St Finbar's Newsletter

Deputy Principal's Report

Dear Parents/Carers,

At the Year 5 mass last weekend it occurred to me how many people each of our children have as part of their learning team at St Finbar’s. Parents, Teachers, our Learning Support Officers, Admin staff, Father Ian and of course each other, all of whom provide important components of what each child needs for their personal, spiritual, social and academic growth. It is exciting to see our children developing in such a wide range of ways. So many different personalities each with their own strengths and challenges contributing to the community of St Finbar’s. Today our Year 5 and 6 students participated in the Brighton School Cluster day where they put into practice the many skills they have learnt from their families and from their teachers to enable them to successfully interact and learn with other students. We are very proud of this program and will continually look for ways of evaluating and improving it so as to meet the needs of our senior students.

Our Week 5 and Week 6 Values and SEL  focus will be 

Our Week 5 and Week 6 Values and SEL  focus will be 

Student Wellbeing

EMPATHY: WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO RAISE EMPATHETIC KIDS?

Simply put Empathy means being able to step into somebody else’s shoes.

Studies have shown that empathy has implications on every aspect of our lives, including our learning. Successful learners must be knowledgeable, motivated, confident learners that have the ability to understand the motives, feelings and attitudes of others (also known as empathy). This is because successful learners are aware of the success they can acquire through communication with others, and can perceive themselves from a different perspective.

When children experience empathy they feel the urge to relieve hardship for other people, and when they do, they get a ‘hit’ of happiness due to their connection with that person. 

 

Here are a few simple questions you can use with your children to help them develop their empathy.

Am I treating this person how I would want to be treated?

Am I speaking to this person how I would like to be spoken to?

How would I feel in this person’s situation?

Could I have been more empathetic in that situation?

How could I have articulated myself differently for a better outcome?

Our Week 5 and Week 6 Values and SEL  focus will be 

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST AVAILABLE:

Stacey is still currently on leave but will re-commence her sessions from Week 7.

Ms Stacey Dellas is available for students who may be experiencing difficulty emotionally. Stacey is a highly qualified Psychologist with many years’ experience working with children and their families.  This service is completely covered by Medicare. To access this service please speak to your child’s teacher or you can email or speak to Mr Nigel Rodrigues ~ Deputy Principal who will provide you with details on how to refer your child.  nrodrigues@sfbrightoneast.catholic.edu.au