Junior School

The Importance of Compassion

Last Friday evening and Saturday morning, over 40 Junior School students took part in the College’s annual ‘Winter Sleep Out’ event to raise awareness of the many people in our country, and throughout the world, who have no option other than to sleep rough each night. The recent statistics from the 2021 census show that over the last decade in NSW alone, homelessness in this state has increased by 27%. Despite the chilly winter conditions, the boys involved wholeheartedly embraced the challenges presented to them and learnt more about some of the harsh realities faced by those experiencing homelessness and disadvantage.

I would also like to acknowledge both Mr Stephen Cooper (Year 6 classroom teacher and Junior School Religious Education Co-ordinator) and Mr Hayes van der Meer (Year 6 classroom teacher) who generously gave up their time (and creature comforts!) to participate in this event with the boys and lead them through the experience. 

With this incredibly worthwhile initiative in mind, I have thought a lot about the important value of compassion recently and come to understand that the continuum from sympathy to empathy, and then to compassion, is somewhat linear; a continuum demonstrating the levels of depth of understanding. 

Traditionally, when seeking to promote a particular cause, schools have run gold coin donation days, usually with an expectation from the child that they can wear mufti gear to school on the day. However, there is sometimes little connection made between the donation and the cause. One of our aims in promoting social justice initiatives such as the ‘Winter Sleep Out’ is to connect our boys to people with very different life circumstances in an attempt to build an understanding of their situation over time, and ultimately, develop a willingness to take action.

When I was in primary school, we would donate money to a specific charity or organisation by depositing coins in a small cardboard box which sat in the main office area. Oftentimes, if we had any change from our canteen purchases, we were encouraged to put it in the box and were assured that the money would go towards a worthy cause. At the time, while students knew that the people who would be receiving that money were not as fortunate as we were, we didn’t really make a connection to this as being a conscious action, or that we were making a real difference. To be honest, I don’t think my donations were in any way acts of compassion; rather, they were simply a byproduct of having some small change leftover at the end of lunch.

In this situation, moving from sympathy to action did not connect us to the impact we would have, for there was no empathy involved. Ultimately, empathy is the lynchpin that sits in the middle, between sympathy and compassion.

Comfort Zones

In 1907, psychologists Robert Yerkes and John Dodson conducted one of the first experiments linking performance and anxiety. They observed how mice became more motivated to complete mazes when given electric shocks of increasing intensity. This was only up until a certain point. Above that point, though, they began to hide rather than perform.

In other words, it's all about finding that healthy balance. Leaving our comfort zone, we can progress to a ‘learning zone’ where we deal with new challenges and problems, acquire new skills and consequently, grow our comfort zone. 

Our students are in the process of completing their Semester 2 goals for the second half of the year, and I encourage all boys to consider the different opportunities they have to step outside of their comfort zone and test their own perceived boundaries. Research shows that people often choose not to strive to achieve challenging goals that will test their capabilities because we don’t understand the benefits of doing so and are regularly held back by our own frame of mind.

Our Junior School staff are committed to supporting all students and helping them work towards achieving their goals throughout the second semester by stretching their apparent comfort zones.

Junior School News

Last week, the grand final games for the Year 5 and Year 6 house football competitions were held on SPC2 in front of a raucous crowd of Junior School boys! After two closely contested games, Coghlan emerged victorious in the Year 5 competition, winning the match 2-1. In the Year 6 draw, Crichton were ultimately crowned as champions after an incredibly tense penalty shootout.

In other news, a reminder that our Year 5 Grandparents’ Day event will be held this Friday 28 July, commencing with Mass in the College Chapel at 9:00 AM. 

Then next Friday 4 August, we will also be holding our Semester 1 Academic Awards Assembly in the College Gym, beginning at 8:40 AM.

Please note that further information about both of these events has already been sent to relevant parents/carers via email.

Finally, I would also like to remind all parents/carers about the responsive fluid groupings model that we adopt in Mathematics across the Junior School. Please note that some students may begin the term in a different group from last semester, while others may change groups later in the term to best meet their needs at a given point in time. Our fluid groupings ensure that all students receive tailored teaching and learning experiences that match their current learning needs. Our dedicated teachers work tirelessly to create an inclusive and supportive environment where all students can thrive on their own learning journey. I know that I speak for all of our staff when I say that we sincerely appreciate the continued support of parents in reinforcing the importance of focusing on the individual growth of their own son and his specific development in Mathematics.

If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email (glenn.stephenson@spc.nsw.edu.au) or phone (8705 9247) and I will endeavour to assist you in any way that I can.

May God bless you,

Glenn Stephenson

Director of Junior School

Year 5 Grandparents Day Mass

Nan, grandpa, lolo, nonna, yiayia, pop …. there are many different names for our grandparents, but they are all loved the same. 

A highlight of the College calendar, we look forward to welcoming the grandparents of our Year 5 students this Friday for Mass and morning tea. Please note that parking around the College at that time of day can be difficult so please allow some additional time. The boys are very excited to host their grandparents! 

 Junior School Winter Sleepout 

Along with the Senior students, 33 Junior School boys took up the challenge to spend a night sleeping rough in the Junior School playground. With only cardboard under their sleeping bags and temperatures down to four degrees, the boys did extremely well and experienced a night in solidarity with people living on the streets. Despite the conditions they were all smiles on Saturday morning. Thanks also to the families who supported through sponsorship and fundraising.  

Stephen Cooper

Religious Education Coordinator - Junior School