Calrossy Junior School

Term 3 Week 2B

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. 

In our year of gratitude, we continue to look at what we are thankful and grateful for. When we give thanks it reminds us of how much we really do have. Focusing on our blessings ultimately makes us happier and counteracts the negatively bias. When we start thanking God for the things that we usually take for granted, our perspective changes. We realise that we could not even exist without the merciful blessings of God.

Over the last few weeks I’ve been in conversations with many families who use a daily practise to share their pits and peaks from each day or highs and lows, for these families it’s often a dinner time conversation. Firstly, spending time together, around the dinner table is a valuable time for families, the conversation alone is excellent for language development where parents can model good conversations, correct language use and more complex vocabulary. As well as this, taking turns models sharing and patience and values listening. Above all, recognising the peaks in a day, assists to counteract the negativity bias that creeps in. By mentioning a pit or low, it also stands as an opportunity to make paths forward, show growth and recognise that we don’t always have to be happy. Sharing with those who love you the most is where support is garnered. 

My current peak and pit: Peak, our Calrossy Junior School Staff. They are incredible, professional, dedicated, hard-working and giving. Our Calrossy staff go above and beyond and provide top-class education every day, engaging students, loving them, monitoring their growth and rejoicing with them at every step along the way. My pit is also around staffing: you may have seen it across the press, we are in a staffing shortage, in fact many places are in the same boat. Our Professional Learning last week saw us focus on this current issue and how we can counteract it. We’ll do our best to support new staff, manage workloads, boost staff wellbeing and adhere to government changes, but there is a part for parents to play too: love your teacher, communicate with your teacher and support your child’s teacher. In a world where education is vital, let’s lift up our teachers and make them feel valued and honoured for the life changing work that they do every day. 

I look forward to seeing parents this week at the Kindergarten Information Night, Welcome to Secondary Night, Infants Athletics Carnival and Whole School Prayer Breakfast and P-6 Chapel Service. Details are all on the HUB. 

Have a wonderful week!

Claire Dalziel 

Head of Junior School