Middle/Senior School Bulletin Issue 8 / 9 June 2017
Middle & Senior School News
The incredible House spirit on display during the Inter-House Battle of the Bands last week was encouraged by our Cultural Captains and the performances were exceptional. Science Ambassadors embracing their roles as mentors and seagrass monitors has been a superb new initiative this semester.
‘Daily ripples of success will become tsunamis of excellence.’ Robin Sharma Pursuing Excellence This semester we have continued to encourage our students to pursue excellence through committing themselves to do and to be the best they can be, but not for themselves alone. I see examples of that encouragement in action in my daily walk through classrooms and in our grounds. Last weekend, Callum McInnes (Year 11) filled in for one of our Brisbane Kokoda teams in the 30km race after injury caused the late withdrawal of a team member, which could have resulted in months of training coming to an abrupt end for this team before the competition.
And the encouragement from Olivia English (College Captain) for students to ‘encourage one another and build one another up’ (1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV) at this busy time of term. All of these doings and beings epitomise our values in action and that pursuit of excellence and otherscenteredness. At the Lutheran Church of Australia Queensland District Synod last weekend, St Andrews Lutheran College was acknowledged as the recipient of the TT Reuther Award for School Excellence. This is a very welcomed affirmation for the innovative practices and quality learning and teaching strategies adopted by our wonderful College staff.
The humble way Emily Burnell (College Vice-Captain) has approached her involvement as a mentor for the Kokoda Youth Foundation and support for disadvantaged youth. The involvement of Middle and Senior School students working in Junior School classes over their annual Arts Week, and in their normal classrooms are two other examples that steadfastly come to mind.
Preparing for Exams Whole cohort student study sessions were held for Year 11 and Year 12 students over the past two weeks in the Lighthouse Boardroom. There is no doubting the benefits pre-exam sessions have for our students. We know that peer tutoring and having their teachers on hand, assists them to develop their understanding and to review key concepts in
depth. A reminder that Year 11 & 12 students are on Exam block from Thursday 8 June until Friday 16 June. During exams, students do not need to be at school outside their exam times. But, they must sign out if they are leaving after a scheduled exam. Those students who want to study on campus during exam block are welcome to do so. All Years 11 & 12 students have an exam on the morning of Friday 16 June and are required to attend school for the rest of the day. Reporting and End of Term This is a particularly busy time of the semester for students and teachers as assessments are finalised and preparations for reporting underway. As we enter the busy assessment period and our Year 10 students prepare for their work experience in Week 9, I remind parents that teachers are always happy to hear from you. If you have any questions, concerns or sentiments of gratitude to share, I encourage you to send an email or to contact the College. We are all here to help. Middle and Senior School reports will be accessible via Parent Lounge by Friday 23 June. Parent Teacher interviews are scheduled for Tuesday 18 July (Week 2, Term 3) and booking information will be sent out digitally along with your child’s report. As this is the final bulletin for Semester One, I’d like to thank parents for their ongoing support. Your ongoing support is a true blessing and a reflection of this wonderful community. Wishing you a happy and safe mid-year break.
