Dear Parents and Carers,

Help Children Navigate Changes Large and Small

Whether it’s a best friend moving across the country, the addition of a new sibling or the switch to a new school, change will touch every child’s life. And according to multiple studies, how a child deals with early change can predict future success. Research shows that children who successfully cope with transitions in their early years – for example, the transition to Kindergarten - are more likely to sail through transitions later on in life. That’s because feeling successful in an early transition can influence whether kids will approach the future with dread or self-assurance. Read on for tips on how to raise kids who can navigate life’s twists and turns with confidence and care. 

Early Years: 0 TO 5 Expressive Play

Small children may not have the words to tell you that they’re struggling with a transition, but regressive behaviours like potty-training accidents, extra clinginess, or anti-social behaviour like hitting can signal that a child needs some extra help coping with change. To help little ones express themselves have them play with a wide variety of toys, from aggressive figures like sharks or snakes to more nurturing play things like teddy bears and koalas. Encourage them to talk about the game they are playing. First, meet your child where they are emotionally, calmly getting on their level. Then communicate understanding, ‘You are really angry right now.’ And show them that you see and hear them, ‘Your clenched fists show me that you’re mad, and I hear that you don’t want to go to school. Let’s see if we can come up with a way to make this easier for you.’ If you can do all of this without yelling, you’ll likely calm the storm and gain the child’s cooperation.”

Primary Years: 6 TO 12 Routine Scene

Life’s transitions mean shaking up the daily routine: Switching to a new school may mean waking up earlier; leveling up in club or sport may mean a more intense practice schedule. Change that disrupts a  family’s schedule can be especially tough on kids. Routine and structure are very important to all of us, but especially to kids.

Preserving the daily routine can help kids cope with life changes. Maintain a steady bedtime within 30 minutes, be sure the family sits down at a consistent time for dinner at least a few nights per week, and preserve weekend rituals, like a Sunday afternoon walk around the neighbourhood. Consider marking the transition by creating new routines and rituals: Support your child’s efforts to wake up earlier with a new alarm clock and a sticker chart, or build in an extra few minutes of parent-child story time at the day’s end to boost bonding and help your child unwind.

Teen Years: 13 TO 18 Communication Key

When a flare-up of defiant behaviour, academic troubles, or mood swings signals that a teen is battling with change, take heart: Your teen is really dealing with a loss, and needs time to cope. Remember that transition is about dealing with change, and change is a euphemism for loss. First, ensure that your teen gets enough face time with you. With change comes a flurry of activity and distraction for parents, and kids may lose time with a parent that they once enjoyed. Carve out one-on-one time with your teen whenever you can, even if that means simply driving to the local shops to run an errand.

Communication is the key to helping teens cope with change. Using the ‘Four Fs’ of communication may help: Don’t Force it, Don’t Forbid it, Follow their lead, and Control the Flow of information. During transitions, kids may seem to overload and shut down - much like an overloaded electrical panel - but keeping an open flow of communication can help flip the switch back toward emotional equilibrium.

Thank you for your ongoing care and partnership in your child’s learning.

God bless.

Rachel Smith

Principal

Principal’s Notes

Thank you to the Community Council and the Fete Committee

In the last week the Community Council and Fete Committee have held their last meetings for the year. I would like to offer my sincere thanks once again for the commitment of time and energy to the school by the parent led groups. It has been a wonderful year that began with the success of the Meet and Greet night and has ended with the support provided to parents at the Kindergarten Orientation mornings. In between we also had our extremely successful Fete. Our school and in particular our parents, rely on an active, engaging and supportive Community Council and Fete Committee and I am thankful for all their efforts this year.

End of Year Mass and Handover Ceremony

This Friday 9^th December Fr James will be leading our End of Year Mass celebration under the hayshed. As part of this mass, we will have our handover ceremony at which time our Year 6 students will hand over the light leadership to our Year 5 students. Parents and Family member are most welcome to join us for this mass.

Absences From School

It is a legal requirement that all absences are explained. Please notify the school of your child’s absence by either: Using the COMPASS App; Calling the Front Office; Emailing the Front Office your child’s name, class, reason for absence and date; or sending a note to the classroom teacher indicating date and reason for absence.

2023 School and Term Dates

Please be aware the term dates will be as follows for next year;

• Term One     31 January       -        6 April
• Term Two     26 April            -       30 June
• Term Three  18 July             -        22 September
• Term Four     9 October        -        14 December

2023 Term One Dates

• Monday, 23 January Staff Planning Day
• Tuesday, 24 January Staff Planning Day
• Thursday, 25 January Staff Planning Day
• Monday, 30 January Catholic Education System Day
• Tuesday, 31 January Students Return
• Wednesday, 1 February Kinder Rest Day
• Wednesday, 8 February Kinder Rest Day
• Wednesday, 15 February Kinder Rest Day
• Wednesday, 22 February Kinder Rest Day
• Wednesday, 22 February Ash Wednesday
• Monday, 13 March Canberra Day Public Holiday
• Thursday, 6 April Holy Thursday
• Thursday, 6 April End of Term 1
• Friday, 7 April Good Friday
• Sunday, 9 April Easter Sunday