Junior School

 ‘Celebration of Learning’ Events

Thank you very much to the many parents/carers who were able to be present during our ‘Celebration of Learning’ events which were held last week in the Junior School classrooms. It was fantastic to see so many guests in attendance as the boys eagerly shared various samples of work they have created across different Key Learning Areas. We look forward to continuing to provide similar engagement opportunities for parents/carers to connect with their son/s learning in the Junior School!

Quality and Quantity Time

Society espouses the importance of parents spending quality time with their children, and this is obviously crucial. However, the research also tells us that the quality moments come from quantity time together. It is a mistake to believe that orchestrating narrow windows of quality time with your children will build positive, enduring, trusting relationships. That can only come from quantity. Quantity time enables the special little windows of golden moments. It also teaches boys how to behave, how to respect one another, and other people. As parents, we cannot abrogate responsibility for that as it is our job.

Through quantity time, our children learn all about who we are, how we will react in certain circumstances, and how we treat each other. Quantity time also builds trust, so that when something isn’t going to plan, your children know that they can trust you with that information. They will also know that you’re there for them and willing to help them to deal with things that happen in life because you will have demonstrated that to them so many times in the experiences you’ve shared. Quantity time also means they will have ample opportunity to talk to you about these things, rather than having to snatch a window of your time.

Wellbeing – Food and Sleep

As we rapidly approach the end of the term, we are noticing that the boys are starting to show signs of being tired as the holidays draw ever closer. There is plenty of research available that supports the need for young people to eat well and get enough sleep each night to ensure that they can function at their very best during the day. 

Our boys in the Junior School are also becoming more independent and some are pleasingly making their own decisions around what they pack for recess and lunch each day. It is vital that they are fuelling their bodies with nutritious food that will ensure they can focus and learn to the best of their ability. We ask that you please check in with your son as they make their choices for food each day, to ensure they have enough healthy food and water for school. 

Additionally, sleep is vital for their wellbeing and ability to learn. We are noticing more boys in recent weeks have been working online after 8:00 PM at night, completing homework. We kindly ask for your support in ensuring that your son is completing any homework he has to do in the afternoon or early evening and does not engage in homework or any academic learning after 8:00 PM, so that they can get the recommended 9 - 11 hours' sleep each night.

As always, if you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email (glenn.stephenson@spc.nsw.edu.au) or phone (8705 9247) and I will endeavour to assist you in any way that I can.

May God bless you,

Glenn Stephenson 

Director of Junior School