has a warm, inclusive, nurturing ‘vibe’ about it - to borrow a word from the famous movie ‘The Castle’ that also references the Mabo land case. This vibe though does not extend from some desire on our part to be warm and fuzzy all the time. It is built on the fact that reconciliation is a way of life. This is where we acknowledge that there will always be actions by individuals and groups that are destructive and damage relationships. But that the way forward is to confront the harm and then work relentlessly towards restoring the relationship and enabling people to see that there is another way. This characteristic of life at St Andrews grows out of the greatest act of reconciliation there has ever been in history. It being our God offering himself up for us on the cross. Christ doing this has made a way for each of us to have our relationship with God made right again. Which is what reconciliation is - having things that are broken apart being put back together again. Romans 5:10-11 NLT says For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. This fact permeates all that occurs in our community and makes a significant difference to the manner in which we live. May it sink ever deeper into each of our hearts so that reconciliation continues as a way forward in our personal interactions and as part of the fabric of our wonderful nation. Graeme Schache College Chaplain
Virginia Warner Deputy Principal Head of Secondary School
Chaplains Chat Reconciliation - it is such an important concept! The week of 27 May through to 3 June have been set aside as National Reconciliation week for our nation. These two dates are chosen due to them being anniversaries of very significant events in the lives of Indigenous Australians. Saturday 27 May is the anniversary of the 1967 National referendum which saw over 90% of Australians vote ‘Yes’ to greater care and respect being shown toward the Indigenous people of this country. Saturday 3 June marks the High Court ruling in the Mabo land right case in 1992. These two events celebrate considerable progress in addressing the hurt and brokenness that has existed between the peoples of Australia and there is still a way to go for there to be equity in the manner that our nation functions. Hence the need for Reconciliation Week. Reconciliation is a massive part of life at St Andrews. Not just in terms of our curriculum where we address issues such as the injustices of the past and ways forward for the future but in the very approach that is taken in dealing with the inevitable brokenness that occurs in day to day living and learning together. Overall, life at St Andrews
Middle School News Electives for Semester 2. Throughout the past two weeks students have had the opportunity to submit a ‘Change of Elective’ form for next semester. The swapping of electives is possible should there be a gap in an existing class or another student wishes to move out of a specific elective. Usually the jigsaw falls into some semblance of order although there can be no assurances that desired changes will be possible. The College also allows the first two weeks of Semester 2 as a period within which some additional changes can be made. Debating and da Vinci This week signals the final regulation round of participation in the Gold Coast Debating Association’s annual competition before the knockout rounds begin. We have a team entered from each year level in the Middle School and both our Year 7 and Year 9 teams appear to be moving through to the knockout stage of the competition (although this will not be confirmed until the holidays). All students involved in the competition give up a considerable amount of their own time in preparation for these debates and should be congratulated for their efforts. A team of Year 7 students also entered the da Vinci
Decathlon for the first time. This event is hosted by AB Paterson College and features teams from all across South East Queensland. The Decathlon sets challenges across a range of topic areas testing creativity, problem-solving and knowledge. Our intrepid Year 7 Team came second in the category of ‘General Knowledge’ which was an outstanding achievement given the standard of competition. Thanks must go to Mrs Lisa Roper for her organisation of this event for the students. As always, please contact me if I can offer any assistance tomc@salc.qld.edu.au Tom Casey Head of Middle School
Flourishing in the Senior School Making connections and managing stress In the recent Women’s Assembly, the Senior School girls enjoyed some fabulous conversations with each other. Being able to sit and talk with other fantastic independent women of substance helped us realise the importance of community, providing a listening ear and showing interest in the lives of others. Some of the conversation topics included, tell me a bit about your family, what is your biggest challenge, what is the best piece of advice you have ever received, what are you looking forward to? The girls also reflected on how to manage their stress especially in busy times like right now, the assessment end of a term. Some skills and ideas that they have learnt include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Be mindful – “this too shall pass” Just breathe – 1-2 minutes of focused breathing Gratitude – right now might be a bit tough but what am I truly grateful for Growth mindset – “I’m finding this tough but I’ve got strategies and people that can help” Learned optimism – “it will be ok” Grit – what are my goals, what pathways do I have to get there, what is my motivation to keep going? Take some time out to colour in, exercise, watch your favourite show, spend time with friends, laugh Organise your study space, remove your clutter Go to a tutorial Make a list of things to do and just start Watch a motivational clip Visualise yourself 5-10 years from now having achieved your goals – how does it feel? Write in your journal and get all the negative feelings out and then “get up, dress up and show up” Get out in nature. Have a cry and then a laugh Talk to a friend who gives balanced advice Organise a study group Prioritise your most important things – sometimes social life just has to take a backseat for a week or three
An impromptu performance by Jumeirah, Abbey, Chloe, Emily and Kara. Congratulations to: • Binging who won the Battle of the Bands last week with some great 80’s performances. Points for this will go towards the House Shield. Also a big congratulations to the House Captains and all students from Years 7-12 who performed. It was fantastic to see so many young people up on stage. There were many highlights but what stood out was Zak Lopez, Jubi House Captain, busting some moves.
