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Dear Parents and Guardians
The following article is written by James Anderson from the team at Happy Families with Dr Justin Coulson. It gives some valuable insights and advice to support parents when their children are faced with challenges.
Learning to Take on Challenges
Challenges are the pathway to growth. When our children habitually avoid challenges, their learning stalls. When they learn to understand, value and embrace challenge, their learning accelerates. So, helping our children develop a healthy relationship with challenge becomes one of the most important ways we can help them become better learners.
How does your child respond to a challenge?
Does your child avoid a challenge, seeking their “path of least resistance” in learning?
Or do they select the challenges they know they can do? Looking like they are working hard, but secretly avoiding mistakes by not taking on anything too challenging?
Maybe your child takes on challenges because the teacher tells them to. They follow the teacher’s instructions and are led through challenging tasks.
Perhaps your child takes on challenges because they need to. They have something they want to achieve, a goal in mind. Their relationship with challenge is born out of necessity so they can reach their goal.
But imagine if your child embraced challenges. In the spirt of John F. Kennedy when he said, “we do these things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard!” Imagine if when they were given the choice of doing something hard, or something easy, they’d choose the more challenging task, because they understood that challenge is the pathway to growth.
Becoming a Skilful Learner
How our children respond to challenges is a key element of what I call Learnership™ – the skill of learning. Learnership is a skill developed over time. It helps our children (and us) to get more out of every learning opportunity. Most importantly, Learnership is something we can teach our children that helps them to thrive both in school and life.
As parents we can help our children on the path to becoming better learners, by helping them develop a healthier and more productive relationship with challenge.
Comfort Zone V’s Learning Zone. What’s the Difference?
The first step in helping your child develop a healthy relationship with challenge is to teach them the difference between their Comfort Zone and their Learning Zone
We’ve all heard that we need to get outside our comfort zone and challenge ourselves, but how many of our children truly understand what that means?
For many people, getting outside their comfort zone means trying something new. But something new, isn’t always something challenging. Very often “new” is simply an “easy thing we haven’t done yet”. There is little struggle involved in this type of challenge, it comes with a great deal of certainty, and confidence that we’ll succeed. These challenges feel more like a task. They keep us busy, but they don’t help us get better. These types of challenges are in our Comfort Zone.
To be truly challenged our children need to stretch themselves beyond their current abilities. These types of challenge feel like a problem. Unlike a task where the path to completion is easily recognised, the solution to this challenge is not immediately apparent. They leave us feeling uncertain, and they involve struggle. The challenge feels “hard”. When our child feels like this, it’s a good sign they are in their Learning Zone.
Being in your Learning Zone feels uncomfortable. When our children find themselves in the Learning Zone, their first reaction is often to get out of it. Suddenly anything else seems like a more attractive option. They look for distractions, seek out easy options or adopt any number of avoidance strategies.
Struggle is temporary
It’s important to help our children recognise that the feeling of struggle and discomfort that comes with being in their Learning Zone is temporary. It passes. Many children believe if they are struggling now, then the next step in learning will involve even more struggle. They believe that the further they go, the more uncomfortable they’ll feel. So naturally, they turn away from further struggle.
The reality is that effort is the currency of growth, and struggle is the price we pay for that growth. The reward is that what we experienced as hard today, becomes easy tomorrow. It doesn’t get harder and harder and harder. It’s hard, then it’s easy. Then they move on, and the next step is also hard, until they make that easy. Being in the Learning Zone, and experiencing the struggle that comes with it, is not only a normal part of learning, but also an essential part of growth.
Parenting for more skilful learners
As parents we have an important role in helping our children become more skilful learners. This begins by helping them develop a healthy relationship with challenge. By teaching them that effort is the cost of growth, and normalising the struggle that comes from being in their Learning Zone, we help them become “comfortably uncomfortable” with challenge, and put them on a path of continuous growth.
Pupil Free Days
Please note that the following days are Pupil Free days for St Clare’s Students. Wherever possible these days lead into Public Holidays.
- Thursday 5 April - Pupil Free Day
- Friday 6 April – Good Friday Public Holiday
- Monday 24 April – School Closure
- Tuesday 25 April – ANZAC Day – Public Holiday
Sacrament Dates 2023
First Holy Communion
Saturday 20 May |
6:00pm Mass |
Commitment Mass |
Thursday 1 June (changed from 31 May) |
7.00 pm |
Parent Workshop |
Saturday 3 June |
6:00 pm Mass |
First Holy Communion |
Saturday 17 June |
6:00 pm Mass |
First Holy Communion |
Sunday 18 June |
10:30 am Mass |
First Holy Communion |
Confirmation
Thursday 10 August |
7:00 pm |
Parent Workshop |
Saturday 12 August |
6:00pm |
Commitment Mass |
Saturday 19 August |
4:00pm |
Confirmation |
Saturday 19 August |
6:00pm |
Confirmation |
Reconciliation
Thursday 19 October |
7:00pm |
Parent Workshop |
Saturday 21 October |
6.00pm |
Commitment Mass |
Wednesday 25 October |
7:00pm |
Reconciliation |
Thursday 26 October |
7:00pm |
Reconciliation |
FIRST MEETING SUCCESS
Last week, we had our first P&F meeting for 2023. It was great to see a few new faces around the table! Everyone is welcome to attend these meetings where we discuss P&F plans for the year and ways we can add a little extra fun to the school term for the students!
