Middle Years

Middle Years Update

Part 2 of my 'tips' continues from the last addition of the newsletter:

Over the next two or three weeks I'd like to share with you some tips on parenting. I have borrowed these ideas from parents, grandparents and some very experienced members of a range of different communities who have shared their expertise with me over the years. Some I have picked up from the wide range of material on this subject, on the internet or in articles on parenting teenagers. They come with no guarantees, but seem very logical to me.

Learn to say 'No"

Loving your child does not mean giving in to their every whim. It is important that they realise that you are the responsible adult and that if you say 'No' you actually mean 'No'. Young people are not always the best judges of what is good for them. They are under huge pressure to conform with their peers, but sometimes they know deep down that they ought not go to a certain get together. If you as a parent are prepared to accept the 'blame' for their non attendance they do not loose face with their peers. On simple things like bedtime they do not know what is best. Try to remember that you are the adult in this relationship. You decide what is best and you set the boundaries. Be reasonable and be firm.

Listen and talk

Treasure time that your teenager shares with you. Avoid making your chats all about academic matters. Yes it is important to show interest in their academic progress. But, don't forget: How are your friends going? Who do you hang out with at lunch time? Sometimes these chats help build a picture of how your child is coping at school and outside of school. By listening to, rather than talking at, our children we can get to know them better. It is better to share our concerns with our child and work out mutual solutions, rather than try to impose solutions. 'How ya going?' is a very Australian expression, but often we get a shock if people actually proceed to tell us how they are really going. Make sure that if you ask your child this question you give them your full attention so that you pick up the cues to any problems they might be experiencing or the current positives they want to share with you.

Unconditional love

Your children should know that, no matter what has happened, they can always come back to their home. It is important that they believe in their hearts there is nothing that can ever change the love you have for them. The confidence they have in your love is vital in difficult times and essential in good times. 'Remember I am here for you no matter what has happened' is a reassurance that you can regularly give in good times so that your child will remember that promise if times become difficult.

We want the best for you

As teenagers, many kids have vastly different ideas from their parents as to what is best for them. Despite the likely differences it is important that they come to believe and trust you when you tell them you want the best for them. They need to understand that you have a sense of purpose in your parenting.' I have to say "No" because I have your best interests at heart.' Don't be afraid to try to logically explain your decision. Expect the response 'But everybody else is allowed."

This is where it is handy if you actually know other parents, because in fact it is highly unlikely that 'everyone' is allowed. Hopefully they will realise that you don't enjoy shutting down what they want and will start to appreciate that you do always have their best interests at heart.

Year 9 Exams

All Year 9 students will sit formal examinations on the 4- 5 December.

The exams will cover the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Humanities, Language, Science

Year 7 Project Rocket Incursion

Our Year 7 cohort are going to be a part of the solution!

Congratulations Johnny Suares

Congratulations to Johnny Suares (7G) who is the 2019 Victorian All Schools Championships Under 14 Pole Vault Gold Medallist.

He jumped 3.40 meters and qualified for the Australian All Schools Championships to be held in Perth from 5 December to 8 December 2019.

We wish Johnny the very best for this event.

Congratulations Sophie Zarafa

Sophie Zarafa (8 G) also competed at the All Schools Competition last weekend. She finished 3rd in the Triple Jump. She is competing in the Long Jump this coming weekend.

Good luck Sophie!

Summer Uniform

It is important to remind all Middle School students that their school uniform should always reflect a level of care in their personal presentation and that they are to be correctly dressed at all times – this includes both travelling to and from school as well during the school day. We are extremely proud of our students and our School and our expectation is that students will wear the Koonung uniform with pride at all times.