From the Principal's Desk

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Every obstacle is an opportunity. Every obstacle is a test.

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Lenten Period

Now that we have truly entered the Lenten season, it is a time when we experience God’s love, mercy and forgiveness so we too can do the same with others. It is important that we don’t just give something up for Lent, like chocolates, but actually do something, such as an act of kindness each day or praying together as a family. There are lots we can do to prepare for Easter.

Pope Francis has recognized the importance for His people to return to the Church and in His powerful Lenten message, ‘Come back to the Lord with all your heart during Lent' gives everyone the opportunity to return to God’s house and recharge their spiritual life by starting again, if we haven’t been to church in a while. As a spiritual leader, I am a member of the St Lawrence Parish and have been a part of the parish community for over 45 years (showing my age now). When I was appointed as principal at OLA, i made a commitment to the OLA school and parish and decided, as the spiritual leader and role model to the children, i would also attend mass at OLA. I am now committed to two parishes, attending both parishes on a fortnightly basis. I will be at OLA this Saturday 6.00pm mass and hope to see many OLA families during the celebration.

Resilience

I have been in education now for over 30 years (once again i'm showing my age) and have noticed, in some cases, a decline in resilience in children during this period of time. This is only an observation, having been a leader and educator in five different schools. In my own personal opinion, I truly believe there is a direct correlation between resilience and confidence. Students who are resilient usually show confidence in their ability to 'bounce back' and very quickly overcome the obstacles placed in front of them. This also applies to adults as well. Resilience, I believe, is the key to confidence and taking safe risks to be better at what we all do.

Resilience is defined as 'our ability to cope with problems and change and bounce back after these challenges’.

Resilient people have:

1. Self-Esteem: Feel good about themselves and have a sense of being special and value just because who they are.

2. Skills: Skills to cope with stress and challenges.

3. Support & Good Role Models: At least one caring adult.

Outlined below are some ‘tips’ for how parents can help children become more resilient. Parents are the most important people in a child’s life and there are many things parents can do to foster resilience.

Steps Parents Can Take To Help Their Children Become More Resilient

Show children you love them and accept them just as they are.
Assure them whether they succeed or not, they have the same intrinsic value.
Model positive attitudes and values.
Have realistically high expectations for achievement and behaviour.
Foster success – encourage your children in whatever area they are good at and value.
Take time to listen to your children.
Teach your children to solve problems and make decisions.
Teach children about spiritual awareness – the capacity to reflect, to know their life is valuable, to know they have inner resources, to be prayerful.
Encourage children to accept themselves as unique and special and to be accepting of the uniqueness of others.

Family Fun Night

The students are really excited about the Family Fun Night tonight and thank you , once again to all the parents involved in coordinating the event. Mrs Erskine and I have gone around all the classes this morning and explained/reminded the students about the following:

1. School day rules apply to the Family Fun Night event.

2. Students are not permitted to congregate in the toilets.

3. No pets permitted on the school site (OHS).

4. No ball games permitted during the night.

5. Area behind the main buildings are out of bounds (No line of sight).

Looking forward to seeing you all tonight at the event.

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Swimming Carnival

Congratulations to all the students who took part in the swimming carnival on Wednesday. The carnival ran smoothly, a credit to Mrs Stewart, the staff and parents who assisted during the day. Congratulations to the who won medals on the day and to the winning faction.

Canteen Helpers

Urgent - assistance required in the canteen. Please volunteer and assist Rosie in the canteen. Your support is greatly appreciated!

On a lighter note......

With the AFL season only weeks away, I decided to catch up on what's been happening at the clubs and came across the predicted Top 8 teams for 2018. I thought I would share with you what the experts are saying.

1. Sydney Swans

2. Adelaide

3. Melbourne

4. GWS

5. Port Adelaide

6. Richmond

7. Collingwood

8. Western Bulldogs

Notice no WCE or Fremantle?

Have a relaxing weekend and a great time at the Family Fun Night.

From the Library

Volunteers needed !