From the Principal

With four weeks left before Christmas, now can be the time where we find ourselves feeling a bit more anxious in trying to get everything completed before the New Year begins. Staff are finalising reporting documentation, preparing 2020 class lists and timetables and planning for the upcoming Curriculum Day on Wednesday 4th December. They are also working incredibly hard to maintain a sense of calm and balance within the learning spaces to ensure the students continue with their learning routines and expectations. During this time students can also become incredibly tired and anxious with worries that can blow out a little more than they usually do. This is now the time when we really need our parent / school relationships to be strong and work together to resolve miscommunications and action moving forward. As parents, you are able to ease any student concerns and remind your children that it is still business as usual and following the school values is a very important factor in moving through the end of the term. I thought it might be a great time to stop and reflect on resilience and consider some ideas that can support us all. Here are some top tips that can really help with frustrating moments or challenging self-talk:

Make connections.

Your relationships with family, friends or community members are really important. Accept help or advice from people who genuinely care about you. Assisting others in their times of need will also benefit you.

Avoid seeing crises as insurmountable problems.

You can't change the fact that highly stressful events happen, but you can change how you interpret and respond to these events. Try looking beyond the present to how future circumstances may be a little better.

Accept that change is a part of living.

Sometimes things change in our lives and you may not have control over this. Accepting these changes can help you focus on moving forward. You don’t have to make decisions or react to situations immediately. Sometimes taking a few days to process situations really helps with perspective.

Look for opportunities for self-discovery.

Sometimes people learn more about themselves when they have experienced hardships. People can find they have developed a greater sense of strength, increased sense of self-worth, and heightened appreciation for others. It is often said that we can learn from our situations and challenges if we are open to this.

Nurture a positive view of yourself.

Developing confidence in your ability to solve problems and trusting your instincts helps build resilience. Believe in yourself.

Keep things in perspective and maintain a hopeful outlook.

Even when facing difficult situations, try to keep perspective, even if this means talking it out first. Avoid blowing the event out of proportion. An optimistic outlook enables you to expect that good things will happen in your life. Try visualising what you want, rather than worrying about what you fear.

Take care of yourself.

Pay attention to your own needs and feelings. Engage in activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. Give yourself a pat on the back when you have managed something difficult and share your joy with others.

I hope at least one of these tips resonate with you and that you can use this thinking when a challenge comes your way in the next few weeks. Working together and supporting each other really helps when times are hard. We are all trying to move forward with the best intentions. If you feel you are finding it hard to determine a solution feel free to make an appointment and we can work together in solving this together. Asking staff at the classroom door or trying to take a few minutes before or after school does not result in clear outcomes as often staff need to be ready for students or a meeting. It is absolutely vital that you give people time to consider your request and set an appropriate time to talk.

Wishing you a wonderful week and great happiness.

Chris