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Dear Parents and Guardians
The concept of respectful relationships, including consent, has been discussed at a school level for some time, but it hasn’t yet gained universal traction with families. Lacking confidence and unsure where to start, many parents have struggled to make headway in this area. If this sounds familiar, these ideas from Michael Grose in Parenting Ideas may help you make a start.
Establish home as a safe place to talk
Is your home a place where children can talk about any topic? Sexuality and relationship education are subjects that many parents place in the ‘let’s talk about this when you are older’ basket.
Professor Kerry Robinson, who is in the School of Social Sciences and Psychology and the Sexualities and Genders Research Network at Western Sydney University advises parents to be factual when answering children’s questions, emphasising the importance of staying informed about the subject kids are interested in.
In a recent article in The Guardian, she said “…. have set it up early with your child that when they talk about certain things you give open, simple, honest answers, then you set a precedent that you can build on.”
Professor Robinson also advises parents not to fob off children’s questions: “Straight away you’re setting a pattern of not answering and putting it off. Kids learn really quickly that this is a taboo subject. They will talk to their friends about it: they won’t talk to their parents and other adults about it because it’s taboo.”
Teach no means no
Children learn about mutual consent through their play and sharing. A child who doesn’t want to share their toys has a right to be left alone, rather than being scolded to change their mind. A parent who withdraws a privilege in response to a teenager’s poor behaviour shouldn’t be subjected to repeated attempts to negotiate a different outcome. Reinforce with children and young people that a no is not an invitation to ask again.
Emphasise choices
Framing behaviour as a choice is a central consent strategy for children or all ages. A young child who shares a toy with a friend can be told, “Good choice Harry. Now you can have fun together.” A primary school child who completes their homework assignment early can be reminded, “Now you’ve got plenty of time to relax. Smart choice.” The teenager who quietly helps you prepare a meal can be told “You could have done anything after school, but you chose to help me. I appreciate that.”
Teach kids to seek consent
Another important component of consent is that children and young people should also develop the habit of seeking consent from others. “Ask your sister if it’s okay for you to play that game next to her.” “Ask grandma if she feels like a cuddle right now.” Permission-seeking is another piece in the respectful relationships puzzle that you can reinforce with kids.
In closing
The best age to start teaching your children about consent is when they are young. The second-best age is whatever age they are right now. Consent education is too big an issue to ignore or leave to schools to manage. It’s something we all have to commit to if we want real change to occur.
SAVE THE DATE
On Monday 31 May at 7:00pm
Susan McLean, a world authority on Cyber Safety,
will be running a Parent Workshop on
Keeping Your Child Safe Online.
Please make every effort to attend this session as Susan’s knowledge and tips are invaluable.
OPEN DAYS
St Clare’s will be having Open Days and Tours on:
Saturday 24 April: 10:00 – 12:00
Saturday 15 May: 10:00 – 12:00
Wednesday 26 May: 3:45 – 5:00
UNIFORM
As of 1 May, winter uniform is compulsory. Please ensure that the uniform is worn perfectly and proudly. For the girls, this means grey tights (not socks or leggings) and the crossover tie. For the boys, the winter uniform includes the tie.
Students are to wear black leather-type footwear. The sporting-type shoes are only for sport days.
ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL BEFORE 8:30am
Please note that students are NOT to arrival at school before 8:30am unless they are attending Before School Care. This includes students waiting outside the school gates prior to this time also.
‘JESUS CALLS US TO BE KIND’ DAY – last term
Many thanks to those who were involved in our Holy Week Liturgies and celebration day last term. Overall we raised $2200 for Caritas and had an enormously fun day.
ANZAC Day
If there is a family attending the dawn service for ANZAC Day at Officer and who would like to lay a wreath on behalf of the school, can you please contact the school immediately. Many thanks.
ANZAC badges are available from the office for purchase.
