Can you believe the first half of this year has gone? I know we say that each year, but this year seems to be marching by extra fast. As I reflect on the year so far, I find it easy to get caught up in the what is not quite right or what is inconvenient, or not happening as I would like. Then I stop, grab myself mentally and go, “What is the big picture here?” I ask myself, “How are we going to get over, under, round or through the challenges before us right now, to get the best for our kids?” That is not always easy to do, especially when challenges fly at us in large numbers. Some of you may have heard of the work of a lady by the name of Carol Dweck. She has researched and written extensively around the idea of a Growth Mindset. She argues a Growth Mindset allows us to embrace challenge, persist in the face of setbacks, learn from criticism and find lessons in the success of others (Dweck, 2017) She also discusses an alternative mindset called a Fixed Mindset which is far more restrictive.

Dweck’s model jumped into my mind last night as I wandered around school and saw parents talking with teachers about children’s learning. How do we fuel our children’s thoughts about learning? Do we encourage them to embrace challenge, persist when facing a setback, see effort as the path to mastery, have them learn from feedback, and draw on and find lessons in the success of others? I really hope we do, both parents and educators. The reason I say this, is that the research suggests that if we do, our children are more likely to achieve more and be more likely to reach their potential. It’s like the Bible character Joshua writes, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

As the term draws to a close, I would like to say thank you to you all, parents and staff, for going the extra mile for our children. I see in their eyes, hear in their interactions, singing and play, that they feel your love and support.

I look forward to seeing the students back on July 23 for Term 3 and the wonderful things in store,  like Science Week, Book Week, Choir Performances, International Students, Concert and so much more.

Have a great couple of weeks with your kids,

Mark B

Jesus is well known for being caring and compassionate, but one thing that we often miss about him is that he was also very funny. This should be obvious when you think about it because he was the one who created laughter and joy.

One of the funniest things that Jesus ever said was:
Matthew 7:3-4
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?  How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?

I love the way Jesus shows how preposterous it is to spend so much of our time focusing on the little specks in the eyes of others when all the while we have a massive plank of wood protruding out of ours. LOL.
Can you imagine how much better we would be as people if we focused more on our faults and less on the faults of others? We would have less conflict with others, and our lives would be a lot better.

This is not to say that we should not give people loving and constructive feedback. Jesus makes this clear when he goes on to say:
Matthew 7:5
You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Jesus teaches us that when we acknowledge the issues in our own lives, we are much better placed to help other people with their issues. Removing the planks from our eyes, gives us the humility and grace that is required to help others with their specks.

God bless,

Roland Talamaivao-Amituanai

Woolworths Earn n Learn Sticker

All Woolworths Earn n Learn sticker sheets need to be returned by Thursday 4th July as that is the last day they can be submitted.

Entertainment Books

The Children's Book Council of Australia Book Week is an annual celebration of Australian children's literature. Book week has been celebrated since 1945!  For one glorious week, schools, early learning centres and libraries come alive with book character parades, colourful displays and bookish events and activities for all ages.

The slogan for CBCA Book Week 2019, is Reading is My Secret Power and Bob Graham has created the theme poster, rendered in pastel and watercolour, depicting a bird of paradise leaping triumphantly from the imagination of a little caged bird!

Wildcats in the Hunt

Last week was a do-or-die Elimination Finals game for the Wildcats, facing off against top team, the Ardtornish Allstars.

Stand-out player, Zukiah, kept the Wildcats in the hunt, with all 6 of the Widlcats’ first half points. But with more fouls than points at half time, some Wildcats players had to reel in their defensive intensity in the second, giving the Allstars enough of a break to wiggle clear late in the game.

Jonah, unable to contain himself, recalled himself from the injury list to try and bridge the gap, before Zukiah and then Kaitlyn both fouled out, robbing the Wildcats of certain rebounds. Gem, growing in confidence week by week, tussled for the ball, and managed a couple of shots. Big brother Scout returning to form, stealing and leading like it was his last game in Under 12’s. Tanner and Sade combined for some defensive turnovers and Sade ferociously forcing a number of jump balls. But in the end the Allstars were too strong, beating the Wildcats by 9, effectively ending our season.

Thanks to Seth for stepping in to cover recuperating Wildcat players, and Scarlett for scoring.

Radioactive Cheeseballs Shot Down by Bullets

In another top-4 Elimination Finals game, Prescott’s Radioactive Cheeseballs were matched up against their Under-12’s arch rivals, the Bullets.

Gawar, a natural born leader and basketball gun, conscious of scoring out early, played a number of passes early that the Cheeseballs didn’t manage to convert, and the Bullets, pounced, going into the half time break with an 11 point buffer. Peggy-Lee and Nate the only other Cheeseball scorers at the half.

Akoul showed class, collecting a number of defensive rebounds and transitioned with a confident dribble, with younger brother Alex, cool as a cucumber, taking on the Bullets to drive at the hoop. Seth managed some good steals, and Alanna her character rebounds, earning some free-throws.

A wrapped-up Farid dodged the Bullets attempts at a jump ball, won a rebound or two and a couple of shot opportunities. Peggy Lee made a shot from the line, and Akoul also scored in the second half, with Gawar (the Cheeseball’s all-time highest points contributor) scored out for the umpteenth time this season.

At the end of the day the Bullets closed out the game, ending the Cheeseballs dream of a Grand Final berth in commanding fashion.

Thanks to Nate’s mum Kim for helping out taking trainings late in the season, and Alex for his enthusiasm to learn the scorer’s bench duties.

End-of-season, signing out, Coach HATCHARD