From the Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Learning

First day back in Term 2

Students will return on Wednesday 26th of April. All students should return in their full Winter Uniform.

Term 2 Uniform 

All students are expected to be dressed in blazers, ties for boys and stockings and kilts or pants for girls. The Winter Uniform is to be always worn to and from the College and be worn with pride.

As it gets colder, students start wearing extra layers of clothing. No non- St Andrews clothing should be worn with the uniform unless it is hidden under the College uniform. I suggest that if students are cold they wear thermal undergarments that are hidden under the uniform. Gloves and scarves can be worn but they must be Navy or Black. Beanies are not part of the College Uniform.

Usually after holidays we see hair styles that do not follow College expectations. All hair should be neat and tidy and one natural colour. Extreme hair cuts should not be presented at school (e.g. mullets, Indian cuts etc.). The girls hair should be tied back if longer that the collar and boys hair should not be longer than the collar.

Why are some of our kid’s suffering from Mental Illness 

Kids these days are over-stimulated and over-given material objects, but they are deprived of the foundations of a healthy childhood, such as:

• Emotionally available parents
• Clearly defined boundaries
• Responsibilities
• Balanced nutrition and adequate sleep
• Movement in general but especially outdoors
• Creative gaming, social interaction, informal gaming opportunities and spaces for boredom

What are some of the issues with our kids:

• Digital Distracted Parents
• Pampering and permissive parents who let children "rule the world" 
• Kids are given everything without earning it or being responsible for getting it
• Inappropriate sleep and unbalanced nutrition
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Endless stimulation, constant technology, instant gratification and absence of boring moments

What you can do?

• Set boundaries, Don't be afraid to say "no" to your children 
• Offer children a balanced lifestyle 
• Provide nutritious food and limit junk food.
• Spend at least one hour a day outdoors doing activities 
• Enjoy a daily family dinner without the distraction of smartphones or technology.
• Play games with the family.
• Involve your children in a task or housework.
• Implement a consistent sleep routine to ensure your child sleeps long enough. 
• Teach responsibility and independence. 
• Don't do everything for your children, instead of giving them the fish, show them how to fish.
• Teach them to wait and delay gratification.
• Provide opportunities for "boredom", because boredom is the moment when creativity awakens. Don't feel responsible for always keeping your kids entertained.
• Do not use technology as a cure for boredom.
• Avoid using technology during meals, in cars, restaurants, etc these are socialising moments. 
• Be emotionally available to connect with children and teach them self-regulation and social skills:
• Turn off the phones at night when kids have to go to bed to avoid digital distraction. Leave them in another room to allow proper sleep.
• Teach them to recognize and handle their own frustrations and anger.
• teach them manners and social skills
• Connect emotionally - smile, kiss, kiss, tickle, read, dance, jump, play with them.

What’s in the planner this week? 

One of the focuses this week is on Active Constructive Responding (ACR). This is about listening enthusiastically, making eye contact, using positive gestures to make them feel valued. We must be mindful about being dismissive, showing no enthusiasm or being non responsive to others. Positive and engaged listening to others helps us build relationships. 

The key work for the week is Goals. How can we set both short and long term goals in our learning and in life?? 

Relationship and empathy, gratitude and purpose are also key ideas. We need to think about maintaining  respectful relationships by listening to others and be thoughtful of their feelings and ideas. 

Remember to be positive and have the right growth mindset. Life will throw you challenges and being positive and knowing it's always temporary helps you set goals and move on to a positive future.

Finally

Please enjoy your upcoming holidays and use this time to relax and recharge yourself for a busy Term 2. Please be safe and remember if you are getting bored do some reading that is for your enjoyment or take up a new hobby.

God Bless

Mr. Nick Thrum

Assistant Principal