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Dear Parents and Guardians
Part of our focus at school is to encourage students to develop leadership skills. The following article by Michael Grose gives some valuable insights.
That’s leadership thinking!
My father used to tell me that to be a good footballer I needed to look like a footballer. He always made sure I played with my socks pulled up, boots clean and football jumper tucked in. His attitude was I should at least look the part.
Fast forward a few generations and Dad would probably tell me today that if I wanted to be a footballer I should think like a footballer. His thinking would be right because any significant skill development usually comes before a positive mindset, or at least, a mindset that captures the essence of what’s required.
This mindset concept is easily applied to many areas of parenting and family life, including leadership, which is required in school, at work, in the community and in family life. Thinking like a leader comes before leadership action so attending to a child or young person’s mindset lays the foundation to real leadership.
The following mindsets are good starting points for developing leadership mindsets in the next generation.
Be accountable
The mark of true leadership whether for adults or young people is the willingness to take responsibility and be accountable for your actions. Responsibility and accountability are features that great leaders share, so encourage children and young people to accept personal responsibility for their actions, learn from their mistakes and avoid making excuses when things go wrong. For this to happen parents and teachers need to forgive their mistakes and poor decisions so that they feel they can take responsibility without fear of harsh retribution.
Plan ahead
Thinking about what needs to be done, planning ahead and managing time are skills that enable many young people to become effective leaders. The ability to think ahead, strategise and figure out a plan may sound like corporate-speak but it’s something that kids of all ages can accomplish. We can plant the planning seed by encouraging them to think ahead and set aside some time to plan before tackling any activity – whether it’s a homework project, resolving conflict with a sibling or asking for an increase on their allowance.
Work together
The ability to form, maintain and work in teams is a central leadership capacity. Teamwork refers to a range of skills, including problem solving, working with others, listening and following that enable a team to work towards one purpose. All children are capable of working together, although introverts and pubescent teens can struggle to work collaboratively. Sow the seeds of teamwork by encouraging kids to support their siblings and friends when they struggle and to accept everyone in games and activities.
Tune in
Emotional intelligence is an essential set of skills that unfortunately many leaders lack. Emotional smarts allow leaders to communicate effectively, relate well and resolve problems when they arise. Develop your child’s emotional intelligence by encouraging them to tune in to and regulate their own emotions, and tune into the emotions of others. Help them see behind the behaviour of others and discover the emotions that may be driving behaviour. For instance, a sibling’s aggressive behaviour may be driven by anger, annoyance or even sadness.
In closing
Leadership thinking requires kids to be accountable for their actions, plan ahead rather than act rashly, be open to working with others, and to tune into their own emotions and the emotions of those around them. These are mindsets worth nurturing using the tools of modelling, overt teaching (particularly with secondary school students) and providing plenty of descriptive, encouraging feedback.
FEELING UNWELL
There are some nasty bugs around at the moment that are causing students to feel unwell and according to the Department of Health, symptoms can take two – three days to develop and usually last one or two days, sometimes longer. Watch for:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Fever
- Abdominal Pain
- Headache
- Muscle aches
The Department of Health advises that children with these symptoms should stay home while sick for 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped. If symptoms persist – visit your GP.
SCHOOL PHOTOS
Will be on Thursday 18 March. Student are to wear their correct summer uniform and have their jumper with them.
For Monday 15 March, students in Year 4 and Year 5 are to wear their sport uniform (and then full summer uniform on Thursday 18 March)
SCHOOL CLOSURE
The last day of Term 1 for students will be Wednesday 31 March 2021 and Thursday 1 April will be a Pupil Free Day. Camp Australia will be providing all day care on Thursday 1 April for those families who require it. Monday 19 April will be the first day of Term 2.
If you require care for your child on Thursday 1 April 2021 please book in with Camp Australia via their website www.campaustralia.com.au
CYCLISTS AND RIDERS
Congratulations to our ever-increasing number of students who are riding to school on bikes or scooters. We have seen a 6 fold increase since the beginning of the year and are aiming to increase this figure even more with our March Mobile Muster.
Just a reminder that bikes and scooters need to be walked (not ridden) in the school grounds and for safety, riders need to enter via the L-Z Pedestrian gate nearest the admin building (regardless of their surname).
St Clare's ROCKS Kindness - Week 7
This week our focus is KINDNESS & EMPATHY
This week our focus is on Kindness and Empathy. Students are learning about what empathy means. You may have heard the saying ‘stand in someone else shoes’ before. This quote is all about empathy. Empathy is the ability to be aware of the feelings of others and imagine what it might be like to be in their position (or in their shoes). Empathy is a key ingredient in building friendships and relationships. It reduces conflict and misunderstandings and leads to positive behaviours and kindness.
Our focus scripture this week is: With God all things are possible. Matthew 19:36
Suggested questions for family discussion:
- What stops us from making choices that build people up?
- Why did Jesus use parables to teach us?
Our weekly kindness quote is:
Our weekly kindness home challenge is:
ENROLMENTS 2022
We are beginning to process enrolments for 2022. If you have a child to enrol please collect a enrolment form from the office or it can be accessed on our website.
PAM - Parent Access Module
We are excited to introduce a new Parent information portal called "PAM"
Through this portal parents will be able to submit student absences, access school documents such as the parent handbook, current fee infromation and update student medical information. We will also be using this portal for parents to grant permission for excursions and camps.
School reports will also be accessed via the portal instead of nForma as used in previous years.
All families should have received an email this week with information on how to set up your PAM account.
Families can report students absences through the PAM portal - this will replace the Skoolbag Ap.
REPORTING STUDENT ABSENCE
Every day counts at school – so please ensure your child attends each day provided they are well.
In the event of your child being absent, the school MUST be informed by 9:00am. This can be via email absent@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au through the PAM portal or on the phone 5940 6777. In the case of an unexplained absence, you will be contacted via SMS and then telephone.
Please note that we are required by law to report unexplained or unreasonable absences to the relevant Government Authorities.
SCHOOL FEES - School fee statements have been emailed to families. If you would like to set up a direct debit please contact the office for a form.
If your situation has changed meaning you now have a pension or health care card please let us know at the office or email finance@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au This can make a substantial difference to you school fees.
Families who have concerns about their financial situation are asked to contact the school via email finance@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au so that we can explore confidential financial support arrangements.
VISITORS TO SCHOOL - For the safety of all, visitors to the school are being kept to a minimum and entrance to the office is only when essential. Please contact the office on 5940 6777 if you have any queries or require assistance.
EARLY PICK FROM SCHOOL - Should you need to collect your child early we ask that parents ring the school once they have arrived at school to collect the child. We will then arrange to bring the child out to you in the "L-Z kiss and drop zone". We remind you that parents are not to leave their car or enter the office area unless absolutely necessary.
Upcoming Dates - 10 March 2021
Monday 15 March |
Year 4 and Year 5 Sport and Single Subjects instead of Thursday 18 March |
Wednesday 17 March |
St Patrick's Day |
Thursday 18 March |
School Photos |
Monday 29 March |
Secondhand Uniform Shop Open |
Wednesday 31 March |
Last Day of Term 1 |
Thursday 1 April |
NO SCHOOL |
Monday 19 April |
First Day of Term 2 |
Issue 2 will come home with students this week.
All orders are to be placed via LOOP - please do not send cash to school.
Orders close 19 March 2021 so that we receive delivery prior to the end of term.