Principal

Reflection on Mother’s Day

At the end of this week, we commemorate Mother’s Day, and I am looking forward to our Eucharistic celebration at Rosehill.

For me, Mother’s Day is a grateful day. No job on Earth is better than being the mother of my princess and my prince. No joy is greater than the love of your child. 

Our children cannot have any idea what it is like to be a parent and could not begin to fathom how much we absolutely love them. It is the little things that I am grateful for being their mum. The calls my princess makes to just check in and then telling me every single detail of her day. The call my prince makes when he drives to and from work and wants to check up on me. When I see their names displayed on my phone, no matter what I am doing, I am grateful!

I am grateful that my kids still want to hang out with us. I am grateful that my prince and princess still want me at their birthday celebrations.

I am grateful to see them as amazing adults, making great choices and still checking in with us to see if they are making the right decision. I am grateful for the massive hugs and the “love you” at the end of our calls.

I am grateful to see that our strong, considerate son has the manners and integrity of his Dad. I am grateful that our extraordinary daughter is thoughtful and creative.

I am grateful for their individuality and ambition.

But there is no bigger blessing in my life than being a grandmother to two beautiful children. I get to give them unconditional love without having to be the disciplinarian—my relationship with each of them is built on giant heaps of love. Whether I’m just eating ice cream with and watching every miraculous movement of my little babies, playing games, or heading to the park, we just always have fun with each other. You know, had I known having grandchildren was so good, I’d have had them first! But as each baby grows into an amazing little person, it’s wonderful to see how our relationships evolve. Each one of our relationships is different and special in its own way.

Of course, like all good Italian nonnas, I try to teach them about getting in the kitchen and cooking, but the most important lessons are those I pass on outside of the kitchen. I try to teach them about forgiveness, to laugh daily, and to never take themselves too seriously. And above all, I try to teach them to never be ashamed of their ability to show love. Kindness, compassion, and love are what makes life so worthwhile, after all.

No matter how you’re spending your day this year, I’m wishing a very Happy Mother’s Day to all you mothers, mother-figures and grandmothers out there!

Personalising Learning at SPC

On our first staff day, we worked with an ACU academic who is an expert in differentiating the curriculum for gifted and high-potential learners. Why? Our data shows that we are exceptional in the provision for students with disabilities. With no Band 1s and only one Band 2 in the HSC, we can demonstrate that we are able to stretch students and allow for all boys to achieve the curriculum outcomes.

One of the challenges we need to continue to address is the challenges of underachieving, gifted, or high-potential students. If giftedness is not nurtured, students may become bored, frustrated, and depressed with school activities. Often, the focus is on what students cannot do, instead of what a child can do, which serves as a deterrent to engagement.     

How can you tell if your son is a gifted or high-potential student? What characteristics can you expect to see? While it is rare for a gifted child to exhibit all the following characteristics, it is common for a gifted child to manifest many of them.         

• learns rapidly

• extensive vocabulary

• longer attention span

• high degree of energy

• interest in experimenting and doing things differently

• unusual sense of humour

• problem-solving ability 

• insatiable curiosity and persistence

• intense concentration and perseverance in areas of interest

• may question authority

• advanced sense of conscience and compassion for others

• perceives abstract ideas, understands complex concepts

• sees relationships

• may demonstrate intense emotional and/or physical sensitivity

• exhibits creativity.

Bright or gifted?

Our Gifted Education Coordinator, Mrs Katherine Sinadinos, who is a member of our Diverse Learning Team, is currently profiling our identified Gifted and High-Potential learners, some of whom are twice-exceptional. Feel free to contact her if you have any data or observations about your son so that we can ensure he thrives academically and socially.  

Heartfelt Community Inaugural Gala Fundraiser    

Next Thursday 15 May, Heartfelt Community Limited are hosting this important event to help raise community awareness and financial support for their registered charity that is faith-based and accompanies people in their grief journey to navigate life after loss. Tickets may be purchased via this link, with sales closing COB, this Friday 9 May. 

In Memoriam

We keep in our prayers Daniel Bechara (Year 12) and his family on the loss of his grandmother who is also mother to Old Boys Zied Bechara (’91) and Marcus Bechara (’97). 

Dr Vittoria Lavorato

Principal

SPC boys can do anything! 

**except divide by zero