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Parenting in challenging times
Life has a way of throwing curve balls that really test the strength and resilience of families. Personal tragedy, natural disasters and global pandemics are the types of events that challenge us all to the core, testing our emotional and social resources.
When difficulties occur children look to the adults in their lives to maintain their security and safety. When change and uncertainty reigns, kids want strong, empathetic leadership from the significant adults in their world. As a parent it can be difficult responding to a child’s needs when you’re trying to adjust to changes that are forced on you.
Following are some elements to consider when parenting through times of challenge, change and difficulty:
Attention
Like a television antenna your attention is tuned to pick up the strongest signal. In times of difficulty a child may not necessarily signal that they are struggling, so you may need to fine tune your attention to pick up their needs. Start to notice the small comments and subtle behavioural changes, as they may not be small at all, and can provide helpful clues to their state of mind.
Priorities
In challenging times your focus may need to shift away from schoolwork, household neatness and chores. If can move toward relationship building, maintaining wellbeing and helping each other out. Parental priorities need to shift to the immediate rather than the future, the emotional instead of the behavioural and from thriving mode to survival mode in tough times.
Permission
Children and young people often struggle to express their feelings and thoughts in the face of adversity. They look to the significant adults in their lives for guidance about how they should respond to change, loss, uncertainty and disappointment. Allow them to speak about how they are feeling. Prompt conversations through closeness and connection. Display your own vulnerability and in doing so give your kids the permission they need to express themselves in safe ways.
Collaboration
Difficult times will invariably suit a family that enjoys a collaborative, close parenting style. In collaborative families kids feel listened to and also have an ability to impact family decision making. Shared mealtimes and regular family gatherings are generally a prominent feature of collaborative families. In difficult times those families that prosper are those that value and promote close connection between siblings and parents.
Wellbeing
Child and parent wellbeing becomes paramount in times of hardship. That may mean reprioritising the importance of school and work, doing something joyful every day and practising regular wellbeing strategies such as exercise, mindfulness, deep breathing and spending time in nature. The wellbeing bucket needs to be regularly refilled during challenging times.
These five elements form the basis of a planned parent response when major difficulties occur. Be patient, be kind to yourself and be willing to reach out to the wider community for help.
(Source: Parentingsideas.com.au)
Heidi White
Email: Heidi.white@cg.catholic.edu.au
Jesus, You came to this world with dreams and hopes that God has for all of us. Your message to love God and to love one another went unheeded by many during your time on earth. Help us to hear your message of love and forgiveness. You forgave because you understood. Help us to turn to you when we find it hard to forgive. Amen.
Dear Friends,
We have all had a wonderful start to Term 4 and we look forward to the many events happening in the next couple of months, especially our Fete which is fast approaching! Please keep in your thoughts and prayers our Year 3 students in the Parish as they prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in November. A reminder also that as the weather has certainly been warmer, all students should have fully transitioned into our summer uniform
I am sure many of you would have been surprised by the result of the Wentworth bi-election last weekend. There has been much exposure about the subject of Religious Freedom, as a result of the media coverage during this time. The following statement outlines Catholic Education's response to this and the position we respectfully uphold about Religious Freedom:
Catholic schools stand alongside all schools in striving to meet the needs of our multi-faith and multi-cultural community. We welcome students, families and staff from all walks of life, of all faiths and none.
The reality of our Catholic schools is that they reflect their communities. Catholic schools are diverse and inclusive communities that strive to welcome all into a Catholic learning community of hope, joy and wonder.
Religious freedom is widely recognised as important in Australia. As is the right of parents to choose a school that best accords with their beliefs and meets the needs of their child.
It is important that the religious freedom of Catholic schools be recognised and this includes who they employ.
For teachers and staff in Catholic schools there is an expectation that teachers and staff support Catholic values and teachings at the school. All staff at Catholic schools are expected to support or refrain from undermining Catholic values and teachings at the school.
