In light of recent events concerning the graffiti found in the boys toilets last week, I learnt so much about how young minds view reality.  As the material written on the back of the door was more of an adolescent nature, not that of a primary school child, it concerned me that the student toilets were likely being accessed by some of the highschool students who were coming into the school to collect siblings after school.  Whilst graffiti is found on many toilet doors in public places, many of our students were saddened and worried that inappropriate things were written about their principal on the toilet door.  Personally, I have been around long enough not to let such things worry me and initially I just dismissed it as an adolescent prank!  To my surprise, the children who found it were deeply worried for me.  It was nice to have the children feel that way about me, however it is not ok for them to experience an element of anxiety and worry for me.

I started to think about how important it is to nurture resilience in our students as they grow into adults.  This in fact is one of the greatest gifts we can give them as they journey through school.  Resilience is the capacity to stay steadfast in the face of life difficulties.  Children and young people need to be surrounded by people who love, care for, appreciate and listen to them.  There are many people who can be that for your child including teachers, neighbours, family, friends and broader family members.  When children have strong links to their school and community, and their school and community is safe, they have two protective layers around them to support their growth and development.  Last week this was challenged for some and they struggled with it.  

As parents, how do we help our children build resilience, in a way that allows them to experience the emotions of struggle without crippling them?  Any opportunity that you get to teach your child any of the attributes below, will help them build the resilience they need to deal with matters such as the graffiti in the toilets last week: 

Persistence, personal responsibility, making friends, handling rejection, resolving conflict, smart decision making, optimism and self discipline.  Be on the lookout for such opportunities over the holidays to teach your child some of the above resilience forming skills.

All of this aside, I must admit that it was so very nice to know some of our students really want to protect me from the “tough” aspects of my job.  I hope feeling this way is really a thought from my heart rather than my ego!

I hope your kids seek to protect you in the same way in some form over the holiday vacation.  This is a very new experience for me, a wonderful thing, but also a worrying one.

Finally, a special thank you to the parents who continue to support our school through word and action.  The teachers have briefed me about their parent/teacher interviews and how valued you make them feel with your comments of appreciation.

Have a restful holiday sleep in for those who also have the opportunity during this term two vacation.

Go gently,

Michael Reardon
Principal