As Year 11 bravely advance towards the end of Term 3, the terrain is about to get a little more challenging. At this time, the parenting process may take an unexpected turn. So, keep your third eye open as this stage in your child's development prepares them for the most crucial phase in their life, independence.

While encouraging healthy sleep habits, exercise, and a nutritious diet, as parents, we also need to praise their efforts and encourage them to seek professional support on sexual health and identity issues, money problems, and excessive alcohol or drug use which may contribute to increased stress. Discuss strengths, weaknesses, and goals. Perhaps focus on weekly goals and small steps.

According to Catherine Brandon, Educational Psychologist at Genazzano FCJ College, specifically, setting SMARTGoals have proven successful – strategically setting academic and personal goals is powerful! They can motivate a student to build a future and accomplish short- and long-term goals, not thought achievable.

A study conducted in Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience Reviews realised that students who set goals were more directed. Moreover, the research revealed that the amygdala and the frontal lobe- parts of the brain's anatomy- work together to drive humans to complete set goals. In short, the brain changes its structure to help humans optimise behaviours and tasks (SWISTAK,2020).

Remember, we are building the capacity for resilience in your child's journey beyond the school gates. So, take time to acknowledge the transformation due to their own experiences. Bear witness and share in the growth and transition into adulthood (CHRISTENSEN, 2019). Notably, the parent-adolescent relationship is renegotiated in the final years of secondary school, "Scaffolding, independence and enabling greater autonomy, responsibility, and decision making" are central to this shifting relationship. Moreover, research indicates that good learning outcomes are intrinsically linked to the new freedoms in the renegotiation process (HARVARD, 2015). Even at this stage in adulthood, the parent-child relationship remains sacred. Therefore, enabling your child to explore newfound freedoms and continuing consistent parental guidance is equally important.

Year 11 student Gemma Quinn explains, "As a young adult, with new expectations -negotiated- new independence has fostered the ability to create achievable steps for my future. At times boundaries are adjusted in consultation to allow for new freedoms whilst still being guided by my mother." Here, this perspective highlights, according to research, the four key elements of respect, commitment, compromise, and mutual benefit, which exists in a healthy parent-adult-child relationship (CRESS, 2021). Thus allowing parents like Gemma's to share in the growth and transition into adulthood.

In preparing for senior leadership in 2023, in Term 2, students attended a Reflection Day. Facilitated by Character Builders, in the beautiful surroundings of the Botanical Gardens, activities generated a deeper reflection on student leaders' personal attributes and characteristics. The day's focus was to connect, providing a clearer vision and mission of student leadership in light of the gospel values and the Franciscan tradition.

Congratulations to successful applicants who stepped up to the challenge of nominating for student leadership. Not only did the process reveal exceptional qualities and talents of candidates, but the applicants were also able to realise their goals in moving towards captaincy.

Photos from Year 11 Reflection Day

I invite all parents to peruse the July focus editions in SchoolTV, Digital Reputation and Positive Parenting. There are some worthwhile quizzes to take part in on both of these topics, please see links to access these quizzes below.

Positive Parenting Quiz

Digital Reputation Quiz

Please keep in your prayers Megan Reid, our thoughts and prayers are with the Reid family, now and in the weeks ahead.

References:

https://butterflyliving.org/parent-adult-child/

https://iccounseling.net/positive-parenting-tips-for-teenagers/

https://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/uk/09/10/parental-involvement-puzzle

https://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/uk/15/05/letting-go-staying-close

https://www.medicinenet.com/what_are_teenager_problems_with_parents/article.htm

https://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/uk/20/08/supporting-teenagers-pandemic

https://topstackgroup.com/learn-how-goal-setting-affects-your-brain/

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