Changes to the legislation which will affect the approach of religious institutions, such as Catholic schools, to employment will have consequences for staff conditions and expectations currently expressed in Codes of Conduct, Enterprise Bargaining Agreements and other employment instruments.
Employment law and arrangements can be complex and it is unwise to rush changes. Any changes require consultation to ensure they achieve their intended outcomes.
Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn will continue to live out our commitment to be open to all who seek a Catholic education.
Please keep Trevor Hickman and his family (Elijah Yr 3 and Audrey Yr 5) in your prayers as Trevor's mother died recently.
With every best wish for a holy and peace-filled week ahead with your beautiful families,
Philippa
Philippa Brearley
Email: philippa.brearley@cg.catholic.edu.au
Tomorrow's Farmer Fundraiser
Don't forget tomorrow is Holy Trinity's Farmer Fundraiser Day. The students are encouraged to come dressed as something / someone found on a farm! Don't forget your choice of donation, that will go towards the Buy a Bale Organisation.
Mission Mass
Yesterday l had the privilege in taking all Year 6 students to the 2018 Mission Mass. The students celebrated mass with other students from across the Archdioceses celebrating "Mission Near and Far". The mass begun with students processing in with symbols that captured the mission at their schools. This year Angelina and Olivia. C (5/6 Red) designed, created and processed in with our object of a water tank. The water tank was to represent the amazing efforts of our school community in fundraising for our partner school, Evaland Hekima's 3 water tanks for their students, staff and community.
Reconciliation Date Change
For those families of students who are preparing to celebrate their First Reconciliation, please note that the Reconciliation Sacrament date has changed to Tuesday 4 December. An email was sent from the Parish office explaining the change.
ANY PARENTS THAT ARE HAPPY TO HELP WITH THE REMEMBRANCE DAY PRAYER ASSEMBLY- Please contact me via email. Thank you
Upcoming RE Celebrations……..
Week 2
Friday 26 October- Farmers Fundraiser
Week 3
Thursday 1 November- All Saints Day Mass @ 9:30am
Week 5
Monday 12 November- Remembrance Day Prayer Assembly @ 9:30am (Parents needed)
Saturday 17 November- Parish School Mass @ 6pm followed by the Parish BBQ
Kristy Everding
Email: kristy.everding@cg.catholic.edu.au
Children's Week
This week the ELC has celebrated Children's Week. Thanks to all to families that came to Stay and Play, enjoying the jumping castle, morning tea and fantastic community. (Photos below)
The Children's Week Community picnic, hosted by the ELC will be on Friday at 12pm on the green strip directly behind the school. We will be joined by preschoolers from Teddy Bears & Peter Pan and all families are welcome to join us.
Tea Towels
The preschoolers have created a gorgeous tea towel as a memento of their time at the ELC. The tea towels feature each child's drawing of themselves. A sample image of the tea towel and order form will be distributed next week, $15 per tea towel or 3 for $40 or 5 for $65. The tea towels make great Christmas gifts for family and friends too.
Lost Property
We have a large number of un-named items left from the school holidays - please come and fossick the temporary basket in the foyer to see is your child's belongings are amongst them.
Stay and Play
Every Wednesday morning from 9am-10am in the ELC Playground during school term. Pre-preschoolers and their parents, grandparents and carers all very welcome.
Fete Update!
PLEASE SEND IN YOUR RAFFLE TICKETS!
Any outstanding raffle tickets floating around at home? Please send them back in ASAP!
STALL ROSTER HELP!!!
These stalls still need helpers on fete day. Sign up now….
