Middle Years 

I would like to extend a warm welcome at the commencement of Term 3, and I must say it was wonderful to talk to students on Tuesday morning and see them enthusiastically embrace each other as they caught up on ‘holiday news’. Holidays allow for recharge and reflection. I would encourage all students and mentors to reflect on what needs to be done this term. There are no shortcuts to success, and each person will define success in their own way. Students need to apply themselves consistently to their ‘school job’, this means working diligently in class and on homework tasks, being focused, being organised and knowing what they are aiming for. I have deliberately referred to ‘an aim’ as many students don’t like referring to or setting goals. However, I would encourage all student to clearly articulate their aims for the term and discuss these with parents and mentors.

I would like to extend a warm welcome to new MyPEC students; Charlie Adams, Thomas Hindhaugh, Riley Edwards and Dominic Wong. It is wonderful to see our students warmly embrace these boys.

We are preparing for the upcoming Gaoyou Middle School Delegation visit in two weeks’ time. There will be 19 students and 2 staff in the Delegation. They arrive on Thursday 2nd August and depart on Wednesday 8th August. Final programme details are being worked out, and thank you to families who have offered to billet students.

Last year I read the book “Are you fully charged?” by Tom Rath. He offers practical advice to improve wellbeing.

In his book, Tom Rath said naturally successful people do these 5 things every day;

1. They are 80 per cent positive. This links to the 3:1 ratio, 3 positives to one negative.
2. They keep their mission in mind. Reminding yourself why you do what you do every day could also make you a lot more productive.
3. They focus for 45 minutes, then break for 15 minutes. Try working in highly focused bursts of about 45 minutes, and then take a 15-minute break. I often urge students to follow this advice when they are studying.
4. They use questions to spark conversation. Whether you struggle to strike up a conversation or it comes naturally, you will benefit from talking to new people.
5. They push “pause” before responding. Instead of reacting right away, simply hit the pause button in your mind. Take a moment to gather your thoughts, and then have a rational discussion. This will give you time to think things through and determine a way to deal with the other person in a healthier manner.

In several classes this week, I asked students, “what are you grateful for?”. I would encourage students make gratitude a daily practice. It gives perspective and helps us appreciate the good things in our lives.

Mrs Julia Winter Cooke