•
The Performing Arts Department and Cultural Captain Isobel Thomas for their work in making the afternoon such a success. It was great celebration of Arts Week and one that many of our students enjoyed being a part of.
If you have any queries or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me on tanias@salc.qld.edu.au Tania Stewart Head of Senior School
Performing Arts News Thursday 1 June we saw our Battle of the Bands House Competition. This year we had an 80’s theme with the set song being a Michael Jackson Hit from the decade. We also had a special performance from the Junior School Chapel Band. Thank you to all students who participated – it was great to see so many students (especially from Middle School) getting involved and having fun. Congratulations to Binging who were victorious on the day
Student Development Wellbeing Scorecard Recent data collated from the Gallup Student Poll, which was taken across students in Years 5-12, indicates that our passion for young people and focus on their individual strengths and wellbeing is having continued positive effects. Students reported increased feelings of being more hopeful and entrepreneurial for the third year running. The fact that we can encourage hopefulness in young people is affirming as educators, as we know that beyond academic learning, we are helping to promote positive mental health in our students. The fact that more students are responding hopefully means our young people have increased energy and effort towards the future and an ability to think more innovatively while identifying new opportunities which can be applied in studies, future career and life endeavours which is encouraging. Our student leadership team continues to play an active role in promoting our mission to ‘Celebrate the Gospel, Nurture the Individual and Empower Lifelong Learning’ which is evident in the planning for recent activities at the Fete, Cultural Week, Service Learning projects, Sport Coaching and Development, Men’s and Women’s Assemblies and the upcoming student led ‘XO’ Wellbeing days. It is worth celebrating that students from all year levels are engaging in activities to build community wellbeing and that there are opportunities for students to express their strengths. Teachers also continue to adopt practices that enhance students’ perception of themselves as loved. Their efforts are valued and the far ranging opportunities for each student to be known and valued as individuals is a credit to the St Andrews team. Our staff community continue to make meaningful connections with individual students and amidst curriculum changes also deliver lessons that enhance the academic and personal wellbeing of our young people. James Nelson Director of Student Development
Japanese News On Tuesday 23 May, Japanese classes from Years 7 to 11 participated in a TAIKO performance and workshop in the Worship Centre. Japanese drumming is called WADAIKO and Steve and Chie were wonderful as presenters and Taiko coaches for the students. Students learned the basic techniques and then many short songs and mini-performances. We look forward to building on our new skills again next year. Thank you to the St Andrews students for being fantastic participants, performers and ambassadors for the College.
LOTE News German News We had a special guest visit to our German classes this term; German Aupair Malena Mohr who has been nannying for a St Andrews family for 8 months. She assisted in Middle School classes and conversed in German with our seniors. Students relished the opportunity to spend time with a 'reallife' German.
Science News As a part of connecting our science students to the local community, St Andrews has been busy conducting seagrass surveys on the Broadwater. This year’s Science Ambassadors, Holly Burnett and Isabella Austin-Howlett, along with four Year 6 students, Quinn Snide, Luke Mullaney, Kate Allan and Charlize Butler-Smith, were accompanied by Mrs Twine, Mr Payne (student teacher from Griffith University) and myself to conduct the survey. Our College has been allocated a survey site on the eastern side of Crab Island adjacent to the Runaway Bay Marina. Within this survey site a 150m transect was laid out and data was collected along its length. The data collected included the type and composition of seagrass species, macro algae present, the percentage of epiphytes found on the seagrass, sediment type etc. Surveys will be carried out once a term and data is collected. The data will be forwarded onto the Moreton Bay Marine Park Authority to be included in their larger data set which provides information concerning the health of our waterways. David Wyatt Head of Science