Art and craft stall: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090e4ca8a62aa3f58-artcraft
Cake stall: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4cafaa2ea5f94-cake
General help: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4cafaa2ea5f94-fete
Pizza stall: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4cafaa2ea5f94-fete1
Second hand teddy stall: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4cafaa2ea5f94-fete3
Tombola: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090e45a5a82da1f58-tombola
5/6 café and second hand stall: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4cafaa2ea5f94-2ndhand
Uniform shop - HT 2nd hand stall: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4CAFAA2EA5F94-2ndhand1
Fete Cake Stall
The Cake Stall is always a popular attraction at the fete and raises a lot of money for the school. Please think about what you will contribute. Here are some suggestions:
Fete Favours – fudge, coconut ice, toffees, rocky road, caramel popcorn, chocolate crackles, honeycomb
Baked Beauties – biscuits, slices, brownies, muffins, friands, bar cakes (banana bread, date loaf, apple tea cakes), specialty iced cakes, etc.
Packaging will be sent home TOMORROW - Friday 26th October – delicious delights to be returned to school on Friday 2nd or Saturday 3rd November. Please note: no fresh cream, nuts welcome as long as clearly labelled and securely packaged, gluten free products gladly accepted too!
Art and Craft – Final session – TONIGHT! Thursday 25th October, 7.30-9.30pm
Please join us for the final Art and Craft evening tonight 25th October, 7.30-9.30pm in the library.
Pre-purchase Fete Hands
A limited number of great value Fete Hands are now on sale through QKR! The hands are only $10 and include: 1 x sausage sizzle, 1 x drink, 1 x art/craft or petting zoo session, 1 x $3 item from the 2nd hand stall and a bag of lollies! Valued at $14…great package deal for the kids and a great way for you to save money. Buy yours today – orders close next Wednesday 31st! Hands will be delivered prior to the fete and all items redeemable on fete day.
Gourmet Salads
Come and join us on our delicious gourmet salads stall at the fete. You can help in many ways to make our yummy salads enjoyed by everyone.
- We are looking for donations of salads. Suggestions include: roasted beetroot, roasted vegie and spinach, quinoa, pumpkin and pear, wombok and noodle, ‘’no mayonnaise potato, red onion’’ and mixed bean. We will post ideas on our facebook page!
- All salads must be delivered by 8.30am on Saturday 3rd We can arrange a Friday drop off if you contact me.
- All salads must be in disposable containers with a lid – we have some at the front office if you need one. You can also get an idea of the size we need.
- All dressings must be in a closed container with a lid – an old jam jar is perfect.
- Due to health regulations please NO cream or mayonnaise in our dressings. Oil base lemon or vinaigrette is perfect.
- No meat, chicken, fish, eggs or cheese please - it’s going to be a hot day.
If you are interested in having a fun day with Jen and I or you can donate a yummy salad, please email, text or call me. Cheryl. 0410645482 - Cherylhendy74@gmail.com
Art and Craft Stall Update
Our exciting plans have come together - big thank you to the year 5/6 and parent/carer/grandparent helpers who have assisted in creating 400+ hand-made goodies for sale.
We look forward to you joining us under the big shade sail (where morning lines take place) to:
- buy hand-made delights for sale - goodies for the home, accessories (hair, necklaces, bracelets), Christmas decorations, bath goodies and more! Prices ranging from 50c to ~$15 for high quality sewn products with many items under $5; bulk bargains on offer too.
- create your very own magic at our DIY art corner where children (and adults alike!) can enjoy sand art, suncatchers, scratch art, Christmas decorations, beading and the 2-5 year olds have their very own craft station too. Bargain price to entertain the kids - 3 activities for $5!
If you have space, we are still in need of some volunteers - please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090e4ca8a62aa3f58-artcraft
Keep your eyes peeled for these signs on Fete day!
To sign off, enjoy this inspiration from Pablo Picasso "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up". Thanks for your support - it is really appreciated, Jo H. (0407 002 513)
List of Stalls!!
Here is what you can find on fete day – something for everyone...
