Principal's News
Dear Parents/Carers,
After 2020’s Covid-19 lockdown and subsequent time away from school children are relearning that school life requires some adjustment. Children are once again in an environment where there are 20 or 21 other little people in the same room and that all deserve equal support and attention, so taking turns, waiting, following directions and considering others are qualities that are appreciated by all and help the classroom run in an orderly manner where learning can take place.
Parents can be anxious about their child’s behaviour at school. The school’s role is to work with parents to help children to learn that in order to make lots of friends and enjoy school (& all other social situations) then we need to learn to treat others with kindness and respect. Please don’t worry about this, we are here to help.
Just as they do with their siblings, cousins and neighbours, children will sometimes get into disagreements with others at school. We are here to help children to learn to deal with these situations and it takes time, like most things that are worthwhile.
Individuals who can work effectively and positively with others are highly valued in any workplace and in any social setting. So how do we learn to do this? Practise, practise, practise, some guidance from experts and then more practise.
I have written before in our newsletter that our kids need us, their parents/carers and teachers to be the Wise Elders of the tribe. They need us to listen when they have problems, but they don’t necessarily need us to solve every problem for them - this will rob them of the opportunity for PRACTISE. It’s more helpful to ask “What have you done to solve this problem already?” “Did it work?” “If not why not, do you think?” “What do you think you could try next?” “Do you need my help?” - you might be surprised at the answer to this - if you’re not needed, you’re doing well!
The adults who work at Sacred Heart are a great resource for parents, don’t be afraid to contact us if you feel unsure or are worried about anything at school.
This is particularly important if you are concerned about conflict between students at school.
We are in the privileged position of being able to hear both sides to any story - guess what? There are ALWAYS two sides to every story!
IT IS NEVER A GOOD IDEA TO CONTACT THE PARENTS OF ANOTHER STUDENT ABOUT CONFLICT BETWEEN STUDENTS AT SCHOOL. - Trust me. NEVER.
If, at any time, parents are worried about conflict at school or bullying and your child has asked you to help, you should contact your child’s class teacher for assistance a.s.a.p. That’s what we’re here for.
SCHOOL COUNCIL NOMINATIONS Our school council will be holding its Annual General Meeting next Wednesday evening from 7:30pm. Four of our current school councillors: Leanne Klahsen, Simone Hay, Zoe Barren and Ian Seuren are re-nominating for their second stint of 2 years as councillors.
However, the following councillors: Paul Millar and Claire McConachy are retiring from the school council at the A.G.M.
We are very grateful to both Paul and Claire for their service and I am calling for nominations to fill these 2 positions.
Our School Council meets twice per term and is an important avenue for consultation, policy development and planning for the future of our school. If you would be interested in joining the school council please consider completing the nomination form attached to today’s newsletter. Could you please return completed form to the office by Friday 12 March?
FOUNDATION (PREP) PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS Interviews between the Foundation (Prep) teachers and the parents of the children in their class will be held on Wednesday 24 March in the Foundation classrooms. This will be a great time for teachers and parents to catch up on how the children have settled into school life and to build further the partnership between home and school. To book your time for the interview, please access your PAM account and follow the prompts. Parents can log on to PAM after 3:30pm today to book their interview time.
If you need help with this process please don’t hesitate to ring our office for assistance.
REFLECTION
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him might not perish
but might have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,
but that the world might be saved through him.
Whoever believes in him will not be condemned,
but whoever does not believe has already been condemned,
because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. John 3: 4-6
Loving God, we want to do our best to grow up in loving you and fellow creatures. But please spare us from thinking that our perfectly reasonable self-improvement projects are what you invite us to in the call of this holy season of Lent. Help us to recognize that only you can truly save us. You are the source of all gifts and the enabler of all giving.