Principal

Dear Parents and Friends,

November is a busy time of studying and exams for our students in Middle and Senior School.

For some students exams equate to stress.  Some stress can be good as it can actually help motivate students to action.  A lot of stress can cause sickness and must be handled well by the family, school and medical professionals.

One of the biggest stress releases is knowing that God is in control – even when we think everything is out of control!  It is stepping back and trying to look at the big picture and not get consumed with the ‘bumps’ along the way.

When circumstances are difficult we can claim God’s promises and know that with God, there is always HOPE, even when things don’t go the way we plan or desire.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  Romans 15:13 (NIV)

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.”  John 14:1(NIV)

The NIV footnote in the Study Bible says that ‘trust’ is the antidote for a troubled heart.

Blessings on your week,

Catriona

Tips for Less Stress

1. Pray and meditate on God’s word

         - Focus on Jesus, be thankful and memorise scripture.

1. Be organised and prepared

        - Draw up a study timetable, prepare for school (organise school uniform and pack bag the night before). When your child is young they need help and guidance to  be organised. But as they get older if the parent does  everything for their child, they will not learn how to be responsible.

       3. Sleep

        - Get at least 9 hours of sleep every night (students).

1. Exercise everyday in some way
2. Laugh (especially at yourself!)
3. Enjoy good relationships and being a friend
4. Be thankful and optimistic

         - Find 3 things every night to be thankful about.

1. No ‘screen’ time at least an hour before going to bed
2. Deep breathing and having relaxation time
3. Do something ‘fun’

       - Plan something to look forward to.

Dr Tim Hawkes in his book “10 Leadership lessons you must teach your teenager” states:

There is stress out there, and our sons and daughters need to learn to cope with it.   If they can’t, expert medical help should be sought.

There are initiatives to take and attitudes to encourage if our sons and daughters are feeling down.

• Don’t catastrophise.  Although some people face non-trivial challenges, many have faced similar challenges before and survived.
• Be optimistic.  See the issue as a problem that be can be reduced, if not removed, by taking it a step at a time and a day at a time.
• Control negative thoughts.  Identify them when they come.  Stop, relax, breathe the black despair out and inhale pure, life-giving hope.
• Learn to be happy now rather than waiting to be happy when…
• Look after your health.  Endeavour to sleep well, eat well and exercise well.
• Choose your company.  Hang around those who love and like you, and those who make you smile.
• Don’t engage in self-pity.  Bad stuff doesn’t happen only to you.  Imagine telling your story to a child-slave working in a brick-pit in India.
• Go out and do something nice for someone.  It can make you feel good.
• Squeeze good from the bad.   Maybe you’ve stuffed up.  Now unstuff! Learn from the event.  Make amends.  Say sorry.  Be wiser.  Move on.