Food:
- BBQ
- Coffee
- Cold drinks
- Daana
- Fairyfloss
- Fruigi Ice cream
- Fruit Salad
- Gourmet Salads
- Incredible India
- Mexican
- Nacho’s
- Popcorn
- Samoan Food Stall
- SnowCones
- Woodfired Pizzas
- Year 5/6 café – selling cups of tea, treats and ice cream spiders
Shopping:
- After Hours Tombola
- Goods
- Cake Stall
- Chocolate Wheel – fabulous prizes to be won
- Choku Bai Jo
- Chrissy’s Creations
- Christmas Hampers
- Garden stall
- Handmade Crafts
- Holy Trinity Cookbook
- HT 2nd Hand uniforms
- Mimzac Jewels
- Peli&Co
- Raffle Tickets
- 2nd hand stall – books, clothes, dvds, puzzles, accessories
Fun for the Kids:
- BELLS RIDES – including Water Walking Balls, Bungee Trampoline, Surfslide and more
- Decorate your own cupcake
- DIY art and craft corner
- Dunking toilet
- Face Painting
- Hairbraiding/Hairspray
- Henna
- Lucky Dip and Glitter Tattoos
- Petting Zoo
- Tombola
- 2nd Hand toys/adopt a bear
Community:
- Curtin Residents Association – and Curtin and Hughes books
- Global School Partnerships
- Kidsbiz
- Lárche
- Woden Community
PLUS entertainment!! See dancers, singers, buskers perform plus don’t miss Dan Mckellar – Brumbies Coach being auctioned off on the dunking toilet at 12midday!
THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL SPONSORS…
Lisa B
Email: htpsfete@gmail.com
Parenting when you don’t see instant results
by Michael Grose
I was reminded about how hard parenting can be when speaking to a parent after a recent talk.
She had a son who had struggled at school all his life. She’d put so much of her emotional and physical energy into helping him learn, jollying him along and nursing him through the many of the ups and downs that kids who struggle at school can experience.
Her son, now a teenager, was about to give up trying. I could see that his mother felt like giving up too!
She asked: “When do you stop being a child’s coach and cheer leader?”
The answer, of course, is that you can’t!
She knew that, but she, like her son, needed some encouragement to keep going!
We all do from time to time.
That’s why it is useful to remind yourself that parenting is a long-term activity!
The Einstein factor
I think all parents need to channel the Einstein Factor. Inventor Albert Einstein maintained that he was no smarter than anyone else, he just stayed on problems longer than most people.
With some children you have to stay on the job longer than with others.
- If you have a shy or socially-challenged child you have to stay on the job perhaps until adulthood when he or she finds their own way of building a network of friends and colleagues. In the meantime support, coach and cajole!
- If you have an child with ADHD you have to keep on the job longer, keeping him or her out of trouble. You may not see the results until their mid 20’s when all that energy goes into starting up their own business or doing something absolutely amazing. In the meantime explain, teach and be firm!
- If you have a late-bloomer you have to keep them interested in learning, so that they readily learn the practical skills of needed to succeed in the workplace and in business, where many kids who struggle at school end up. In the meantime encourage, scaffold and model learning!
We all want instant results in whatever we do. Parenting is no different!
It’s hard when the results don’t come. But you’ve got to keep on doing the right things, and making the best choices for your kids. In other words, bring the Einstein factor into your parenting. To help do this:
- Get support and feedback from your partner, or a colleague. Feedback fires you up.
- Keep building your skills and knowledge that will help your kids be successful or overcome individual challenges. Kids get lifelong learning from parents, more than school.
- Be around people who fire you up, support you and energise you. It’s no coincidence that great parents hang out together. Support keeps you grounded.
Small hinges swing big doors
A former parenting mentor used to say, “Small hinges swing big doors.” He meant that it’s the little things done on a regular basis by parents that make the biggest difference to kids.
You’ve just got to choose the right actions and keep doing them….day after day. And have faith that the results will come………..eventually!
(Source: Parentingideas.com.au)
AN UPCOMING WEBINAR YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN:
Preparing for High School
About
Beginning the journey of High School is a time of great excitement and anticipation for many children, yet also a source of great apprehension for countless others. The good news is that there is a lot you can do as a parent to help prepare your child for this next step of their school journey.
