The Way Weekly Recap I Monday 30 August 2021

I hope your children are enjoying the many experiences Wellbeing Wednesday has to offer.

Over the next two Wellbeing Wednesdays, Junior School students will have an opportunity to paint, draw, create, compose or perform a dance, sing a song or play an instrument. For some students, these skills can be a little daunting as they may feel like they are not good enough. I for one struggle with drawing, just ask any students who have had me as their teacher, but I never gave up, and no, I’m still not Picasso, but at least I gave it a go. So please encourage your child/ren to just have a go.

As we enter another 3 weeks of lockdown, I wonder how you are going. Are you now in a routine that seems normal or are you still wanting to climb the walls to escape this maddening experience of home learning? It’s tough isn’t it, especially when you have to teach your own children. I love teaching everyone else’s children, just not my own, maybe because I expect too much from them.

I came across this letter from a Principal in Greater Sydney who I believe says it all. I have given you a shortened version. Please take the time to read it and please know that you are doing an amazing job. Hang in there! You’ve got this!

Dear Parents,

You might be inclined to create a minute-by minute schedule for your kids. You have high hopes of hours of learning, including online activities, science experiments, and book reports. You’ll limit technology until everything is done! But here’s the thing…

Our Kids are just as scared as we are right now. Our kids not only can hear everything that is going on around them, but they feel our constant tension and anxiety. They have never experienced anything like this before.

Over the coming weeks, you will see an increase in behaviour issues, whether its anxiety, anger, or protests that they can’t do things normally – it will happen. You’ll see more meltdowns, tantrums, and oppositional behaviour in the coming weeks. This is normal and expected under these circumstances.

What kids need right now is to feel comforted and loved. To feel like its going to be ok and that might mean that you tear up your schedule and love on your kids a bit more. Play outside and go for walks. Bake cookies and paint pictures. Play board games and watch movies. Snuggle under warm blankets and do nothing.

Don’t worry about them regressing in school because every single kid is in the same boat and they will be ok. When we are back in the classroom, we will of course correct and meet them where they are.

If I can leave you with one thing. Its this: at the end of all of this, your kids’ mental health will be more important than their academic skills. How they felt during this time will stay with them long after the memory of what they were doing during those weeks is long gone. So, keep that in mind, every single day

'My children, our love should not be only words and talk. Our love must be true love. And we should show that love by what we do.' (1 John 3:18)

We wish to express our thanks to all the students and families for the enthusiasm and positive ways you have engaged with the Blended Online Learning Program.

The College has listened to the feedback of students, parents, and staff regarding the high levels of intense concentration and focus needed for remote learning. We understand that at times this has resulted in elevated levels of pressure for students, parents and staff. As the College has emphasised on many occasions, the wellbeing of all members of the College community is of the utmost importance.

This coming Thursday 2 September (Week 8), our Senior School students in Years 7-10 are invited to enjoy a change of pace and engage in The Growth Challenge. This is a special day that seeks to invite students and staff to have a break from the normal routines of Blended Learning Online. It is a day to refresh and recharge and connect with a broad range of wellbeing activities.

Student and families will make their way to this site The Growth Challenge and throughout the day select several of the activities. Many of the activities will also connect with the House program and contribute points. All activities have been carefully selected around key principles of wellbeing at this time. These are:

⇒ Be Connected

⇒ Be Active

⇒ Take Notice & Be Grateful

⇒ Keep Learning

⇒ Be Thoughtful & Kind

Click here for more information

I would also like to direct you to a useful resource provided by School TV which can be accessed via the link below. It is important in such times of uncertainty to instill hope and remain optimistic. Adult carers can play a vital role in helping young people reframe their worries, encouraging them to see life as it is and getting them to focus more on the things they can control, rather than those they can’t.

It is important young people remain connected with their social networks during these times as often their natural response to uncertainty is to exhibit varying degrees of fear and anxiety.

This Special Report outlines how adult carers can help instill hope and offer support in such times of uncertainty. We hope you take the time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report. Here is the link to the special report. If this report raises any concerns for you, or the wellbeing of your child, please be in touch with the College.

We sincerely hope enjoy The Growth Challenge!

Mr Stuart McCormack
Director of Student Wellbeing (Senior School)

Junior School students have an opportunity to have their work featured in an online exhibition! 

Wellbeing Wednesday in Weeks 8 and 9 will be focusing on the creative and performing arts. Students will complete 1 - 2 activities each week from the grid of activities.

View the activities on our flyer

We will be holding a virtual exhibition to showcase the work they come up with. Students can choose ONE from the list to submit as an entry for the exhibition. Participation is not mandatory. 

If your child would like to be in the exhibition, you will need to submit your photo or video via the form by Thursday 9 September.

We look forward to seeing the work they come up with!

Junior School has had a great week celebrating Book Week!  

This year's theme was Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds. They listened to a story with their class and completed lots of fun activities.

Here are some of the wonderful costumes they dressed up in! 

Three's a Crowd!

Our Senior & Intermediate Concert Bands are currently working on one of Michael Jackson’s biggest Hits – THRILLER!

Students task for the week was to record themselves playing their parts to receive feedback, and prepare for a larger exciting project that is in the pipeline. However, this family took the task to the next level and performed as a trio! You will see Callie on Trumpet, Eowyn on Clarinet and Aedan on the Drums. Together, they are creating rhythm, melody and harmony very nicely.

Well done to these students, and all the band students for working hard after school several afternoons a week to keep music alive in your homes. Keep up the good work everyone, and thanks again to these students for the creative video and great performance!

Mr Byron Mark
Director of Ensembles