Dear Parents,

It was lovely to see families join us for our Opening School Year Mass in Week Two. Each year this occasion is a wonderful opportunity for the community to gather together to celebrate a new year and recognise the commitment of our new school leaders. We welcomed back Father Trenton van Reesch who enjoyed seeing the students again and asking them questions about our 2020 theme, ‘Be the Light’.

Yesterday we celebrated the Eucharist with Ash Wednesday, to mark the beginning of Lent. This important milestone in the Church’s calendar reminds us that this time leading up to Easter is a period of prayer, generosity and a chance to reflect on our lives. During Lent, the school traditionally contributes to Project Compassion through Caritas. This year’s theme is ‘Go Further Together’ promoting the end of global poverty, endorsing justice and upholding the dignity of all. More information will be forwarded in the next newsletter.  

The students from Years 2 - 6 were an absolute credit to our school last on Tuesday at CISAC in Belconnen for our annual swimming carnival. The day ran like clockwork with all children participating in one way or another. I would like to thank all parents/grandparents who attended or helped out and the wonderful staff who carried out jobs so that the day ran without a hitch. Congratulations to the Sports House leaders for preparing so well for the day and to Polding who was the winning house on the day.

As one of the smallest schools in Canberra, I have always been very proud of the large number of students that we send to represent St Bede’s at the three big regional carnivals (swimming, athletics and cross country). Our representation has really paid off as we have won the School Sport ACT participation award for 2019 for having the largest number of participants against total eligible students for each school.

Interactive boards – during January we were able to install new interactive panels in four classrooms. I am very pleased to be able to announce that this state of the art technology will be installed in the other three classrooms by the end of the term. During the last eighteen months, the old boards were starting to become problematic so these new boards are a wonderful asset to enhance overall teaching and learning.  

On Tuesday evening we had our first School Board meeting for 2020 where we welcomed Megan Edwards to the Board. By election on the night, Aaron Torline is now the Board Chair with Matt Minogue stepping down from this position after two years. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Matt for his contribution and to all Board members for the time invested in such an important advisory role of the school. The P&F will meet for their first gathering of the year next Tuesday night in the library at 7pm. I hope as many parents as possible are able to attend. This first meeting often sets the community agenda for the year and everyone is most welcome.

It is with great sadness that I announce to the school community that Helen Garrity (Year 5/6 Gold teacher) is leaving St Bede’s. Helen has been a much loved and valued member of staff since 2009 as well as a fabulous teacher to many students under her nurturing care. Helen will continue to teach Year 5/6 Gold until a replacement is found. Following a recruitment and interview process, I will inform you all of her replacement in due course.

I have attached an informative article by Michael Grose to this week’s message that may help parents who are dealing with upset children each morning.

I would also encourage as many parents as possible to attend the ‘ThinkUKnow’ session being held in our school library next Monday evening. This parent forum is run by the Australian Federal Police and contains valuable information about cyber safety and many of the apps and sites your children may be using.

I am away on Principal’s retreat for three days next week. The school is in the very capable hands of Breen Fox and the wonderful staff working with your children in an engaging way every day.

Have a lovely weekend.

Kind regards

Julie

Principal

Going to school for most children is a positive experience however some children can struggle making the transition from their home environment to school. It’s naturally distressing to see your child upset at school drop-off but there is a great deal you can do to make school drop-offs easier for you and your child.

Breaking the cycle of separation anxiety at school

A child’s clinginess, crying or tantrums at school drop-off can be disturbing for you as a parent. Despite putting on a brave face, you can feel guilty that somehow you’re the cause of this behaviour. Unless something traumatic has occurred then leaving your child at school is a normal part of life, something your child will get used to. The following strategies may help eradicate your child’s tears and fears when you take them to school:

Tell the story

Prepare your child thoroughly each morning for what will happen when you leave your child at school. Repeat the story each morning before school so they can fully prepare for drop-off.

It takes two

Involve your child’s teacher in the drop-off process as they will be the person who must deal with an upset child. In extreme examples, at the start of term or after a long absence, a later starting time may give your child a chance to say goodbye in more relaxed circumstances.

Give me five

Rituals are both personal and reassuring so develop a special goodbye ritual that you consistently use when you leave your child each morning. Your special ritual may be simple such as a special wave or kiss, or fun such as a high five, low five, fist pump bursting into a hand explosion. Then leave quickly without stalling or looking back. Avoid making leaving a bigger deal than it what it is.

Reduce the rush

Is your child a morning star or night owl? Many children are slow starters in the morning, which can mean that they’re frequently rushed and arrive at school in highly anxious states. Do all you can to reduce morning stress, which may include earlier bed and waking times; laying out school clothes the previous evening and making minimal demands on their time.

This is the place

Location carries memory so choose carefully the place you say goodbye to your child. If a kiss or hug at the school-gate means a happy child, then you’ve probably found your goodbye place. Experiment with your goodbye location until you find one that works.

It’s your job

If goodbyes continue to cause tears, tantrums or clinginess consider, if possible, saying goodbye to your child at home and allowing another adult – your partner or another parent – to take your child to school.

If separation anxiety continues

If your child’s separation anxiety interferes with their concentration and learning, prevents them from making friends, is excessive and goes longer than a month, consider getting professional support. Separation anxiety left unchecked can lead to school refusal and other anxiety disorders later on.

For professional support consult with welfare teacher at your child’s school, your local general practitioner or local council for suitable health care professionals in the area.

by Michael Grose