In this webinar popular parenting educator, author and secondary teacher Sharon Witt will share a bag full of practical strategies guaranteed to remove the stress and ensure a smooth transition to secondary school.
In this webinar you’ll learn
- What to say and what not to say to your young person about high school
- Great organisational tips to prevent your young person being overwhelmed in the first weeks and months of school
- How to set up a workspace at home to meet the needs of a secondary school student.
- What to look out for if your child is not coping
- Great tips to keep you in the communication loop with your new school.
When
Tuesday 27 November 2018 at 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM AEDT
Price
This webinar is $37 per person to attend, and is free of charge to families at schools that have a Parenting Ideas membership.
Who is talking
This webinar will be hosted by Dr Jodi Richardson with guest presenter Sharon Witt.
Dr Jodi Richardson
Parenting Ideas Expert
Wellbeing and Mental Health
Jodi is a mental health, wellbeing and happiness science speaker and educator. She is a mother of two primary-school-aged children and is the founder and director of Happier on Purpose, the mental health and wellbeing expert for Parenting Ideas and writer for both print and online publications.
Jodi has developed her expertise over two decades of professional work in teaching, wellbeing, clinical practice and elite sport, including working for beyondblue on the national schools-based initiative for the prevention of depression.
Integral to Jodi’s work is helping parents and teachers to nurture resilient, relaxed, playful kids who develop lifelong habits of happiness and flourishing mental health.
Sharon Witt
Parenting Ideas Expert
Parenting adolescents and resilience
Sharon Witt has been immersed in the teen world for over two decades in her role as a Secondary teacher, Author and Presenter/Motivational Speaker to adolescents and their parents around the country. She also runs regular workshops within schools and youth events around Australia.
She is a regular media commentator on issues impacting young people, parenting and educational issues.
Sharon is the author of 12 books written for young people to help guide them through many of the issues they face in early years, including Starting High School, Teen Talk and the best-selling Girlwise and Wiseguys series.
VOUCHER CODE: EMOTIONS
Valid until 29 November, 2018
Heidi Thompson-Lang
Email: Heidi.thompsonlang@cg.catholic.edu.au
Michael McNamara
Email: michael.mcnamara@cg.catholic.edu.au
Catholic Schools Netball Carnival
All teams played really well and enjoyed the day out. The carnival was called off at 12pm due to thunderstorms. Thank you to all the coaches and managers who organised their teams leading up to and throughout the day, and to all the umpires who played an important role in ensuring the games could go ahead. Well done to the Year 4 HT United team who won their competition. Below are a few photos from the day. If any parents have any photos that could be used for the Year Book could they please be emailed to Mr Feerick. michael.feerik@cg.catholic.edu.au
Michael Feerick
Email: michael.feerick@cg.catholic.edu.au
Cool Kids Anxiety Program
Dear Parents,
Currently we have 3 teachers (Cushla Sheehan, Heidi Thompson Lang and myself) doing their Cool Kids accreditation. This new process has taken a while and we are still completing our assessment to gain updated accreditation. We were hoping to begin the program this term with our Year 3 students. Unfortunately, we will not be finished the accreditation process in time. We will now move this program to 2019.
Kind Regards
Brendon Pye
Brendon Pye
Email: brendon.pye@cg.catholic.edu.au
Dear Parents,
We are participating in Redgum Book Club this term and the catalogue has been sent home with your child. Every order will earn resources and books for our school.
To view the current catalogue Redgum Book Club Term 4 Catalogue
Go to their website www.redgumbookclub.com.au where you will find many more great titles to order this term, with books starting from $2.00.
The catalogue is now open and closes on the 5th November. Ordered books will be delivered free to the school, week commencing the 19th November.
New releases:
- Seriously, Do Not Open This Book - A hilarious new book from radio extraordinaire and all-round funny guy, Andy Lee.
- The House with a Clock in its Walls - A magical adventure for the whole family, now a major motion picture starring Cate Blanchett.
