Principal News
Dear Parents, Students and community members,
Greetings from Stanthorpe! There is nothing quite like a few days embracing the clean air and crisp coolness of spending time in Stanthorpe with my fellow Principals and colleagues from Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office.
Whilst the end of semester might seem to be a long way off, this term is flying past like any other busy term. We have started with a series of short weeks, then moved into events like 2022 Prep Interviews, NAPLAN, Drama Festival and Athletics Carnival preparation. These all can be a distraction to core business - academics. I encourage all families and our learners especially, to work collaboratively with our highly committed staff in preparing for the end of Semester 1 so that each and every learner is given the best opportunity to make the most of their talents. Hopefully very, very few students will be looking at their school report and thinking “If only".
A very important element in helping the learner to achieve is what we expect. Expectations exert a tremendous influence on what each learner is able to achieve. Research urges teachers and students to set their sights high – and mean it. The result will be improved student learning.
Just about every school, teacher and parent says they hold high expectations for their children. However, what is said may not be truly believed - and it is the belief that moves the learner.
Having high expectations is not all that is needed for students to succeed. Teaching and learning are very complex. But high expectations, from the adults in their lives, are the launching pad, the base from which students can aim for the stars and, using their own abilities and efforts, achieve their learning mission.
Hopefully, we will be able to emphasise to our learners the importance of having high expectations of themselves, especially in the ways in which we demonstrate our own expectations of ourselves.
As adults, whatever we want our children to be, we have to demonstrate it to them and be successful role models for them, so they can see the benefits of what it is we are leading them to be. If we abdicate leadership, we deprive our children of guidance and create opportunities for perhaps less desirable influences to enter their lives; all the more reason for us to be upfront leaders and role models.
If we are adults who lead, we can create opportunities for our learners to thrive. We should never be apologetic about demanding high standards. Our students need us to set standards and clearly define boundaries where there is freedom for them to make positive choices about their intended achievements and their social responsibilities. We assume leadership in this area, because we are more experienced, knowledgeable and wise. To be successful in this area, we need to be relaxed, warm and accepting whilst still being firm and insistent.
Recently I was speaking with a prospective family for 2022 about our Ignite Learning Project and in particular the SSPS learning dispositions. It made me want to share this article titled, “Letter to my Children” that I have used in previous schools and I have included it below, deciding its message needs no explanation. Feel free to share and engage in conversation with your child or children.
Enjoy.
Dearest children of mine,
Here's a few things I really need you to know:
Everything in life needs to be earned. This includes respect, friendship and loyalty. You need to work hard in school and in life to receive these things.
You don't get an award for everything that you do. Putting out the garbage, cleaning your room or participating in a sport are things that you should do without expectation.
These are things that build character and will make you a decent human. If you want an award, do something amazing and mum will give you an extra big hug.
Always be kind. Kindness is contagious and feeling good comes from giving away free samples of your beautiful nature.
If kids are awful to you or your friends, be resilient and protect your heart. Just understand there's something in these kids that makes them sad enough to be mean to others. Feel sorry for them and step away.
I know you won't believe it, but one day their heart will understand the word regret.
Be brave. Get the words "I can't" out of your mind. Indeed, you might not be able to, but unless you really give it a try how will you know? You might even surprise yourself.
Dance and sing. It doesn't matter if you have no rhythm or sound like a dying cat. Have fun by yourself and when there's people watching.
Know that your mum and dad will always do the best we can for you.
You might not have the fanciest clothes, biggest house or European holidays... but know you'll be loved with two ridiculously ferocious hearts for the rest of your life.
Not a bad thought, hey?
Now, for the fifth time, go and clean your room before one of us loses it!
Love,
Mum and Dad
Thanks for reading.
Madonna Sleba