The true portrait of a person is a fusion of what they think they are, what others think they are, what they really are and what they try to be.
Schary
FOOD FOR THOUGHT!
Last weekend many of us celebrated Father’s Day. Many of you in our School Community will have done something special as a family and some will have quietly remembered beloved fathers who are no longer with us. I am also conscious that I write this to people for whom family situations are incredibly complex; however, my premise is that good strong men are important in the lives of our children, whether they be uncles, foster parents, teachers, family friends or neighbours.
I am proud to be a father and am always looking to find ways to be a better Dad to help my children. Being given the opportunity to be a Dad is for me unashamedly the greatest gift I have received. My youngest is presently completing year 12 and so I am facing that challenge with her. Matilda is bravely facing it and working hard, I am very proud of her.
Yesterday spending time with my dad and my daughters, I had time to reflect how grateful I am. We also in this community are fortunate in our Kapinara PS community to have such interested fathers who are very active and obviously committed to a strong role in the school and their children’s lives. This is obvious in all aspects of our school, from pickup and drop offs to the highly popular Dad and child weekend camp.
Research repeatedly demonstrates that paternal or strong male influence can and does affect many facets of a daughter’s life, from her sense of self to the treatment she comes to expect from men in her personal and professional life. And a son’s life, he learns respect for all people, strength and power are not the same and need to be used wisely, he learns respect for women through how his father respects his mother and how his significant male role models treat women. ‘Do as I Do’ is what guides a son.
Over my journey as a Dad, I have gathered some words of wisdom for those that have gone before me and have held me in good stead.
- First, think about each of your children and how he or she has grown and changed in the last twelve months, you will be amazed.
- Secondly always find some alone time where you won’t be interrupted or distracted with each child. Ask them what they’d like to do, learn or accomplish in the coming year, and don’t let them say, “I don’t know. Help them to dream and dream big.
- Always discuss ideas with your child’s mother. She’ll have a slightly different perspective on the children, and her insights will be valuable and will help you see things you missed and help you to be more empathic and understanding of your children. Remember it is not about you ‘its about them’.
- Maybe most important of all exercise, constantly recommit yourself to your family with passion and selflessness.
I hope that everyone had a Happy Father’s Day – and thank you to all our wonderfully supportive, loving Dads and Father Figures. Your children are very lucky.
Recommended great reads:
Screen Time and the Brain
There is growing research both empirical and qualitative that digital devices can interfere with everything from sleep to creativity. Paediatrician Michael Rich, Associate Professor of Paediatrics at Harvard Medical School highlights the following;
- “It’s not how long we’re using screens that really matters; it’s how we’re using them and what’s happening in our brains in response,”
- The growing human brain is constantly building neural connections while pruning away less-used ones, and digital media use plays an active role in that process
- Much of what happens on screen provides “impoverished” stimulation of the developing brain compared to reality
- Children need a diverse menu of online and offline experiences, including the chance to let their minds wander
- Boredom is the space in which creativity and imagination happen
Of critical importance is a good night’s sleep. It is the key to brain development, and Harvard Researchers have shown that using blue light-emitting screen devices like smartphones before bedtime can disrupt sleep patterns by suppressing secretion of the hormone melatonin.
Designing and Making
Our year five students have been busy making pouches for an animal rescue centre. The pouches are specifically designed for animals who are rehabilitating. The students must research, design and with the help of some talented parents, sew the pouches. This is a wonderful way for our students to use their learnt skills and knowledge and apply then to a practical real-life application. Thank you to all the parents who came and supported the children with their skills, knowledge, and their sewing machines.
Our Chaplain Melissa Caley
We are very fortunate to have our Chaplain Melissa Caley. Melissa is a genuine, caring and highly skilled person who is very supportive of the school and everyone in it. Melissa is onsite twice a week, Wednesday and Thursday, and her focus is on providing one-on-one, emotional, and social support for students. She also hosts a lunch club in the art room each week (open to all students), where kids can play games, do art and crafts, or just relax and chat.
What does a Chaplain do?
The role of a Chaplain in WA government schools is to care for the social, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing of their school communities. What that looks like from school to school often varies quite substantially. YouthCARE chaplains are there to listen and provide a supportive place to talk. They offer confidential, non-judgmental pastoral care and programs based on respect, compassion and service.
It should be noted that although YouthCare Chaplains are people of faith, the role is not “religious”.
Leaving Students
We are seeking your support. We are planning for next year and it would be very helpful if you know that you are leaving to help us in organising classes. At this stage with the student numbers in each year level we will be having straight classes in each year level.
Dogs on the School Grounds
We have had a couple of families bringing their family pet dog to school. We would like you to keep them at home. I do understand the attraction of walking to school however schools are public places and there are regulations addressing having dogs around children. Safety is always paramount and no matter how well trained or how positive the temperament of the dog there is always that one possibility of the dog snapping and a child or person is hurt in the process. Thank you for your support.
Kind Regards
Simon Reid
Relieving Principal