From the Deputy Principal

Gratitude

As the term draws to a close it is fitting that we stop and acknowledge all that has been achieved during the past 10 weeks. It certainly has been a term of learning, growth and community spirit. In the past two weeks alone, students have participated in a diverse array of events and activities including: 

• Bush Kinder in celebration of International Mud Day
• Junior School Fire Safety program
• Jump Off Day – Jump Rope for Heart
• Year 4 Risdon Brook Dam excursion 
• Year 6 Parliament with students debating a Bill to change the bell music 
• Year 8 Cyber Safety presentation by Acting Commander Natasha Freeman and Q&A
• Year 8 Battle of the Bands
• Year 9 Retreat 
• Year 9/10 Future Entrepreneurs Market Day stall 
• Senior School Assembly 

Last night the Year 5 Choir was outstanding at the Festival of Voices. Today, the Year 12 students travelled to St Virgil's College Senior campus for a friendly netball match and on Friday afternoon, the Senior School will mark the end of term with Nano Vision. Without question, this is one of the most anticipated events on the calendar where students showcase their many musical and dramatical talents in the battle for valuable House points.

We are privileged to have such exceptional staff at St Mary’s College who come to school every day to provide enriching and challenging opportunities like these and many more.

NAIDOC Week

National NAIDOC Week will be celebrated around the country during the school holidays. This important event celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This week, the College will take the opportunity to mark this important week with a range of activities planned. 

The 2024 NAIDOC theme is 'Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud', which is a celebration of the unyielding spirit of First Nations’ communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced. The fire represents the enduring strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures, passed down through generations despite the challenges faced. It is a symbol of connection to the land, to each other and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As we honour this flame, we kindle the sparks of pride and unity, igniting a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches our nation. 

On Thursday morning, students and staff will gather in the Nagle Centre to mark NAIDOC Week. If you would like more information about NAIDOC Week, please click here. 

Self-care 

Holidays are always an opportunity for students to take a moment to pause, reset and realign in readiness for the next semester. They offer the chance to unwind from studies, as well as engage in some self-care. 

Many resources supporting self-care can be easily accessed including those of educator, author and award-winning speaker, Michelle Mitchell. In fact, Michelle Mitchell also describes herself as an advocate for parents. On the topic of self-care, Mitchell states that it takes perception to find the strategies that truly work because we are always growing and evolving as human beings. Therefore, the self-care of a five-year-old will be very different to that of a 12-year-old and different again for an 18-year-old. 

On this, Mitchell says: “Renegotiating what your self-care looks like in each stage of your life requires a reassessment of what is working and what is not working.” She goes on to claim that young people tend to copy the self-care strategies of others – those of their friends or even reality TV stars. The result is that they often find themselves wishing to be someone else or somewhere else, instead of truly nurturing themselves, being honest and finding what fills them with joy. So, what does Mitchell suggest? 

1. Comforting – Hugging a teddy bear or soft blanket, playing with a stress ball or having a warm bath are all activities that engage the sensors and help calm us down.
2. Creating – Colouring in, drawing, making things with play dough, writing letters or playing music all provide a way for young people to regulate their emotions.
3.  Socialising – Heading to the movies, spending times with others and offering a helping hand are opportunities for a good laugh and people contact.
4. Constructive thinking – Talking with an adult is an important means of support.
5. Organising – Basic steps like reorganising a bedroom, clothes and/or books, for example, can be soothing.
6. Moving – Physical activity of some sort relieves stress and helps clear the mind. The options are endless.
7. Quiet time – Taking the time to do something by themselves like watching tv, playing a game or listening to music, serves as a positive distraction.
8. Meditation – Yoga and mindfulness are tools that young people can use to focus their energy. Without question, putting their mobile away for a set amount of time would be a challenge for many, but a great way to let the mind relax and refresh.

Mitchell says: "The more educated young people are, the more self-care options they have to choose from to help regulate their emotions and avoid the overwhelming spiral." She suggests that parents and carers consider self-care strategies that you could work into your family’s daily routine. These include setting aside time to talk, exercising together or cooking healthy food. 

Ultimately, we want our students to try out different strategies with the hope that they will discover what works for them, and what brings them comfort and joy. 

May the holidays be a time to rejuvenate for students and families, a time to engage in serious self-care.

Term 3 Learning Conferences 

Finally, I would like to remind students and parents/carers that Learning Conferences are scheduled for Monday 22 July.The day provides an opportunity for parents/carers to discuss their child/ren’s progress with respective teachers. 

Normal classes resume for all students on Tuesday 23 July.