Design & Technology News This semester the Year 9 Design & Technology class has engaged in the process of designing for a client. This has provided the students with the opportunity to understand that in ‘the real world’ designers are usually designing a solution for someone else (not themselves) and they need to consider the needs and desires of their client. Earlier in the year the Year 9 students connected with Year 5 students and met with them to determine their interests and needs. From this, the young designers were able work through the design process to firstly come up with a range of ideas, and then focus in on the best solution before finally realising the product using the laser cutter. It was a wonderful experience for all the students involved and we found it very rewarding to see the reactions and hear the client feedback when we presented the finished products. Rob Wecker Head of Design & Technology
Sport News Kokoda On Saturday 3 June our Brisbane Kokoda Teams completed their amazing journey of endurance at the 30km and 48km events. All five teams successfully crossed the finish line with one team taking out the Clarrie Meredith Cup. These students displayed immense Sacrifice, Courage, Bravery and Mateship throughout the event and in the months of training leading up to the event last weekend. We are incredibly proud of their achievements. Also a special thank you to the staff and parents for leading and supporting our students. Teams: Winning the Clarrie Meredith Cup Mr McGilveray Jack Mason Zac Micallef Lachlan Fraser Joel Jackson Mrs Stockwell Lili James Remi Hevey Annika Bergenholtz Jordyn Bowie
Touch Touch training is in full swing now. It is very exciting to have Mr Mark Jason as our external coach and mentor. Our students and staff are already seeing an improvement to their skills and a real development to the application of new offensive and defensive strategies. Touch Excellence will operate during Thursday afternoon sport. This year due to huge popularity, students will have to trial to make this squad. Selection will not only be based on playing potential but more importantly, on a willingness to learn and the ability to work cooperatively and independently. There will be plenty of match practice opportunities with friendly matches already arranged with other local schools in Term 3.
Mr Schumacher Aidan Dunn Madeline Hoefler Nicholas Connolly Angus Renneberg Mr Hancock Cooper Janetzki Griffin Janetzki Elijah Richardson Callum McInnes Mrs Krissie Butler Jordon Dillon Sophie Butler Cassie Crowe d’Artagnan Barnard
Netball In the upcoming school holidays our Senior Netball team will represent the College at the QISSN competition held this year in Brisbane. I would like to congratulate the entire QISSN squad for the dedication they have displayed and the improvements that they have made overs Terms 1 and 2. Under the guidance of Nicole Cusack and Megan Yeo their skills have increased with greater power, speed and intensity which is evident in their play. I would also like to recognise the hard work of the Middle School Vicki Wilson squad who have also dedicated themselves to prepare for their upcoming tournament next term. Thanks to Lisa Roper and Tahlia Derry for the guidance and expertise that they have provided. It has been an exciting season for Netball at the College with several friendly matches arranged for Senior and Middle School teams against Robina High’s Netball Academy and teams from Hillcrest Christian College. Libby Wood Secondary Sports Coordinator
P & F News Theatre Chair Donations J block recovery is progressing well with the project running to time. Completion is expected later this year. The P & F meetings are held in one of the new rooms in upper J Block where the feel and decor are fabulous. Friends of the Theatre chair donation forms for the Ruth Butler Theatre are still available at Main Reception. There are different levels of donation that any present, past or future families can make to go towards the new chairs. Platinum $200 Gold $100 Silver $50 These donations are tax deductable. Donations will be acknowledged in some form with the finer details are yet to be released. Next P & F meeting is 14th June at 7.00pm in the J Block Upper West. We welcome all parents and guardians to attend.
Special Uniform Sizes for 2018 The Uniform Shop carries a wide size range of uniforms but sometimes we run out of stock of less popular sizes. If you know your child needs an extra small size or is already wearing one the largest sizes, can you please contact the Uniform Shop ASAP. We are currently placing our indent orders for delivery at the end of 2017 and early 2018 and if you need less popular sizes now is the time to let us know. Thank you. Sharon McVay Uniform Shop Manager
It’s that time of year to update the interest earned on your LLL account that is credited annually on the 31 May. Please send your books in by last day of term, the 16 June. They will be sent to Adelaide for the interest update and will be returned to you during the first week of Term 3.
