Reflection

Go out to the world and tell the Good News Mark 16;18

This week's Gospel invites us to go out to all and tell the Good news. Jesus is always inviting us to a conversion of heart, to change the direction of our heart towards him, to leave behind our pride, self centeredness and place our hope and trust in him. To let go of all that hinders us. To examine our heart and minds to see if there is anything standing in the way of being the face of Jesus to others.

Naplan Results

The 2016 Naplan results have been sent home for all children in Year 3 and Year 5 .

The students results in the subject areas of reading, writing, grammar and punctuation and numeracy are a measure of the student’s development. The individual report is an assessment of the student on the day of each test and in most cases will match the comprehensive assessment of our class teachers. If parents of students require further information about your child's results please contact your child’s teacher.

Whilst the report is a valuable tool for our teachers to align our assessment results, it also ensures that our quality learning and teaching program is enhanced in ensuring that our curriculum adheres to the expectations of the national curriculum, and how we can develop our learning and teaching that is distinctive to our Catholic context.

We also believe that the ‘dot’ on the report does not define our children. We appreciate that there are many facets of educating each child to be well rounded individuals. Developing young people to be not only literate and numerate, but also able to express themselves as creative, curious, empathetic and collaborative members of a school and wider community, are essential to their growth.

Helping Out

It has been brought to my attention that one of our Prep students, Alfie C, has recently helped some young refugee children as part of the Asylum Seeker Kids (ASK) project. Alfie, his Mum (Susan) and family have taken refugee families under their wing and involved them in a day at the football at the MCG and at monthly family social gatherings. I also understand they have been on outings to the museum, ice skating and a soccer clinic. Well done Alfie in welcoming others who are finding their way as members in our city of Melbourne.

Star of the Sea Appointment

We welcome the advice from the Star of the Sea College Board that Ms Mary O'Connor has been appointed Principal, for when Ms Sandra Diafas retires at the end of this year. It is evident that Mary will bring a wonderful breadth of knowledge, experience and energy to the position and will build upon the proud and distinctive legacy of Ms Sandra Diafas, who we will all dearly miss.

Community Learning Assembly

At yesterday's Community Learning Assembly, we had the honour of having Professor Jack Martin speak. He is one of Australia’s most distinguished medical scientists, and also the Grandfather of Indianna Yr3 and Mac Yr1. His many achievements and professional honours (which are too many to list), have been recognised by his appointment as an Officer in the Order of Australia (AO), Queens Birthday Honours in 1996. His research has had a major impact on the understanding of bone synthesis and disorders such as osteoporosis and bone tumours. His message to the students was always face challenges with a view that they are interesting and fun. Jack's inspirational talk increased our understanding of to always be inquisitive and curious about the world around us. He has embodied this principle throughout his career. Indianna did a great job interviewing her Grandfather and asked some very poignant quesitons. We thank Jack for sharing his time and knowledge with St James.

For further insight into who Prof. Jack Martin is, please click HERE

Book Week

Next Wednesday 24 August, St James will be celebrating Book Week by holding a parade from 9 to 10 a.m. The theme for Book Week this year is 'Australia! Story Country'. The children may like to dress as a character from their favourite book or follow this year's theme.

St James Musical Soiree

Next Thursday 25 August, another St James Musical Soiree will be held in the school hall from 6:15pm. This is a wonderful evening which showcases our students' talents and highly recommend attendance, if you can make it.

School Closure

I would also like to remind you of the upcoming School Closure day, Friday 26 August, where all staff will be attending a professional development seminar. OSHClub will be available that day, if they receive the required number of bookings. If you require child care and have not done so already, please book directly with OSHClub this week.

I came across an interesting article re ADHD written by Nigel Lane, and thought it worth sharing with you.

ADHD

It is possible that our observation of our child lacking motivation is actually their symptom and not the cause. 3 to 5% of children globally are affected by ADHD with symptoms starting before seven years of age. These symptoms can include:

Being easily distracted.

Having difficulty focusing on one thing.

Becoming bored with the task after only a few minutes.

Having trouble completing homework assignments.

Not seeming to listen when spoken to.

Struggling to follow instructions.

Fidgeting, talking non-stop, dashing around.

Being very impatient.

The symptoms may appear to be innocent and merely annoying nuisances. It is wise to seek professional advice, a thorough diagnosis and suitable treatment. If left untreated, it can severely interfere with your child's ability to get the most out of education, fulfil their potential in the workplace, establish and maintain interpersonal relationships and maintain a positive self-image. Incidentally ADHD is diagnosed two to four times as frequently in boys as in girls. It is a health condition involving biologically active substances in the brain -- at this stage a specific cause of ADHD is not known.

Even if your child's behaviour seems like ADHD it might not actually be ADHD. For example your child might show ADHD symptoms when experiencing:

A death or divorce in the family.

A parent's job loss.

Sudden change.

An ear infection.

Anxiety or depression.

Insufficient or poor quality sleep.

Many of the symptoms occur from time to time in everyone, so the diagnosis requires a psychiatric assessment to rule out other possible causes.

Methods of treatment often involve some combination of behaviour modification, lifestyle changes, counselling and medication. After diagnosis it is wise to discuss the situation with school and to access some parental ADHD management training.

Written by Nigel Lane.

www.nigellane.com.au

Used by permission

Brendan

Education in Faith

First Eucharist 2016