Here we are in the final week of Term 1 for 2020. Next week is made up of Pupil-Free Days to help our teachers transition to online learning if we need to in Term 2. We have had many families following the Prime Minister’s advice and having their students learn from home where possible over the last week or so. I would like to say a big thank you to the many families who are faithfully working on keeping their students learning happening in a very different environment and also to the families who place their trust in us here at school. A big thank you to our school staff as well, who are currently digging deep and going the extra mile for our kids and families.

We spent some time this week making a video for families about how important it is that we listen to our kids at the moment, and that we give them cues towards safety and security, in uncertain times. Many of our children are concerned and worried about what they are seeing and hearing in the media and in conversations around them. There will be times when this will result in them acting in ways that are unusual for them and tantrums and meltdowns are more common. I am not asking us to excuse poor behaviour, but I am saying we should look deeper, even more so than usual, into the reasons why kids are acting this way. In times of stress, emotions can often be amplified and the levels of our pools of self-control can become very shallow. Many of us adults are struggling to keep things together and we are likely to be far more mature and in control of our feelings and emotions. Imagine what it must be like for our little ones who don’t have the experience and impulse control that we have. It is no accident that the Prime Minister announced millions of dollars in increased funding for mental health services on the weekend. We need to be aware and care for one another.

My plea to you in these times of turmoil and difficulty is to model love, care, warmth and understanding to our kids. To send cues of security and safety to our children, even when, no, especially when, they are being stubborn, rude, argumentative and defiant. This will pass and when we get through, it is really important our children know they are loved and valued and we are all in a good place to pick and go and live with joy, sense of belonging and identity that helps us ride the storms of life.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22,23

Have a great week and a wonderful holiday with your kids, and we will see what school looks like on the other side of the break.

Mark B