Principal's Page

Baby News

Very exciting news - there are two more McAuley babies on their way. Mrs Grace McGrath, our wonderful "front of house" is expecting a baby early May and is finishing up this Friday Mrs Polly Paradice, one of our year 2 team is also expecting her first baby in early May. I am sure you will join me in wishing both of them all the very best with this new chapter in their lives. Mrs Susan Rodrigues will replace Mrs Grace McGrath for the rest of this year and we are still in the process of replacing Mrs Paradice. I will keep you informed.

Swimming Updates

Last Wednesday at the Year 6 assembly the swimming stars of Catherine McAuley received their medals and well deserved accolades. Please check the sport section for the names of our champions.

Unlock your Parenting Genius

Continuing with advice from Michael Grose, who is one of Australia's leading parenting and educational writers and speakers. He is the author of nine books for parents. Last newsletter  I  shared with you question 1  from Michael's tips about the types of questions you ask your child.

According to Michael, the right questions can reveal solutions to your most worrisome parenting issues, but asking the right question requires wisdom.

2. “Whose problem is it?”

The resourcefulness question.

Kids are adept at bringing their problems to their parents. And we’re good at solving them.

“I’m hungry.” “Here’s some food.”

“He hit me.” “Christian, don’t hit your sister.”

“I left my lunch at home.” “I’ll bring it to school.”

Sound familiar?

Sometimes, it’s easier to resolve a child’s problem ourselves. But in doing so, our children’s problems become our problems.

• A child who doesn’t eat enough at mealtime becomes our problem because his hunger at bedtime is also our problem.
• A lunch left at home becomes our responsibility if we allow it.

This makes kids dependent on us, reducing their capabilities, resourcefulness and resilience.

Asking this question will help us assess whether to solve a child’s problems or give them the tools to do so.

Have a great fortnight

Jo Flynn