Dates to Remember JUNE Monday 12 Year 10 Work Exerience Years 11 & 12 Exams ICAS Writing Comp Tuesday 13 Year 10 Work Exerience Years 11 & 12 Exams ICAS Writing Comp (Selected Students) Wednesday 14 Year 10 Work Exerience Years 11 & 12 Exams ICAS Writing Comp (Selected Students) P & F General Meeting, J Block - 7:00pm Thursday 15 Year 10 Work Exerience Years 11 & 12 Exams ICAS Writing Comp (Selected Students) Friday 16 Year 10 Work Exerience Years 11 & 12 Exams ICAS Writing Comp (Selected Students) MS/SS EXO Day Last Day of Term 2 Saturday 17 Olympic Weightlifting Comp Club Champs (Years 10 - 12) JULY Monday 10 First Day of Term 3
PAT Student
PAT Student
Prep -12
Prep-12
College Band
Prep - 12
Years 10-12
Music Folder
Music Diary
Scarf
Gloves
Band Tie
Raincoat (Fold into Pocket)
Umbrella
Small / Golf
Navy-Waterproof Size 4-16
Red
Navy
Navy fleece with logo
$13.00
Asst colours/designs 10yr warranty
$15/ 25
$25.00
$20.00
Prep -12
Prep -12
Boys Swimwear
Boys Swim Shorts
Red, Navy, White, Green or Yellow
Navy or Red
Navy or red
Tartan
Red, Navy or Tartan
Red, Navy, Green or Yellow
Red, Navy, White, Green, Yellow or Tartan
Red, Navy, Green or Yellow
Navy, Red or Tartan
Navy or Red
Snap Clips (pack of 4)
Bag of asst Elastics
Scrunchie
Hair Bow on clip
Large Pony Bow on elastic
Pigtail Bows (2) on elastic
Soft Headband
Narrow Headband
Wide Headband
Ladies 8,10,12,14,16,18 Size Boys 6,8,10,12,14 Size Mens 14,16,18 Boys 6 - Mens 18
Girls 6,8,10,12
Hair Ribbon
HAIR ACCESSORIES
Prep - 12
Girls Swimwear
$5.00
$12.00
$8.50
$18.00
Navy, water resistant
$5.00
$8.50/$9.00
$5.00
$7.50/$8.50
$5.50
$ 5.50/$6
$5.50
$5.00
$3.50
$1.00
$46.00 $48.00 $26.00 $30.00 $37.00
Compulsory for Inter-School Competition. Optional for school swimming carnival.
SWIMWEAR
Prep -12
Sports /Swim/Excursion Bag
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
8am – 9.30am 8am – 9.30am 8am – 9.30am 8am – 9.30am 8am – 9.30am
Sorry, no cheques accepted.
2.30pm - 3.30pm
All prices are correct as at 1st July, 2017 but are subject to change without notice.
PAYMENT: For continuing students, payment will be credited to an account in your name which can be used for future uniform purchases. Families leaving the school should provide their bank details. Proceeds will be transferred to your bank account, after any outstanding fees are paid. Blazers are accepted on consignment and payment will be made after they are sold.
St Andrews Uniform Shop will purchase from you, good quality second hand uniforms subject to stock requirements and at the discretion of the Manager. Items must be clean and ironed and not damaged, stained, faded or showing excessive wear. Sorry, we cannot accept discontinued lines, shoes, socks or swimwear. Hats and bags only considered if less than 6 months old. See website for more details.
SECOND HAND UNIFORMS
Order uniforms and pay on-line via Flexischools website. (www.flexischools.com.au). Orders can be delivered to your child’s class or collected from the Uniform Shop. Email orders are still accepted if you wish to pay on pick-up.
UNIFORM ORDERS - Online ordering now available!
PAYMENT: Cash, Visa, Mastercard, EFTPOS, Layby.
