From the Deputy Principal
Respectful Relationships
Fostering a nurturing environment of respectful relationships within your family holds the key to not only harmonious living, but also improved academic outcomes for your children. As parents and caregivers, embracing the art of teaching children about respect at a young age sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy interactions and empathetic understanding. It will help cultivate a positive environment where communication flourishes, conflicts are resolved constructively and bonds are fortified. Teaching children to respect themselves and others will open up avenues for both personal growth and academic achievement.
Fostering an environment where respect is not just a word, but a practiced behaviour, will empower young people with essential life skills. Effective communication, active listening and the art of compromise, will provide your child with a solid foundation that will transcend family interactions and help them collaborate effectively with peers, teachers and the broader community. Equipping children with an understanding of healthy versus unhealthy relationships is an important aspect of their development. It will guide them to make informed choices, foster positive connections and set boundaries that contribute to their emotional wellbeing.
Understanding the nuances between healthy and unhealthy relationships provides children with the essential tools to navigate their social world, build self-esteem, and cultivate meaningful relationships. In this edition of Mazenod SchoolTV, learn how to empower young people in healthy interactions to embrace differences and forge connections that honour their self-worth. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback. If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to this month's edition:
https://mazenod.wa.schooltv.me/newsletter/respectful-relationships
De Mazenod Family Education Network Student Voice Sustainability Summit
The De Mazenod Family Education Network held their GoGreen Student Voice Sustainability Summit last week. Iona College Qld, St Eugene College Qld, Mazenod College WA and Mazenod College Vic were joined by secondary and primary schools either directly connected to Oblate Parishes or generally interested in sharing information about the projects in their schools, promoting sustainability. Corporates, Social Enterprises, universities and schools provided information for the event. Commendations must be made to our own panelists Spencer, Ewan and Eamon for sharing their voices. We see this connection with our community a great opportunity for national connections in our sustainability work. All participants from our school have met to ride the momentum of the summit and support the Sustainability Group in their projects for the rest of the year.
For your interest, below is a summary of the event.
On the first day students heard from Josie Jones OAM, who has received international acknowledgement for her efforts to remove litter and promote sustainability, especially on the Mornington Peninsula. Josie shared a letter of acknowledgment she received from David Attenborough.
Dr Trevor Innes from Timberlink supported the summit with his presentation on “Carbon, Timber & The Built Environment”. Timberlink transforms sustainably grown plantation pine into timber products and specializes in indoor and structural timber, outdoor timber and pallet and crate products. He also informed students of careers in this rapidly growing business.
Dr Trevor was followed by students from Iona College, Mazenod College WA and Mazenod College Vic who shared the screen to discuss their projects and how their sustainability teams are making an impact in their communities.
On Tuesday, Inspiration Hall featured Ms Kirsty Bishop Fox from Sustainability Pathways who spoke on Sustainable Habits for Health and Wellbeing. Kirsty told everyone that research shows a strong link between better environmental outcomes and personal wellness. Kirsty covered topics that included: personal energy levels, food choices, restorative sleep, improved concentration, and the maintenance of positive relationships and how they are connected to the environment. Alice Carwardine from Catholic Earthcare provided information on the link between social justice and positive sustainable action. Alice shared information and resources, particularly those associated with Laudato Si.
Wednesday and Thursday featured special presentations and panels that highlighted the amazing work of several schools:
The “Bin Chickens” at St Eugene College (Waste Reduction and Recycling Program including the Container Deposit Scheme in operation)
Killester College Springvale’s STEM project Energy Breakthrough requiring students to design a vehicle using recycled materials and then race it in the annual competition in Maryborough Vic
St Joseph’s P.S. in Sorrento continues to win awards for their initiatives including the development of indigenous gardens, an active Dolphin Research Team, ecology studies etc and
St Justin’s Wheelers Hill who continue to have active green teams developing garden spaces and effectively reducing waste.
Michael Anderson
Deputy Principal (Students)