Junior School

Junior School News - Term 1 Week 6, 2022

Despite the rather wet and wild weather conditions we have all experienced over the course of the past week, as a Junior School staff, we have been rather impressed by your son’s behaviour during this time. Extended periods of rain can sometimes lead to various issues with behaviour, but this has been minimal, and we congratulate the boys on their positivity, even though they have been kept inside for many break times.  

Recently, it has been difficult to step away from the rolling news coverage of the events unfolding in Ukraine, and closer to home, to see the devastating floods in Queensland and now many parts of New South Wales. I recently spoke with our Counselling Team at the College and a discussion was had regarding how adults can speak with children about difficult world events, and natural disasters with visible impacts to people and places. It is recommended that parents/carers limit their children’s exposure to the 24/7 news cycle that permeates society these days. Even when young people may not always look as though they are engaged or listening to news coverage attentively, it is still being heard and of course, processed. Research shows that children’s brains process news like this quite differently to adults, and their life experiences are obviously more limited too, making it harder for them to place some events in perspective. 

It is recommended to have open and honest conversations with your children, whilst using age-appropriate language. It is also important to acknowledge that whilst these events may be scary, they are outside of our immediate control. Furthermore, if parents/carers are considering donating clothing and blankets for communities impacted by natural disasters, or even donating to funds established to support war-torn countries, then they could use this as a way to show that we can have an impact in the lives of others. Of course, we are not saying this is something families must or should do. 

Linked here is a document that provides advice for having conversations with young people about challenging world events. Whilst the article is technically aimed at teenagers, you may still find it useful to read. This link is also worth considering. It is from Common Sense Media, which is always a good ‘go to’ for information. 

Ultimately, conversations about recent events should not be avoided, particularly when they are raised with you by your son/s, however, keeping the conversation at an age-appropriate level is key for all involved. 

On another note, although it is exciting that the recent changes made to COVID-19 restrictions in schools have enabled us to begin to move towards a greater sense of normality for everyone, we continue to be mindful of our collective responsibility for ensuring that the College remains as safe as possible. There is no question that our low case numbers across the Junior School are the result of the many precautionary measures that have been put in place since the beginning of the year. Whilst all members of the Junior School are no longer required to wear a mask during the day, please be assured that if any student decides to continue wearing one, then he will be supported in his decision. 

Finally, during our most recent College Assembly, the 2022 Junior School Leadership Team was officially commissioned and presented with their badges. I look forward to witnessing these students continue to develop their own leadership skills and abilities, whilst making a positive impact on the Junior School as they proudly serve our student body.   

As always, if you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email (glenn.stephenson@spc.nsw.edu.au) or phone (8705 9247) and I will endeavour to assist you in any way that I can. 

May God bless you, 

Glenn Stephenson 

Director of Junior School