From the Director of Primary

Authentic Connections

Over the past two editions of The View I have highlighted the importance of connections as an essential part of growth and central to the development of relationships.  Whilst we are witnessing examples of loss, sadness, destruction, uncertainty and fear amongst so many throughout the world, we are also heartened by some of the other images that have emerged in the face of adversity. We have seen countries open their borders to those fleeing war and we have watched people uniting to assist those who have lost everything in the floods.  What we have been observing is a sense of camaraderie, love, kindness and compassion - ingredients of authentic connections.

The idea of being authentically connected to one another is not only relevant for world wide issues but is an essential part of a child’s development.  As teachers we have a role to play in understanding where each child is placed on their journey of life. We can start to achieve this by embracing connections through conversations, working out the needs and interests of each child, reminding ourselves that for some children simply being at school that morning is a celebration, or ensuring they are able to enter into a task that will stimulate but also support where that child is at. This is us being able to connect in an authentic way.

As parents/carers you too have a role to play, and already recognise the importance of having authentic connections with your son or daughter.  You work constantly to enhance and strengthen those connections, and work with teachers to ensure that there is synergy between the experiences and relationships at home as well as within your child’s schooling.

“Authentic connections are defined by what the child perceives as connection, not by what we intend as connection. To connect with a child, we must observe, slow down, understand them, and meet them where they are.” 

visiblechild.com

Learning Conferences 

An example of a way in which we as teachers and parents can work collaboratively to ensure the needs and interests of the student are understood and nurtured, is via Learning Conferences.  

Tonight and on Monday 21 March, parents have been invited to attend Learning Conferences. Kinder - Year 5 interviews will be conducted in classrooms and Year 6 interviews will be held in the O’Brien Resource Centre. Given the need to adhere to COVID protocols, parents are asked to wait in the Primary Music Room or outside and then head to their interviews just a few short minutes before the scheduled time.  There will be COVID Safety Officers in place to check that the spaces outside the classrooms are not at capacity.  

A Symbol of Oneness

As a College we have always recognised the importance of wearing  a uniform and all it brings to the community of Mount Carmel College.  In general, uniforms provide students with a sense of belonging, an aligning of students under one umbrella or uniting a group of individuals as one team, in our case - the Mount Carmel team.  As a College we always take pride in wearing our uniform as it symbolises the community we are, our link to our traditions and an element of comfort and solidarity.  The uniform provides a sense of connection as we identify with each other due to the commonality of the uniform.  So let's wear it well and recognise the positive feelings it gives, as well as the practical benefits for parents/carers.    

Staff Meeting 

Last week our Primary staff came together to look at Learning Plans, with staff working in teams to either provide or receive information about students.  This meeting was invaluable as it allowed us as educators to impart a deep understanding, ask questions, and seek clarification where needed.  

These conversations helped give an insight into a child’s educational journey and how as teachers we can use best practice to help support students in our classroom and differentiate work where necessary. 

Primary House Captains

Our Primary House Captains are already busy motivating students in promoting House spirit throughout the Primary School. On Friday they held their first ‘Party Friday’ for 2022 where students and some staff skipped their way through lunchtime. Prizes were awarded, tricks and moves were shared and there was laughter aplenty. 

A huge thank you to Sadie Quayle, Meg Tilyard, Sienna Gustaffson, Riley Bain, Cleo White and Lily Cherry for their enthusiasm, commitment and generosity.

What’s Coming Up

• Today our Primary Swimming team headed to the Doone Kennedy Aquatic Centre to participate in the JSSATIS carnival.  They will head off again next Friday for the STCPSSA carnival.
• Learning Conferences are most certainly in the air with them being conducted tonight and next Monday.  If you have forgotten to indicate your intention of attending it is not too late to do so for this Monday conference. 
• Year 3 - 10 Athletics Carnival is our next big event with Primary students from Years 3 - 6 participating. Information about this day (Friday 1 April) will be sent to you in the coming week.