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
OPENING HOURS
MANAGER: Sharon McVay ASSISTANT : & Lauren Glover PHONE: 5568 5933 EMAIL: uniformshop@salc.qld.edu.au
UNIFORM SHOP
Years 1- 6
Years 7 -12
Years 7-12
Years 1- 6
Years 7 - 12
Years 1-12
Years 1-12
Years 1 -12
Years 10-12
Years 10-12
JS Formal Dress
MS/SS Formal Blouse
MS/SS Formal Skirt
JS Formal Socks
MS/SS Formal Socks
Navy 70 Denier Tights
Jumper (unisex) Wool
Jumper (unisex) Poly/Cotton
Senior Girls Blazer
Senior Tie
Years 4-12
Prep - 12
Years 4-12
Athletic Singlet (if required)
Sport Shorts
Years 5 -12
Prep - 12
Prep - 12
Tracksuit Top
Tracksuit Pants
Years 7-12
Football/Soccer Socks
Sport Socks
(interschool carnivals only)
Prep - 12
8, 10,12,14, 16/xs, S, M, L
Years 4 -12
Sports Shirt – Navy Polo
Athletic / Running Shorts
Size 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 Size 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14,16 S, M, L, XL, XXL
Prep - 12
House Shirt – House Colours
Size 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14,16
Size 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 up to 22
Shoe Size 13-3, 3-7, 7-10, 11-14
Shoe Size 8-12,13-3, 3-7, 7-10, 9-12, 11-14, Shoe Size 3-7,7-10,11-14,14-17
$35.00
$60.00
$9/11.50
$8.00
$8.00
$25.00
$22.00
$25/ 27
$35.00
$28.00
Size S, M, L, XL, XXL
Size 6, 8, 10, 12 up to 24
$25.00
$16.00
$16.00
Size 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16
Reg 55 Lge 56
Years 7-12
Baseball Cap
Size 51, 53, 55, 57, 59cm
Prep - 12
Wide Brimmed Sports Hat
(Prep - 12)
$22.00
$195.00
Size 42, 44, 46
One size
$190.00
$70.00
$80/85
$7- $7.50
$8.00
$8.00
$55.00
$42.00
$70.00
Size 32, 34, 36, 38, 40
Size 6, 8,10,12,14,16
Size 5,6,8,10,12,14 / 16 - 26
Size 3-5yrs,6-9,10-12, S,M,L
Shoe size 3-7, 7-10, 11-14,
Shoe size 8-12,13-3, 3-7,7-10
Size 4, 6, 8, 10,12,14 up to 26
Size 4, 6, 8, 10,12 14 up to 20
Size 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16
$48.00
(Years 1 - 12)
Size 53, 55, 57, 59, 61cm
UNISEX SPORTS UNIFORM
Years 1- 12
Formal Girls Hat
GIRLS FORMAL UNIFORM
Years 1 -12 Years 10-12
Jumper (unisex) Poly/Cotton Senior Boys Blazer
Hand Towels
Library Folder
(first one provided by College)
Homework Folder
School Bag (select 1)
Large Backpack
Years 7-12
Prep only
Prep - 3
Years 1- 6
House colours
House colours
Navy
Trolley Bag
Medium Backpack
Prep - 6
Prep - 12
Small Backpack
$5.00
$13.00
$13.00
$65.00
$65.00
$60.00
$50.00
$22.00
$200.00 Size 24, 26, 28 One size
$195.00
$70.00 Size 14, 16, 18, 20, 22
Size 6, 8,10,12,14,16
$80/85
$8.00
$20.00
$35.00
$33.00
$34.00
Size 82, 87, 92, 97, 102, 107 Sizes Limited -Discontinued Size 10, 12, 14, 16, 77, 82 87, 92, 97, 102, 107 Size 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44 (inches) Shoe size 8-12, 13-3, 3-7, 7-10 , 9-12, 11-14, 14-17 Size 5,6,8,10,12,14 / 16 - 26
$30.00
$28.00
$35.00
$34.00
$34.00
$48.00
Size 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16
Size 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16
Size 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26
Size 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26
Size 4, 6, 8, 10,12,14 up to 26
Size 53, 55, 57, 59, 61cm
(Years 1 - 12)
Prep - 2
COMPULSORY ITEMS
Senior Tie
Years 10-12
Years 1-12
Jumper (unisex) Wool
MS/SS Grey Trousers
Years 1- 12
Years 4 -12
Years 4 -12 Formal Shorts
Formal Socks
Years 1 - 3
Year 1 - 3 Formal Shorts
Years 4-12
Years 10-12
SS Long Sleeve Shirt (opt)
Belt - 100% GenuineLeather
Years 10-12
SS Formal Shirt
Years 1-6 Years 7-12 (opt 7-9)
Years 1- 9
JS/MS Formal Shirt (tartan)
JS Navy Trousers (opt))
Years 1- 12
Formal Boys Hat
BOYS FORMAL UNIFORM
POSITIVE PARENTING
Parenting kids through the challenges of change By Michael Grose Parenting is always challenging, but perhaps never more so when you are undergoing change yourself. Recently I spoke to staff at the General Motors Holden in South Australia about how they could help their families navigate the imminent plant closure, and subsequent loss of jobs. Change of this magnitude generally impacts on everyone in a family, bringing an added layer to parenting. Essentially the job of these parents was to help their children successfully navigate changes rather than isolate or protect them from the changes that will occur.
