From the Principal 

Book Week

The week was filled with rich learning and a lot of fun. It was encouraging to have the students participate in the Book Character Parade. The students did a lap of the basketball court hand in hand, also taking the Cheltenham North Kinder children with them, in their stride. 

Camp

The Year 4-6 students had a highly enjoyable and educational five-day experience at Camp Woorabinda, Yallourn. They were as always, well-mannered to the Woorabinda staff and demonstrated the 7 Habits in their interactions with each other. The camp experience provides rich and important educational and social learning opportunities that can change a student's mindset and increase confidence and a positive self-esteem. 

Parent Opinion Survey

On August 7 the invitation to complete the Parent Opinion Survey link was emailed to all parents and carers and posted on Compass. A reminder was emailed August 30 and again posted on Compass. It would be helpful to gain as much feedback as possible for future planning and growth.

Parent Responses to Concerning Behaviour of Other Children/Students

With minor day-to-day issues resulting from social-emotional interactions between students, teachers do not contact parents to explain the issues and resolution processes. Examples of minor issues could include disagreements, or students not wanting to play with each other. The staff is well-trained in student voice and well-being and practice empathic listening and the restorative justice approach. The aim is to resolve issues and concerns before we send the students home at 3.30pm. At home when a child recounts a minor issue, the parent can help the growth process by asking what steps the child and those involved took to reach a win-win or just outcome. When parents become concerned about their child’s recount, because it is perceived to be a more significant social-emotional or physical issue, resulting from a classroom or school yard interaction with peers, parents, in the first instance, are best to contact the school to speak with the teachers. It is not recommended that parents contact other parents to address such concerns unless they know each other well. And it is never appropriate for a parent to make direct contact with someone else’s child, to seek clarity or to discipline. Contacting the school directly and promptly is the best approach that will lead to common understandings, conflict resolution, and effective behaviour management.

Strive for Win-Win Situations and Outcomes

We should seek mutually beneficial outcomes in all our interactions. Covey explains that there are six paradigms of human interaction:

Win-Win. This paradigm is based on the belief that mutual benefit is the best approach to achieve a satisfactory outcome for all parties involved.

Win-Lose. This paradigm is based on the belief that one person's gain is another person's loss. It is a competitive approach to human interaction where one party wins and the other loses.

Lose-Win. This paradigm is based on the belief that putting the needs and desires of others before your own is the best way to achieve a satisfactory outcome.

Lose-Lose. This paradigm is based on the belief that when two or more parties disagree, no one wins, and everyone loses.

Win. This paradigm is based on the belief that achieving personal success without considering the needs and desires of others is the best way to approach human interaction.

Win-Win or No Deal. This paradigm believes that if you cannot achieve a mutually satisfactory outcome, it is better to have no deal. It promotes finding a solution that benefits all parties involved or walking away. In win-lose and lose-win scenarios, one person gets what they want at the expense of another. These types of outcomes result in poor relationship health. Win-win or no deal is a backup. Having the option to walk away prevents us from manipulating others to achieve our goals. In solving for Win-Win, we must consider two factors: consideration and courage. 

Thought for the Week

"The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot." Michael Altshuler

Have a great weekend everyone. 

George Danson