2021 Term 4, Week 4

More details to come.

As you know, at St Paul’s School we are committed to a holistic understanding of education. We are interested in so much more than just the academic outcomes that our students achieve by the time they graduate. We are just as, if not more, interested in the type of people they are becoming. Our understanding of “success” includes that a young person flourishes, both during their school years and when they move on to life beyond school. When I describe to colleagues in other places what we mean by a holistic education, I describe it as being “… concerned with educating the whole person – body, mind and soul – to develop his or her fullest potential” (lee, 2015).

Allow me to share three anecdotes of what that looks like on a daily basis…

Last Thursday, our Year 12 cohort enjoyed their last day of ‘regular’ lessons, before the external exam block commenced, and they came to School in high spirits. We had a great day with them, with included a mixture of final words of wisdom, as well as lots of laughs and even a lunch-time waterslide. It was wonderful to see this closely-knit cohort demonstrating their readiness to take on whatever the coming weeks may bring, as well as a high level of respect for the School and staff, and genuine affection for their peers. We are proud of who they have become.

On Monday, I spoke to the students just beginning their journey through Secondary School – the Year 7s – introducing them to the concept of “respectful intimate relationships”. At one stage I mentioned kissing and was amused by the response of a young man in the front row … “Eeew, yuk!”. It was a great reminder for me that our task as educators is a never-ending one: just as one group of young people are coming to the end of their adolescence, another group are just beginning.

On Wednesday evening, Dr Browning, Rev. Mark and I joined with the House Leaders and Year 10 cohort for the final evening of their camp at Stirling Crossing, Imbil. The focus of this camp is a Rite of Passage experience, in which the students are encouraged to think about any aspect(s) of their childhood they might like to relinquish as they move into their senior phase of education. We suggested that these things might include bad habits, childish (egocentric) behaviour, guilt and regret over past poor choices, or a sense of hurt or loss from childhood grief or trauma. It was a very moving ceremony and one which, we hope, will be remembered as a significant occasion within each student’s journey of spiritual formation.

And so, you see, there really is much more to the school experience than just what goes on in classroom and playground. Which is why, I really do love my job.

Photo by Matt Duncan on Unsplash

Mr Nigel Grant

Executive Director of Faith & Community 

Over some tasty snacks, we will briefly talk about this term’s featured genres: Dystopian and Adventure (no pressure to read anything). Following that, we will embark upon a rebellious quest to save the world from dangerous political forces in an Escape Room. Teams of 4 will battle their way through challenges such as self-destruct forces, anti-matter systems and hi-tech guard mechs to infiltrate the W.A.R. facility.

When: Wednesday, 17 November, 2021 from 3.30pm. We should be finished by approx. 5.00pm.

Where: St Paul’s School Library. 

Dress: School uniform

Cost: Free for members of the St Paul’s School community.   

RSVP: Numbers will be limited, so please book your team’s free ticket by sending your team name and names of participants to [email protected] by Monday 1 November

Have you considered becoming a homestay family?

• Families are paid a generous daily rate for hosting
• Long term and short term hosting opportunities 
• A rich cultural experience for both visiting students and host families
• Great opportunity for students studying a language at school
• Ongoing support from the International School Staff
• Homestay Coordinator available 24/7 for emergencies

For more information or to register your interest, please visit our website.

Workshop 10 is a dinner and learning experience at City Winery, Fortitude Valley (near James Street) and only open to adults.

The founders, Kris and Dave Cush have a great story to tell while we enjoy celebrated wines, a dinner experience, and opportunity to connect with others.

They have created the first of a kind in Brisbane, an Urban Winery with a really unique business model.

If you have been thinking of going there, this is a perfect opportunity for a more intimate experience.

Partners/family/friends and community members welcome.

Please note, the workshop is in the private cellar dining room, so places are limited.

If you are interested, please book at: www.thinkcie.com.au/events

by Maggie Dent

Uncertainty is part of life and yet our brain, which creates our thoughts and feelings, loves certainty and predictability.

The pandemic has created more uncertainty in families, schools and communities than most people can recall in their lifetimes. With no clear end point, more stress and anxiety may well be triggered. In small doses anxiety heightens your sense of focus, giving you an increased level of energy, and increases your chances of managing a potential challenge that has appeared. In large doses, this anxiety is problematic, as it can cause feelings of being overwhelmed and even panicked.

The lesson of being real

Many fears and unexpressed emotions lie beneath the stress of navigating uncertainty. Be prepared to share your emotions with your children, especially feelings of sadness. They experience grief every time they lose the opportunity to spend time with loved ones, go on holiday or return to school to see friends.

Grief is not a sign of weakness. It shows you are human. Let your children see you cry and give them the agency to know what to do. They can grab a tissue, they can give you a hug and, if they’re old enough, they can make you a cuppa.

Your children need to see that when bad things happen to adults, they can feel upset for a time. There are many ways you can help children cope with uncertainty.

Normalise uncertainty

Teach your children that nothing is permanent. Good things come and go. So will tough times. Change is a part of life and can be positive or challenging. Share stories about how your family recovered from hard times. Adaptability and flexibility are key components of resilience, which can be nurtured in childhood.

Make choices that ease fear and anxiety

Remind your children and young people that they are not powerless. Resting, reading and relaxing are great tools to ease fear and anxiety. This might include taking deep breaths, listening to music, or making others laugh. Getting outside to play or walk the dog is another simple way to ease the nervous system.

Focus on the things you can control

Simple habits and routines really make a difference. When everything is changing routines and rituals such as regular family mealtimes, bedtimes and wake up times help maintain a sense of normality. These rituals provide an important anchor helping them feel in control.

Encourage your kids to have a ‘gratitude attitude’

Though times are no doubt really tough for many, you can choose to feel grateful for the things you have, and the people love, and you can model this mindset with your children.

Maintain hope

Hope is an important antidote to feeling stuck in fear. Encourage feelings of hope by sharing wonderful memories via photos or videos which can lift everyone’s spirit. Plan a new experience to happen when that becomes a possibility.

Children and young people need to understand that life can be an unpredictable ride and together you can adapt and find a way through to each new day.

The greatest tool you have as a parent in these times is to remember that you are the ‘safe base’ for your children and young people. If you can embody that, and help them feel that no matter what, your love and support is a certainty, then the uncertainty around us all becomes a lot more manageable.

Maggie Dent

Commonly known as the ‘queen of common sense’, Maggie Dent has become one of Australia’s favourite parenting authors and educators, with a particular interest in the early years, adolescence and resilience. She has written seven major books including the bestselling Mothering Our Boys and her 2020 release, From Boys to Men. Maggie is host of the ABC podcast, Parental As Anything. She is the mother of four sons and a very grateful grandmother. For further details visit maggiedent.com

HELPFUL CONTACTS

• Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
• Lifeline 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.
• Youth Beyond Blue http://www.youthbeyondblue.com/

Supporters’ Group Committee 2022

We’re pleased to announce the following Office Bearers were elected at the AGM held on Tuesday 12 October:

President – Debbie Burches

Secretary – Kelly Spencer

Treasurer – Steve Weller

The committee would like to say a huge thank you to outgoing President Sam Mason for her enthusiasm, commitment and support over her time as a committee member, Vice President and then President.  We will miss you Sam!

Next Meeting

Our next meeting will be held online, Tuesday 8 February 2022 at 7.30pm.  We’re always keen to welcome new members with fresh ideas on how we can enhance the tennis program.  If you would like to join us please email [email protected] to receive the meeting link.

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