CEO Report

As the year draws to a close, our newsletter this term provides reflection on the topic, ‘what is worthy of children’s time?’ We know that time is a precious and finite resource that permeates every aspect of our lives. There is an importance of time in our life. Recognising the importance of time allows us to approach life with intentionality, make conscious choices and enjoy moments of joy, personal growth, and fulfilment. Our teaching staff are trained to ensure that a child’s day is filled with learning opportunities, curiosity, time for reflection, and time to wonder. 

As parents, we sometimes feel guilty about the amount of time we make for our children. Life gets busy….work, chores, family, relationships, illnesses, and commitments can often take up a great deal of our time. For children, its important that when we make time with them, it is about quality and not quantity. When you and your child spend enjoyable time together, it can help your child feel happier and more relaxed. It can also help your child build resilience for the teenage years. That’s why it is so important to lay the groundwork early on. Regular special time with you can also help your child to handle the times when they don’t have your full attention or when you’re apart.

Time is a funny thing. It can seem to drag on when we are bored, and yet it can fly by when we are having fun. It’s a relative concept that helps us to measure the events of our lives. It’s no different for our children. How many of us have heard, ‘are we there yet?’ on a long care journey. Time seems to stretch for days rather than the hour or two you may actually be in the car. Then there are times when you tell your child that their birthday party is coming to an end, and they wish and want for more time. Both examples are worthy of children’s time. Children learn to amuse themselves, to delve into their imagination, to sing songs, to look through books. This is part of their development, and consequently worthy of their time. The same can be said for those times that are filled with joy. It teaches children to be in the moment, to be grateful, to be present and positive. 

Our fairytales often begin with ‘Once upon a time……’ It’s a phrase loaded with promise. When we spend time with our children reading these stories, there can be excitement and anticipation – they tell you that magic and adventure lie ahead. They also provide comfort and reassurance. We know that the story will be warmly familiar. It’s predictable in a positive way. To harness our child’s imagination, the phrase ‘once upon a time’ is about being transported to another land. For children and even adults, there is no need to question the reality of the story; you know you’re going to a place when or where anything is possible. These stories also provide children with a sense of wonder, and a world full of possibilities. 

All of these emotions and feelings are worthy of children’s time. 

It is said that time is the most precious, non-renewal commodity anyone has. You are born with a set amount of time, and you have no way of knowing how much time you have left at any given moment. That's why it's essential to make the most of your time and not take it for granted. That’s why we ensure that our teaching is intentional, and worthy of your child’s time.

Thanks for another amazing year.