Deputy Principal's Report

Returning to 2024 like a Pro!

We love the start of a new year. It signifies a fresh beginning with a world of possibilities ahead of us. Nothing weighing us down, just creativity and ideas flowing, akin to the countdown of New Year’s Eve. Reflecting on what has been and looking for ways we can improve on our previous accomplishments.

At St Finbar's, we are fortunate to have a dedicated team that consistently reflect, sets goals, and work towards overall school improvement. Many of our decisions are guided by feedback from our students, parents, and the school community. We encourage you to approach the year with a similar mindset.

Our students have already blown us away with their positive energy and genuine love for being at school. It is clear when entering any classroom, there is a strong sense of belonging and affection for their peers. On the playground, new friendships are forming, and there is the sound laughter and fun in the air. We recognise that this can be a challenging for some, we are committed to providing support to ensure every student feels connected, safe, and enjoys their return to all aspects of school life.

Making it a Positive Start for Your Child

Celebrate the Return:

Tip: Plan a small celebration or family activity to mark the return to school, creating a positive association with the start of the term.

Share Excitement:

Tip: Express your enthusiasm for the new school term, discussing the opportunities for learning and growth that lie ahead.

Establish Morning Rituals:

Tip: Develop morning rituals that involve positive interactions, such as a special breakfast or a quick outdoor activity, to set a positive tone for the day.

Creative Ways to Engage with Challenges at Home

Back-to-School Countdown:

Tip: Create a calendar or a visual chart to eal with upcoming changes, involving your child in the management of each school week.

Goal Setting:

Tip: Collaborate with your child to set achievable goals for the first term, focusing on both academic and social aspects.

Use Positive Reinforcement:

Tip: Reinforce positive behavior and efforts with a reward system, helping your child stay motivated and engaged with tasks at home and at school.

Support with Routine and Homework

Re-establish a Routine:

Tip: Gradually reintroduce the school routine a few days before school starts, including regular sleep and meal times.

Homework Planning:

Tip: Help your child create a homework plan for the week, breaking tasks into manageable chunks, and scheduling specific times for study.

Organisational Strategies:

Tip: Teach your child organisational skills, such as using a planner or creating to-do lists, to stay on top of assignments and responsibilities.

Building a Positive Relationship with Teachers and Family

Meet and Greet:

Tip: Attend any open days or parent events to meet your child's teacher, establishing a positive connection from the beginning.

Encourage Open Communication:

Tip: Encourage your child to share their experiences with you, fostering open communication about both positive and challenging aspects of school life. Think about the way you approach this - rather than asking how was your day, try what was something that surprised you, or excited you today?

Quality Family Time:

Tip: Dedicate special time during the first week for quality family moments, helping your child feel supported and connected at home.

Overall Wellbeing

Prioritise Self-Care:

Tip: Emphasise the importance of self-care, including proper nutrition, hydration, and enough sleep, to support your child's overall wellbeing.

Manage Expectations:

Tip: Set realistic expectations for the first week, acknowledging that it's a period of adjustment and not every aspect will be perfect.

Reflect and Discuss:

Tip: Reflect with your child on the experiences of the first week, discussing both challenges and successes, and brainstorming strategies for improvement.

By implementing these tips, you can contribute to a smoother transition back to school, fostering a positive and supportive environment for your child's academic and personal growth. Remember, none of us are perfect. We all get it wrong, but if we have open dialogue, reflect and plan, then it can make it easier to deal with all the unexpected (or expected) bumps.

We have a team of experts at our school that are more than happy to help. Even if it is just to go over some frustrations, worries or even to celebrate what is working, we are her to help and be there with you on the journey. 

We hope you and your family had a restful break. We can’t wait to see what 2024 has in store for us.

Peggy McDonald & Steele Anderson

Deputy Principals