From the Principal

Congratulations to all our students who were involved in the Arts Soirée last night. It was a delight to view the amazing artworks and appreciate some wonderful music and drama performances. Last night, we also had the first performance from our newly established Secondary vocal performance group. The highlight for me is seeing students who may sometimes struggle with confidence taking to the stage to share their talents with others. Thank you to our many students and family members who came along to support the students.

I want to recognise the work of our Arts staff who invested many hours outside of their regular teaching responsibilities to plan the event and help students to prepare their performance pieces.

Making Space

This week, I shared with staff some different articles that suggested that people in general, and young people in particular, are less able to cope with stress and pressure. These presented the opinion that overall people are less emotionally mature than they were. We discussed whether this was the case or whether the complexity of modern life places increased demands on our social and emotional resources.

As a parent who was working full time and had four young children, I clearly remember afternoons when I felt as though I had nothing left. As we would arrive home after a long day, there was homework to supervise, dinner to cook and everyone wanting to talk through the events of the day. This could be punctuated by driving between sports, music lessons or other activities. Each of the children were tired as well. Their days at school were intense and so there could be bickering and meltdowns. I am sure this would be the experience of many other parents as well.

All of us, adults and children alike, are operating in a world where there is so much noise, busyness and complexity and it builds on us. All of us need time to decompress. That can be especially challenging for parents of young children. One thing I learned was to be intentional about making space for me and reminding myself to not feel guilty about it. To be the balanced, attentive and patient parents our children need requires us to ensure we are taking care of ourselves.

Recently I have been listening to Daniel Sih’s Spacemakers podcast. I have valued some of the background theory and practical applications both personally and professionally. I have also been revisiting John Mark Comer’s book, Practicing the Way. This book focuses on building the practices to be able to enter a deeper relationship with God, by being intentional about making the space to be in communion with Him.

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

~ John. 10:10b

Jodie Bennett

Principal