Last week we had the pleasure of welcoming the amazing psychologist and author Karen Young back to our school community. We had Karen visit earlier in the year to work with staff and share professional learning and the latest neuroscience in supporting big feelings and emotions in children, especially how to manage and overcome anxiety. This time we held a follow up session for staff, as well as a parent session, followed by students sessions. All the talks that Karen presented were incredible. She has a terrific ability to connect and engage her audience as she shares her knowledge and wisdom. A big thanks to all the parents and families who joined us, it was a great opportunity to learn more about ways to support our young people and children.

In the student sessions she explained the neuroscience behind the feeling of anxiety, and the normal humanness in feeling it. She demystifies the fear and stigma around ‘anxiety’ and instead unpacked the physiological symptoms that are present in the body when we feel anxious, ‘the superhuman body fuel’ that gets pumped around our bodies in response, and strategies that children can draw on to help calm, regulate and tackle new and brave experiences. She explains the part of our brain called the amygdala that is known as the feeling brain- the part that keeps us safe when in danger, getting us to react quickly and move to safety. She explained to the students that everyday we face lots of ‘scary-safe’ experiences, and even though our body might be feeling amped up from the ‘superhuman body fuel’, we can recognise when a situation is asking us to be brave. We will continue delving into learning around this and deepening students' understanding of ways to take charge of themselves and be the BOSS of their amygdalas to calm nerves and regulate their bodies so they can learn, grow and connect with others well. 

This video can be found on Karen's website, Hey Sigmund and it explains ‘The House Model’. ‘The House Model’ is a way to think about our interactions and relationships, and how best to connect with the important people in our lives, including our children, to calm anxiety, regulate big feelings, move towards calm, and expand the capacity for brave behaviour.

https://www.heysigmund.com/the-house-model-a-new-way-to-think-about-anxiety-regulation-relationships-and-connection-video/

Having an open dialogue about bullying with your child is crucial for fostering trust,
understanding, and resilience. You could use this video from Bullying No Way as a
conversation starter.

Here are some tips for initiating and maintaining this important conversation:

• Ensure that your child feels comfortable and safe discussing sensitive topics like bullying. Choose a quiet, private setting where your child feels relaxed and free to express themselves without fear of judgment or reprisal.
• Be ready to manage your reactions.
• Start the conversation by asking open-ended questions that invite your child to
  share their thoughts and experiences. For example, you could ask, "Can you tell me about what's been happening at school lately?" or "How are things going with your friends?"
• Practice active listening by giving your child your full attention and demonstrating empathy and understanding. Avoid interrupting or dismissing their feelings, even if you disagree with their perspective. Reflect back on what they're saying to show that you're truly listening and validating their experience.  
• Let your child know that their feelings are valid and that it's normal to feel upset or worried about bullying. Reassure them that they're not alone and that you're there to support them every step of the way.
• Focus on empowering them with knowledge and strategies for dealing with bullying. Help your child to brainstorm possible solutions or strategies to manage the situation. If your child is experiencing bullying or if the conversation reveals other issues, contact the school. 

By fostering an open and supportive dialogue about bullying, you can help your child feel empowered, resilient, and equipped to navigate challenging situations with confidence. Starting the conversation about this topic should be grounded in your family's beliefs and values. Make sure you have early, regular conversations with your child about the values you have as a family regarding respect and care for others and the dignity of each human person.

What are your family values? How do you as a family provide healthy opportunities to grow in mutual love and respect?

Attention Parents of Year 3 Students  

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be held on Monday 23rd September 2024, at 5:30pm, at All Saints Catholic Church, Kempsey.

Students will be engaging in a program during religion lessons at school to prepare and teach them about this Sacrament, and have also engaged in a retreat experience here at school. Students will be bringing home a ‘Confirmation Student Workbook’ with some activities to complete at home.

As parents and caregivers, we ask that you support your child’s preparation by talking with them about the Sacrament of Confirmation, nurturing and building their understanding of the Sacrament and how it strengthens their faith through confirming the promises that were made at their Baptism. 

What is Confirmation? 

Confirmation has always been linked to Baptism. Together with the Eucharist, it forms one of the three Sacraments of Initiation. Confirmation confirms what occurs in the initial and primary Sacrament of Baptism. 

In the Sacrament of Confirmation the Minister of the Sacrament lays hands on your child, prays over them on behalf of the Church family, and anoints them with chrism - sacred oil blessed by the Bishop the previous Easter. As the person is signed with oil the Bishop says, 'Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.' The actions of prayer, laying of hands and anointing with oil is a solemn and ancient gesture that can trace its roots back to the earliest Christian communities of the first century. 

Confirmation is the Sacrament through which the Holy Spirit is given in a special way to us. It is the Sacrament of spiritual strength. The Holy Spirit is given for our spiritual strengthening, which is brought about in a most particular way through the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.  

ATTENDANCE INFORMATION