From the Principal's Desk
Dear Parents/Carers,
As the COVID19 restrictions begin to lift, I’ve noticed a new found confidence with many of the children as they enter the gate each morning, without needing someone to bring them in. I have had many examples in the last fortnight where I have seen the children share with me little windows into their lives that I haven’t seen before. One of the students came through the gate and shared with me a fantastic drawing he had made. It was even laminated and now has pride of place on my pinboard in my office. I am reminded by such random acts of kindness about how important it is for me to model kindness and respect to the children as through such simple acknowledgements as this, I know that this child has developed a sense of self belief in his talents and is now keen to share them. I also know that this simple act is one that reminds me about how important my presence on the playground each day is. In addition to this, I have also supported and watched closely how one of our children, who finds coming to school a challenge, walks through the gates each morning, more confident and independent as the year has progressed. This has been a product of her own positive determination, even when things are difficult. I am constantly reminded about a well known saying when I see her coming through the gate, no matter how difficult it is:
‘Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass,
it’s learning to dance in the rain.”
To build self esteem in anyone can be a challenge, even more so in children. It is really important that children have the words to understand why they sometimes feel the way they do. First and foremost we need to teach the language of persistence. Using words like “hang tough, work hard, hang in there” need to be a part of their vocabulary. Also remind them when they stick at a task when it is hard. Remind your child about the times they have experienced success by “hanging in there”. Also remind them that it would be good if all the work and learning was fun, but in reality, this is not always the case. Model optimism. If you present your perception of the world in a positive way, they will pick up your view. Remind them of the past experiences when they have bounced back. Laugh together at situations when appropriate,humour is a great coping mechanism.
Finally, just last week, one of the students came and found me on the playground and asked to speak to me about a friendship problem. Even though this student was only ten, I had to admire his intent. He could see a friendship problem beginning to bubble and he wanted to be proactive in de-escalating it. I made a phone call to the parent with the child after our conversation to tell the parent how proud we were of the mature way her son was handling the problem. I have also been playing chess with a group of year 5 students this term. They come during their lunch break, not during learning time. I’ve learnt about the importance of presence, not only at the gate but also in the many different engagements I have with the students. If a student knows they are valued they will share with you the difficulties they are having in a way that these can be learning experiences about life and relationships, even over a game of chess.
COVID has taught many about their capacity to cope and to achieve things they once never thought possible. The above stories are all about how COVID has actually made many of our children more resilient than they have ever been. I feel great pride when I share with you such life giving stories about the students of St Paul’s.
Go gently,
Michael Reardon
Principal
Special thank you to the P&F
Last Friday, we had our wine and cheese parent social. The time to just meet and share a little about each other is very helpful for building community. I’d like to thank all those who attended, especially the new parents to our school. Finally we are able to have people coming together on the school site for such social events which is good for building special connectedness.
Parents allowed on site to attend Friday Assembly
With COVID restrictions lifting, we are now allowed to have parents on site for our Friday Assemblies. Whilst you must leave immediately afterwards, this is a great step in the right direction for our school community, finally getting back another activity that we all once just took for granted. So excited, so happy!