From the Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Learning
KEEPING UP WITH SCHOOL DEMANDS
It is that time of the term when each class has either formative or summative assessments of the terms work. Every student will deal with the stress of assessments and a heavy workload differently. Every student needs to know that they are not alone in this.
We ask that if a student is struggling to win the demands of learning that they see their teacher first. If they need more assistance, please ensure they see the Leader of Learning KLA or the Leader of Wellbeing for their Year Group. If the students start the line of communication, we can usually negotiate a good outcome for all parties concerned. Parents, please feel free to contact the teachers if you have any questions or concerns about learning and your child.
INAPPROPRIATE COMMENTS TO OTHERS
Growing up our parents always tell us that
“if you have nothing nice to say, then don’t say anything”.
We hear negative comments that are made about a person’s race, skin colour, physical appearance, culture etc in the media and online and don’t think about the damage it causes when we use these terms.
St Andrews is a unique place that embraces everyone’s differences. We do not tolerate any discrimination or acts that put down or ridicule another person.
If at any time you hear or are a victim of this type of behaviour please contact the College as soon as possible.
STUDENTS AND GAMING
Gaming is becoming a concerning addiction for many young people. Our Government has put out some guidelines to help parents in regards to gaming.
Here are some tips parents can use to help their gamers play a little more intelligently.
1) Parents, try to invest some time into their gaming, either as a cheerleader / fan, or a player. The benefits of being coached in their favourite game are very important. One reason is understanding the information on the screen, and another reason would be connecting with your kid. The tone of the conversation changes when they see you as a teammate and not an opponent.
2) Try to promote quality over quantity. In this case, suggest that they prioritise real life friends rather than their online friends for the next little while. Don't worry, they'll know how to connect with friends from school online.
3) Try to take a couple of days off gaming per week where you spend a little more time as a family being productive or planning something that can be done when you're out. In this case, even if it's watching movies on another screen, it's a different activity.
4) Help them understand that overplaying will take them beyond the benefits they think they are going to get from playing. Expect more frustration, less concentration and ultimately less fun.
Limit gaming sessions based on these criteria:
A 3 hour session is plenty and beyond that they will start to feel the effects of overplaying.
Stick to 3 hours as a max, take a day or 2 off, and they will find themselves enjoying their gaming time a lot more than if they were to over indulge during this tough time. Try and keep gaming and social media to weekends and free time and use the week to concentrate on schooling.
What is in the planner for this week?
ARC stands for Active Constructive Responding. This is using welcoming body language and listening to others with enthusiasm. This type of listening promotes positive relationships as it shows the other person that you care about what they have to say. When you listen to someone think about how you are listening, are you dismissive or attentive?
Brain pathways
Your thoughts and practices are influenced by your experiences. Your brain changes all the time as we experience different things. We learn from mistakes, failures and triumphs. Every experience helps our brain develop and get stronger.
To become the best possible self
- believe in your self worth as a person
- learn form negative feelings and experiences to build your resilience
- use positive self talk to look for what is right
Act if you notice yourself
- not looking at the bright side of life
- not trying new things
- blaming others for what you do
- feeling that your best is not good enough
- prefer to be alone often
Increasing brain power helps us be more creative and enhances our memory. We can do this by memorising phone numbers, journaling, sleeping more, laughing, breathing exercises, exercising etc.
What do you do to build your brain power? Email me with some ideas for some bonus house points.
God Bless
Mr. Nick Thrum
Assistant Principal