From a child’s perspective, it’s not the change itself but how parents react to adjustments that is most significant. Change tests individual and family resilience, but managing it well builds resilience. While most people yearn for certainty and consistency there will always be times when circumstances change – people shift jobs, families relocate and parents split up. These situations are difficult to manage at the time but inevitably people adjust and more often than not, end up with a better situation – a job that they enjoy; a better lifestyle or finding family peace.
While change is not easy to endure, there are some things we can do as parents to help our children cope and hopefully grow from those changes. The following five ideas will help:
1. Acknowledge feelings Every difficulty or challenge we face is accompanied by uncomfortable feelings such as sadness, anger and disappointment. When feelings aren’t acknowledged, children will either act out or act in. That is, they will either become aggressive, agitated and hurtful or become moody, anxious and depressed. Give kids permission to talk about emotions by talking about your own feelings and your emotional reactions to events. Help children of all ages verbalise their feelings by asking children how they feel in response to different events. “How do you feel about this?” is a great way to initiate conversations on an emotional level.
2. Look after yourself (and your partner) Change is usually stressful for adults. Feelings of anxiety are common in times of uncertainty. “Will life ever return to normal?” is a common question. Self-care is essential in times of change. It’s hard to parent well when you are stressed, anxious or depressed so do all you can to stick to the building blocks of well-being.
parentingideas.com.au
now we know.
POSITIVE PARENTING
Parenting kids through the challenges of change
That is, sleep well (life’s always better after a good night’s sleep); get some exercise (to release the feel-good endorphins); actively maintain your support networks (talking about difficulties is therapeutic); get some relaxation (it’s important to take your mind of your worries for a time) and pursue at least one interest that you enjoy (fun and play is an antidote to depression).
3. Stay optimistic Optimism is characteristic of resilient people. I’m not suggesting that you take a Pollyanna-ish attitude that ‘everything will be all right’. Instead project the attitude that the current situation may be difficult or that life at the moment may be difficult but you will get through this. “This too shall pass” is a powerful resilience concept for kids to experience and learn.
4. Maintain consistency and routine
5. Maintain consistency and routine Resilience is best practiced as a family or community, rather than as an individual so look for ways to bring your family together. Family mealtimes; shared enjoyable experiences and simply hanging out together are the types of activities that build strong families. In times of change and upheaval what we need most is each other. Life is full of changes. Some are welcome and some aren’t. It’s human nature to resist change, particularly when it’s unwelcome. But change also presents opportunities for growth and development. Helping kids cope with change, even when it happens to you, is a chance to build their resilience, which will be tested many times throughout their adult lives.
When disruption appears in your life try to keep things as normal as possible for children. In particular, stick to regular mealtimes; keep bedtimes regular and keep the traditions that kids enjoy and bring your family together. This type of familiarity is comforting for kids, helping them maintain feelings of control, which is something they crave in times of change.
Visit our website for more ideas and information to help you raise confident and resilient young people.
Special note: I’m thrilled to announce that my latest book Spoonfed Generation: How to raise independent children is out. It’s available at parentingideas.com.au © Parenting Ideas 2017
parentingideas.com.au
now we know.