Whilst we’re powering along with our small dedicated team, we would also love some additional parents to get involved and bring their fresh ideas and enthusiasm. If you’ve been thinking of a great way to help the school and add some extra smiles, this is your chance! Feel free to email us your expression of interest or any questions to pandf@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au
The next P&F meeting will be held in the Welcome Room (in the Main Office) at 9.15am on Thursday 30th March.
IMPORTANT DATES FOR THE CALENDAR!!!
- Thursday 30th March – P&F Meeting
- Friday 31st March – Last Day to return Raffle Tickets & Easter Donations
- Wednesday 5th April – Easter Raffle Draw
- Monday 1st May – School Fun Run
- Friday 2nd June – Trivia Night (for the parents!!!)
FUN FOOD FRIDAY CONTINUES
Don’t forget to pack $1 in your child’s bag to buy a lemonade icy pole this Friday for Fun Food Friday.
We are always in need of parent helpers too so if you’re available from 1-2pm and have a current Working With Children check please reach out and let us know.
It’s an egg-citing time of year with our Easter Raffle underway. Tickets were sent home last week (one book of ten per family). Tickets are just $1 each and we would love for your support in selling them. Easter treat donations can also be submitted to the Main Office to contribute towards the prize hampers.
Donations, tickets and money raised must be returned to school by Friday 31st March (remember to include your childs’ full name and learning group on the raffle ticket stubs) with the draw taking place on the last day of Term 1.
Thanks so much for your egg-cellent support and good luck!
The second hand uniform shop will be open the following dates and times throughout March:
- Friday 3rd March 2:30-3:10pm
- Wednesday 8th March 2:30-3:10pm
- Thursday 16th March 2:30-3:10pm
- Wednesday 22nd March 8:30-9.15am
- Tuesday 28th March 8:30-9.15am
- Thursday 30th March 2:30-3:10pm
If you have any uniform you’d like to sell please make sure;
- it’s been washed and saleable (no rips/major stains).
- Place it in a bag with your name and phone number.
- You can add prices you’d like to sell for or we can do this for you.
- Bring it into the uniform shop when we’re open or drop it to the office.
At the end of each term if you have sold items you will be sent a text message and money can be either ent home with your child or collected from the office.
*Please note that $1 from the sale of each item is donated to the P&F
We are always in need of parent helpers for fundraising events and activities throughout the year. If you’ve been thinking about volunteering, you’ll need a current Working With Children check. They’re free to attain as a volunteer and it’s a super easy process.
Visit https://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/individuals/applicants/how-to-apply-1 to find out more today.
The incursion activities were about teamwork. In one of the activities you were required to put on a blindfold and your team mate directed you around an obstacle course. Your partner had to keep you safe and tell you when to step over or crawl under. This was my favourite activity because it was like learning to walk.
Julian
During the incursion there was lots of collaboration, supportive people and friendship. We all worked as a team and grew closer. The activities were challenging.
Elisha, Gurnoor and Achok
The incursion was both challenging and enjoyable. It was the best.
Karman and Jordan
On the 27th of February all the Year 5 classes participated in a team building incursion. There were many challenges but they all worked through them in small groups. Some of the words students choose to describe the incursion were entertaining, skill development, fun, annoying and challenging. The activities encouraged students to work together.
Felicity and Tennille
During the incursion we worked on team work. My favourite part of the incursion was the obstacle course because we had to get a partner across the obstacles while they were blindfolded. We learned to use our other sense to get through the course.
Cruz
LOST PROPERTY
There are already items arriving in the office as lost property with no names on them. Please ensure all items are marke with your child's name.
After school care also have a box of lost property items,so if you child attends and has lost an item it may be worth checking there.
Working with Children Cards
We now have a new system to collate, record and monitor WWC cards for all volunteers. As we upgrade to the new system we may ask you to supply a copy of your card which you may feel you have already done. We apologise in advance if this occurs.
You are also reminded to ensure you have regsitered St Clare's Primary School as a location at which you volunteer.
For those who don't have a Working with Children Card now is probably a good time to apply. Go to https://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/individuals/applicants/how-to-apply-1
SCHOOL FEES
Here is the link for the St Clare's Parent Access Module (PAM)
St Clare's PAM
You username is the email address that you have registered with the school. The first time you log in we ask that you use the forgotten password feature to set your own password.
