Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care

Welcome back to our new school year. A special welcome to our Year 7 students, all new students in Years 8-12 and to their families. A new school can be exciting but can sometimes present challenges. The following suggestions, for a smooth transition, were outlined in a recent newsletter from Catholic Schools, Diocese of Lismore.

Tune into Feelings
Most young people experience mixed feelings about starting secondary school. They might be nervous, excited, quiet, joyous, unsettled. Whatever your child is experiencing, the best way to respond is to:

• Allow them to experience the emotion. Don't try to suppress or distract them from it.

• Empathise and show you understand how they feel.

• Discuss specific concerns and plan together how they might respond. For example brainstorm what they could do if they get lost between classes or are in classes without any familiar friends.

• Connect and spend time together with family and friends so they know they have a lot of support during this time of change.

The Power of Positivity
One of the most powerful ways parents can contribute to their child's smooth transition to secondary school and their overall experience of education, is to talk positively about school and learning. The way parents talk about secondary school has a significant impact on a child’s beliefs about education. Parents having high but achievable expectations when it comes to schooling has been proven to be one of the most important factors in young people thriving at school.

Stick to School Rules and Uniform Policies
Make sure you look through school rules and uniform policies with your child. Ensuring they have the correct uniform and understand school rules about behaviour, mobile phone use etc will help them get off on the right foot.

Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Leader of Student Wellbeing or their Assistant if you have any concerns. 

At last week’s College Assembly I spoke to the students with regard to the importance of inclusion. At SJPC we are and should be all about including everyone. As our assembly began we witnessed the ‘clapping in' of the Year 7 students. This is a well held tradition of welcome, acceptance and inclusion. These types of activities must be supported by our everyday actions. The language we use must be inclusive. It is not ok to refer to someone in a religious, racial, gender, sexual orientation or bodily feature manner. Frustration and anger is not an excuse. This will not be tolerated and students will be held accountable. If students feel that their family, cultural background and individual uniqueness are respected and valued by their teachers, peers and school, then they’re more likely to experience a sense of belonging and improved self-esteem. 

Until next time