Whole School Assembly
Given the size of the school and our limited space now, whole school assemblies will be held for special events. For Term 2, these will be on:
- Friday 23 April – ANZAC Day
- Friday 7 May – Mothers’ Day
- Friday 28 May – Catholic Education Week
- Friday 25 June – End of Term – celebration of ROCKS – Optimism
Our current restriction with numbers and spacing means that we are currently not in a position to have parents attend our assemblies, however if or when this situation changes, we will certainly let you know.
Each level will also have assemblies on a regular basis where student achievements are acknowledged.
Congratulations - It's a Girl
We welcome a new baby girl to our community. Amanda Hill had her baby during the school holidays.
Congratulations to Amanda and family
Wednesday 21 April |
Eucharist Parent Workshop |
Thursday 22 April |
Eucharist Parent Workshop |
Saturday 24 April |
Open Day |
Monday 26 April |
Secondhand Uniform Shop |
Friday 30 April |
Year 3-6 Cross Country - please note change of date |
Sunday 9 May |
Mother's Day |
Monday 24 May |
School Closure - NO SCHOOL |
Monday 31 May |
Susan McLean - Cybersafety Parent Workshop |
PAM - Parent Access Module
All parents MUST have access to PAM. This is the portal that we will be using for all communications between school and home. Information regarding excursions will be provided via PAM and parents grant permission for the children to participate in excursions via this portal also. Excusions will be commencing in Term 2, therefore it is VITAL that all parents activate their account if you have not already done so.
If you are having any issues please email admin@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au
Here is the link for the St Clare's Parent Access Portal (PAM)
MEDICAL INFORMATION - When you update your child's medical information in PAM - PLEASE ensure this is accurate. The school must have current up to date asthma, allergy and anaphylaxis plans for those students identified with these conditions.
SKOOLBAG is no longer being used. To report student absence please use PAM, email absent@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au or call 5940 6777
Please ensure the school has your current contact details - this includes address, email, work numbers etc. To update details please email admin@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au or call 5940 6777. Through PAM parents are also able to update yo0ur child's mediacl details.
UPCOMING LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINAR
The Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Sale Diocese is conducting a Diocese-wide Renewal seminar for everyone in the Diocese of Sale.
This follows the advice of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, who encourages all Catholics (and all Christians) to embrace this spiritual renewal program. Bishop Greg has blessed this initiative and will join us in this great event. It is an exciting time with the Holy Spirit and will be aligned in preparation for Pentecost.
The Life in the Spirit Seminar (LSS) is offered as continuous 8 week program with anointed teachings by our clergy and lay ministers in every parish. These life-changing teachings will be conducted at every parish during their regular prayer meetings. An opportunity to attend any teaching that you miss in your parish may be available in another parish, so you will be warmly welcomed. We would love to have you for full 8 weeks and experience God’s special touch!
Three key dates have been higlighted to gather ALL these groups for unity, fellowship and build closer communities within 8 week program.
At ST. PATRICK, the following dates and times are now scheduled:
17 April 2021 Saturday 10:30am–ST. ITA’S PARISH, DROUIN –Topic: GOD’S PROMISE:YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER
22 April 2021 Thursday 7:30pm – ST. PATRICK – THE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE OF GOD
29 April 2021 Thursday 7:30pm – ST. PATRICK – JESUS IS LORD
6 May 2021 Thursday 7:30pm – ST. PATRICK – THE GIFT OF GOD’S SPIRIT
13 May 2021 Thursday 7:30pm – ST. PATRICK – FORGIVENESS, HEALING AND RECONCILIATION
22 May 2021 Saturday 10:30am – ST. ITA’S PARISH, DROUIN – Topic: NEW LIFE IN GOD’S SPIRIT
27 May 2021 Thursday 7:30pm – ST. PATRICK – GROWTH
19 June 2021, Saturday 10:30am – ST. ITA’S PARISH , DROUIN – Topic: COMMUNITY IN THE LORD,
with Commissioning Mass with BISHOP GREG BENNETT