Dear Parents/Guardians,

Welcome back to Term 3. I hope that everyone is back into the routine and everything is going smoothly.....or as smoothly as it can when you are trying to 'herd' primary-aged children!!!

In 2026 Schools understand that everyone’s family unit can look, and operate differently to other families. In families communication between mum and dad can be difficult, particularly where there has been a divorce or separation. However, for the long term well-being of the children it is important that the adults find a way of ensuring this communication can be done successfully. Below is an article from Dr Justin Coulson that talks about this important issue.

Steve Darcy (Principal)

Parenting on the Same Page

Raising children is tough enough without opposition and antagonism from other adults who share in the responsibility. Researchers note that when parents are on the same page, family satisfaction increases, and outcomes for children improve—provided the parents’ habits are positive.

In the early days of my marriage to Kylie, I had no idea how to be a dad – or a husband. Kylie was educated in early childhood. And me? I was not educated in anything. My parenting showed it. But I would not listen to Kylie’s advice. As it became clear that I was ineffective, and potentially making things worse, I began my studies and changed my ways. Now we were on different pages again. Kylie didn’t like taking my advice. After all, she had previously had the ‘right’ answers. Now I was making suggestions that were contrary to what Kylie had always thought was appropriate. While Kylie’s answers had been better than mine, now it seemed mine might be better than hers, or so I thought. But Kylie disagreed. Kylie began to resent me making suggestions based on what I had been learning. Until…I came into the house one day and things were loud and tense. Kylie demanded I takeover because the kids were driving her insane and I apparently had ‘all the answers’. So I did. And within about 20 seconds everyone was calm, the children were apologetic and peace was restored. (If only I did it that well every time).

That incident allowed us to turn a corner. We’re not entirely united in every aspect of our parenting, even now. I’m not sure perfect unity is possible. But we work together in consistent ways to get the best results for our children. And it makes such a difference. So let’s get on the same page.

When we see things the same way – or at least work to understand one another – everyone gets along so much better. It’s the first thing parents need, to make their parenting work as well as it can.

Flat-out Refusal.

In some situations, your partner might refuse to discuss things with you. They may not even be willing to read what you’re reading. Please remember, you’re playing a long game. So be the example as Kylie was to me, and then as I was later able to be for her. We both had many strained conversations about how to parent. (Even now we still do as our teenagers find new ways to test our skills.) In the end, patience was the winner.

In the meantime, look for the good in the parenting of your partner, or in step- and coparents. While you know (and deep down, they know) that they can improve, so can all of us! But just because there’s room for improvement, it doesn’t mean they’re an abject failure. Most parents, even those who struggle, are doing some things right. Enjoy those moments and express gratitude and appreciation when they occur.

Focus on Strengths

It would be easy to focus on all the things that create division and misalignment. This probably won’t be helpful at this stage of our discussion. Instead, let’s focus on things that strengthen our views of one another.

What’s one thing your partner does with the children that you love?
How can you encourage more of that?
What family activities do you enjoy together?
How can you make time for these activities?

Emphasising what we love doing together fosters greater alignment than fixating on our Shortcomings. United parents don’t have to do everything the same or agree on everything. However, when there’s consistency between parents and a willingness to work together toward shared outcomes that matter, we can foster harmony and purpose in our family. This positive environment benefits both our children and our partnerships.

Dr Justin Coulson

Dr Justin Coulson is a dad to 6 daughters and grandfather to 1 granddaughter. He is the parenting expert and co-host of Channel Nine’s Parental Guidance, and he and his wife host Australia’s #1 podcast for parents and family: The Happy FamiliesPodcast. He has written 9 books about families and parenting.

SUPPORT YOUR CHILD THROUGH SEPARATION OR DIVORCE

Concerned about how your separation or divorce might affect your child? Worried about handling the changes and challenging moments – yours and theirs? This is a pivotal time for your family. And it can feel confusing and unsettling. But you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Do you want to:

• Create a stable, reassuring environment for your child.

• Reduce adverse effects and help them feel supported and secure.

• Help your child and yourself to manage emotions and develop good coping skills.

• Handle challenging moments more calmly and confidently.

• Build your communication and problem-solving skills to reduce conflict and co-parent more effectively.

• Adapt and evolve in your new family dynamic.

Free support for your positive parenting journey is available. Please click here for more information.

PARENT / TEACHER / STUDENT INTERVIEWS

Just a reminder that all parents / carers are invited to complete a short 3-question survey about the effectiveness of involving the students in the interview process. This feedback will help the School decide whether or not to continue with this in 2027.

You can access the survey here.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY FUNDRAISER

Thank you to everyone who supported this day last Term.

We were able to raise $702 for St Jude's School in Tanzania which will be used to purchases resources for their students to use.

The School received the following email from St Jude's.

"Please pass on our heartfelt thanks to everyone at St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School who contributed to making this fundraiser such a success. Raising AU$702 is a fantastic achievement, and we are incredibly grateful for the generosity and enthusiasm of your school community."

Kind regards,

Steve Darcy (Principal)

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