Dear SCA families,

How blessed we are in our role as educators to be surrounded by children each day who continue to remind us of the message of Hope, Love and Spirit. Over the past week our focus has been on good manners. How wonderful it has been to witness so many children across our school, greeting each other and their teachers each morning, using their manners and showing kindness and respect towards one another. This week our focus is on wearing the correct school uniform. Can you please assist us with maintaining our uniform expectations by insisting that your child wears the correct uniform properly each day. If there are any issues in relation to meeting these expectations, please contact your child’s teacher.

Over the past few days we have celebrated NAIDOC week. What a wonderful opportunity it has been for our students to learn about the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. The NAIDOC 2021 theme – Heal Country! – calls for all of us to continue to seek greater protections for our lands, our waters, our sacred sites and our cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration, and destruction. The week has been a great opportunity for each class to participate in a range of activities and to support our  local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

When visiting classrooms and speaking with students this week, I have reminded them of the importance of having a go and that when we make mistakes it is an opportunity for us all to learn and grow. Too many times I hear children say that they can’t do something because it is too hard, or that they are not good at that. Let us remind our children of having a growth mindset and discuss with them the importance of when we are challenged, not to give up easily, but instead see a challenge as an opportunity to develop skills and understanding. I have researched a lot around a growth mindset and challenging learning by James Nottingham. James Nottingham uses a visual presence of a learning pit. This concept I have seen work very effectively  with children and can have a profound impact on how students think and improve their learning. Below is an example of the learning pit.

Learning occurs when you step out of your comfort zone. And yet, many people are hesitant to take this step for fear of making mistakes or revealing their weaknesses.

That’s when the Learning Pit can help: to encourage and reassure learners that taking risks, asking questions, and trying new things can help them develop their abilities and deepen their understanding.

~James Nottingham

Have a wonderful week.

With thanks for your continued support

Erin