- Peppa Pig Meets Father Christmas - With a very sparkly cover, this is the perfect Peppa story to share over the festive season!
- Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow: Bk 2 - From Australian author, Jessica Townsend, comes the most anticipated sequel of the year. A treat for all fans of magic and 'wunder'.
- Dork Diaries: Birthday Drama - The thirteenth instalment in the bestselling Dork Diaries series.
- This is a Book! (No Wifi Needed) - This A Book! (no wifi needed) will win the heart of every parent frustrated by the battle to limit screen time and every child who has never known a world without iPads.
How to place an order:
- Order and pay online by credit card or PayPal redgumbookclub.com.au
- Email orders@redgumbookclub.com.au
If you have any questions, please contact Lesley on schools@redgumbookclub.com.au
| ELC | Mattes, Lexie (RW) Caroline, Carlo (GP) Rafa, Tiana (BC) | ||
| K Green | Elspeth B, Lachlan S | 3/4 Blue | Felix H, Fleur B, Alexander N |
| K Red | Alexander V, Ivan V | 3/4 Green | Jack S, Eliza R, Isis F |
| 1 Green | Ella P, Eva S, Joseph V-D-L | 3/4 Red | Darcy B, Quentin H, Alessia G |
| 1 Red | Pharoah F, Maddie W, Sam M | 3/4 White | Arlia S, Ginger P, Kingson C |
| 2 Green | Juliet H, Alexander C | 5/6 Green | Emily B, Sam M |
| 2 Red | Zac T, Tim L, Poppy W | 5/6 Red | Chars D, Olivia C |
| 5/6 White | Liam P, Leo P |
|
WEEK 3 TERM 4 |
 |
| MON 29 OCT | THU 1 NOV | FRI 2 NOV |
| Gessica Galeotti |
Lesley Whiteside Rachael Nano |
Kate Quilkey Sandra Pratezina Stephen Carberry |
Kirsty Brogan
Email: kirsty.brogan@gmail.com
TERM 4, WEEK 3 - WED 31 OCTTeam Leader: Kate Quilkey, Georgina Papoutsi, Stephanie Lehocczky, Charlene Quinn, Tatiana Angulo
Paul Osborne
Email: osbornep@aap.com.au
 |
Students celebrating their birthdays this week: Sophie R, Poppy W, Sara P, Hamish T, Neha J, Reuben R |
Week 2
Lower:
Mother Cat is making mittens for her three cold kittens. It takes two balls of wool to make mittens for one kitten. How many balls of wool will Mother Cat need to make mittens for three little kittens? If one ball of wool costs $2, how much money will the three sets of mittens cost to make?
Middle:
On the pirate ship there are 24 pirate swords. Each pirate has 2 swords. If half the pirates lost a sword in battle and a quarter of the pirates each gained a new sword, how many swords would there now be on the pirate ship? If a third of the swords were then lost how many would there be left?
Upper:
Noah is addicted to stick cricket, a game on his computer. At the moment he has won 3300 games, which is 60% of the games he has played. He would like to be able to say that he has won two-thirds of the games that he has played. How many games would Noah have to win in a row to get to the two-thirds winning mark?
Brendon Pye
Email: brendon.pye@cg.catholic.edu.au
Over the weekend Emma P, Stella W, Rosie N and Sophia D participated in the Grease Arena Spectacular (by Harvest Rain) that was held at the AIS over the weekend. They were part of the Mass Ensemble that danced and acted to support the main cast, which starred Christine Anu!
Tuggeranong Little Athletics Association
Registration for the 2018 – 2019 Season
Come and Try Day
Where: Kambah No. 3 Oval, Kett St Kambah.
When: Saturday, 20th October 2018
Time: 845am-11am
Suitable for children aged 5yrs - 16yrs
We look forward to seeing you there!
For more details....
Website: www.tlaa.org.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TuggeranongLittleAthleticsClub/
NOTICEBOARD