Principal's Post

Dear Parents,

Next week we are conducting Parent Teacher Interviews. The on-line platform provides convenience and flexibility for parents and according to recent surveys, is the preferred option for parents and staff. The scheduled meetings are in Week 6 of Semester 2, which is earlier than previous years because Semester 1 was extended due to lockdowns. In classes that are semester based and because of recent disruptions, some students may have only had a couple of face to face classes to this point in time. The meetings are heavily booked, in fact over 7000 interviews are scheduled. One consideration that has been very obvious over the last two years is to keep students connected as much as possible, connected to each other, and to their teachers. The interviews are timely to ensure those connections are made with parents, even if it is to familiarise yourself with the subject and be reassured your son is tracking well, academically and pastorally. 

In a programme of over 7000 interviews there are always instances when things go awry. If you miss an interview, please email the subject teacher to reschedule or communicate your concern. Year Level Coordinators and Deputy Principals will also be available to answer your questions. Email addresses can be sourced on MazCom.

As you are aware our Visible Wellbeing Programme has been focussing on Character Strengths. The following tips have been provided by Professor Lea Waters suggesting ways parents can recognise their children’s strengths. The fact you are probably seeing more of your son during lockdown; we are discussing subject selections in various year levels, and we are currently conducting Parent Teacher Interviews, it is an opportune time to consider her advice on the subject. 

TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR ABILITY TO SEE YOUR SON’S STRENGTHS

https://www.leawaters.com/blog/how-to-spot-your-childs-strengths-these-3-indicators-can-help

1 – Strength based parenting (SBP) is primarily about observation and communication. Over the next few weeks take notice of the patterns in your child’s behaviour and ask them about their thoughts and feelings. Think about their patterns of behaviour, thoughts and feelings and then ask yourself ‘What are the strengths that underpin this pattern?’ Maybe you’ll notice strengths like curiosity, analytical thinking, creativity, sociability or physical co-ordination.

2 - Take notice of your child’s heroes and role models (sports heroes, music artists, movie stars, inventors etc..) and think about the strengths of those heroes. We often gravitate to people who have similar strengths, or strengths we would like to build in ourselves. The strengths in your children’s heroes may give you a clue to your child’s strengths. Ask your child more about their heroes and take interest in your child’s latest interests and hobbies. Who are they watching on YouTube? In addition to unearthing clues about potential strengths in your child this is a good general parent-child bonding exercise because it shows that are interested in your child’s life.

3 – Look for particular clues like:

a) Skills that come easily and naturally to your child.

b) Talents and abilities where your child outperforms others.

c) Personal qualities that are mature and above what you would expect for the child’s age (e.g. braver than most kids. More emotionally intelligent, higher in empathy, supremely articulate).

d) Shifts in body language and facial expressions that show your child is energised by what they are doing.

e) Changes in language (using more positive words) and volume /pitch /speed of language that suggests your child is energised when they are using a certain skill. Talent, ability or personal quality.

f) Things that are grabbing your child’s attention and imagination.

g) Task and actions that your child obviously enjoys doing.

h) Ways in which your child is choosing to spend their time.

4 – Pay attention to consistent themes in their topic of conversation.

5 – Keep a list of when you see performance, energy and motivation and where you see it: Physical coordination? Intelligence? Social situations? Creativity? Character (fairness, humility, humour)?

Make notes on your phone and, when you have time, sit with your child and share with them about what you observed. 

Good luck with the interviews.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Tony Coghlan

Principal