various aspects of their lives, such as trying new sports, making new friends, tackling school based assignments and assessments as well as working through difficult problems, can significantly increase their resilience. 

Trying New Sports: Encouraging children to try new sports exposes them to unfamiliar environments, fosters adaptability, and cultivates resilience. According to a study published in the "Journal of Applied Sport Psychology," children who engage in multiple sports develop better emotional regulation and resilience compared to those who specialise early. When children encounter setbacks or failures in a new sport, they learn to persevere, problem-solve, and ultimately grow stronger from the experience.

Making New Friends: Social interactions provide valuable opportunities for children to navigate complex relationships, handle conflicts, and develop resilience. A study published in the "Journal of Youth and Adolescence" found that children who actively seek out new friendships demonstrate greater emotional resilience and social competence. Encourage your child to engage in social activities, join clubs, or participate in group projects to expand their social network and build resilience through diverse social experiences.

Navigating School Based Challenges: Whether it is formal assessments, public speaking school based assignments, any type of school based challenge can induce stress and anxiety in children, but they also present an opportunity for growth and resilience. Research published in the "Journal of Educational Psychology" suggests that moderate levels of stress during moments such as testing or public speaking can improve performance and enhance resilience. Help your child approach these moments with a positive mindset by teaching stress-management techniques, such as deep breathing or visualisation. Focus on positive self talk that empowers rather than criticises. Emphasise the importance of effort and persistence over perfection, fostering a growth-oriented attitude towards academic challenges.

Working Through Hard Problems: Encouraging children to tackle challenging problems cultivates resilience and problem-solving skills. According to a study published in "Child Development," children who persist in solving difficult tasks develop greater resilience and self-confidence. Provide your child with age-appropriate puzzles, riddles, or academic challenges that require critical thinking and perseverance. Celebrate their efforts and progress, emphasising the value of resilience in overcoming obstacles.

By encouraging our children to embrace challenges in various aspects of their lives, such as trying new sports, making new friends, tackling assessments or things that worry them, working through things that challenge them, we equip them with the skills and mindset needed to bounce back from adversity and achieve success. Remember, every challenge overcome is an opportunity for growth and resilience in our children's journey towards adulthood.

Thanks for all your support,

Peggy McDonald & Steele Anderson

Deputy Principals