ALL parents must access PAM to receive up to date information and grant necessary permissions. Students will miss out on events if permission is not granted.
REPORTING AN ABSENCE
To report your child's absence please do so via PAM, email absent@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au or call 5940 6777
A SPECIAL REPORT: Wellbeing - Checklist for Primary
Whilst most children are resilient and seem to be demonstrating a remarkable capacity to manage during this challenging time, others are not faring as well. Some are experiencing a variety of emotions ranging from fear to anxiety, all of which are considered normal or natural responses to this current situation.
However despite this, it is still important for adult carers to remain vigilant for any signs of unusual distress or behaviour, even though your child may not have any prior history of a mental health disorder.
It was estimated that one in seven Australasian children experienced a mental health issue before the Coronavirus pandemic, therefore early intervention, diagnosis and treatment is even more important now. In the current climate, one useful thing you can do is help your child focus on the things that they can control - such as their learning, diet, exercise and sleep.
In this Special Report, adult carers will be provided with a checklist that can be used as a guide in determining if there is any cause for concern.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to your special report:
https://stclaresofficer.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing-barometer-2023-primary
How to Help Kids Stay Safe Online
Adapted from: https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/blog Office of the eSafety Commissioner
- Start the chat
It’s not possible to be at your child’s side every second of the day, so it’s important to talk with them about online safety issues to help develop their critical thinking and ability to make good choices. It’s also good to let them know they can come to you for help if they have any concerns. You may feel they know more about the latest technology than you do, but you have more life experience to guide them.
- With primary school aged children use online devices in the open living spaces at home to make parent supervision part of the expectation for your child.
- Take the opportunity to set some boundaries around when and where they can use devices like tablets, smart TVs and gaming consoles, to help limit potential tech tantrums — you could even fill in an Early Years Family Tech Agreement
- Screen free time before bed is important for good sleep. Consider charging devices in a central location at a regular time each night to allow an hour screen free before bed.
- While you are all at home more, it’s a great time to co-view and co-play with your kids, so you can understand what they are doing and experiencing online.
- Learn about the games, apps, social media and platforms they are using at The eSafety Guide, including how to protect their information and report inappropriate content or conduct.
- Use parental controls and safe search options
Parental controls can help block your child from accessing specific websites, apps or functions. They can also monitor your child’s use of connected devices and set time limits. But beware! You cannot always rely on them — they should be used in combination with other online safety strategies.
- Parental controls are available on most tablets, smartphones, computers, TVs and gaming consoles.
- You can also download family safety controls or buy robust filters out of the box.
- You can set up child-friendly search engines, or select safe search settings on digital devices, to help prevent your child from stumbling across inappropriate sites and content.
- Check smart toy settings
It’s surprising how many toys or devices can connect online these days, from drones and smart teddies to tablets and wearables. While they can be both entertaining and educational, they can reveal your child’s personal details and location — and allow other people to contact them without you knowing. You can help keep them stay safe by:
- setting strong passwords
- turning off location settings
- limiting the amount of personal information shared.
The eSafety Gift Guide has advice on what to check for and how to stay safe.
- Look out for unwanted contact and grooming
Unwanted contact is any communication that makes your child feel uncomfortable or unsafe, even if they initially welcomed the contact. It can come from a stranger, an online ‘friend’ or even someone they actually know. At worst, it can involve ‘grooming’ — building a relationship with the child in order to sexually abuse them.
You can help by:
- making sure their accounts are private — including chat functions on games
- encouraging them to delete requests from strangers and any contacts they don’t know in person
- checking in with your child as they use online devices in the open living spaces at home
- reporting and blocking anyone suspicious on a website or service
- remembering that if suspicious online contacts become aggressive or threatening you should contact your local police.
- Know the signs of cyberbullying
Kids who are bored by long periods at home can pick at each other, and that happens online too. So it’s important to keep an eye out for cyberbullying. It can include mean posts, comments and messages, as well as being left out of online group activities like gaming.
- Remember, when they are away from school, kids have less access to their usual support systems, including friends, teachers and counsellors.
- eSafety research shows that girls are more likely to be affected than boys and the person doing the bullying is generally someone they know from school.
- Watch out for signs such as your child appearing upset after using their mobile, tablet or computer, being unusually secretive about their online activities or becoming withdrawn.
- Cyberbullying can make social isolation worse and the longer it continues, the more stressed kids can become, impacting on their emotional and physical wellbeing.
What to do if your child is being cyberbullied
As parents, our first instinct may be to ban our children from social media, disable the wi-fi or turn off the data access. But this can actually compound the problem, making your child feel as if they’re being punished and heightening their sense of social exclusion.
There are four simple steps that can help minimise the harm:
- report the cyberbullying to the social media service where it is occurring
- collect evidence of the cyberbullying material
- if the material is still public 48 hours later, make a report to eSafety — we work with social media platforms to have the harmful content removed.
block the offending user.