19 OCTOBER 2018
TERM 3 • 19 OCTOBER 2018 • VOLUME 309
From the Principal Mrs Nicola Taylor
Welcome to Term 4. A special welcome to those families whose daughters are joining the College to the first time. When meeting prospective families, it is encouraging to hear the range of reasons why PLC Armidale is the choice of schools for their daughter and what they understand a PLC Armidale education will provide. As is our custom, we begin each term with a whole school Commencement Service attended by students, staff and a growing number of parents. The Term Four Commencement Service features the induction of our Prefects and Student Leaders as well as marking the collective leadership of Year 11, our Class of 2019, now the most senior students at PLC Armidale. Those who had the privilege of reading the applicants manifestos, listened to the speeches delivered as part of the process, or even observed our sporting teams, watched our music performances, or simply stood in a line at the Salad Bar will know, this is a year group containing many girls who take the lead, set a direction and provide an example for others to follow making the process of selecting and appointing designated positions even more challenging.
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19 OCTOBER TO 2 NOVEMBER 2018 HSC Exams 19/10 - 9/11/18 Years 6, 7 and 8 Combined Social PLC Armidale, TAS and NEGS 19/10/18 Years 3 to 11 New England Sings Concert 21/10/18 Boarders' Chapel 22/10/18 Years 3 to 6 Basketball Competition 22/10/18 Pre-K Vision Screening 23/10/18 Thailand Reunion for Students and Parents 24/10/18 PLC Armidale P & F Meeting and AGM 25/10/18 Year 7 Vaccination 25/10/18 Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza 25/10 - 28/10/2018 AHIGS Festival - Sydney 26/10 - 27/10/2018 OGU Reunion Weekend including INSPIRE 26/10 - 28/10/2018 Junior School 'Eat and Beat' Open Afternoon 26/10/18 IPSHA Gymnastics 26/10/18 Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 27/10/18 PLC Armidale P & F High Tea 27/10/18 OGU Annual General Meeting 27/10/18 OGU Reunion Weekend College Tours plus Social Tennis Event 27/10/18 OGU Reunion Weekend Service at St Paul's Church 28/10/18
So what does this Servant model of leadership look like? Our Class of 2019, and Prefecture especially were encouraged to consider the following : • Servant-leaders turn conversations toward others • Servant-leaders encourage other people to use their strengths, aspirations, and capabilities to achieve common goals. • Its never about the leader, its always about the team! • Servant-leaders are concerned with how others see themselves, rather than see them.
Prefects • Head Prefect - Lucy Martin • Deputy Head Prefect - Sarah Miron • Sports Prefect - Mia Emanuel • Creative Arts Prefect - Isla Biffin
Captains • Forrest Guild - Ria Kealey • Gregory Guild - Jessica Abbott • Macquarie Guild - Mia Tindale • Wentworth Guild - Aisha Kleindienst • Boarding House Captain - Larris Cleal
Spiritual Leader
• Servant Leaders stand behind others and willingly defend their team.
• Spiritual Leader - Sarah Miron
• Servant Leaders take responsible risks, will give things a go and learn through the doing.
Deputy Guild Captains
• Servant-leaders revel in the success of others. The key to successful leadership is influence, not authority. Serving others prepares you to lead others. The preparation for leadership at PLC Armidale, begins in our Junior School where experiences and challenges shape each girls sense of self, areas of interest and accomplishment. This layering of leadership training continues in the Senior School with further opportunity presenting through a range of sports, music ensembles, Students’ Representative Council, service learning trips, community service, student exchange programs , public speaking, debating, Fish, Kyck and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program. These experiences hone the skills of service as foundational to leadership.
NEWS
A theme emerged in the Induction Service, echoing much of the current literature about effective leadership and one very befitting our Christian School context, that of Servant Leadership. The notion of the Servant Leader might seem almost a contradiction, surely leaders are to be served rather than to serve. However, Servant Leadership is gaining traction as that model of leadership which will enable any organisation involving people to go from good to great, or better to best!
• Forrest Deputy - Eleanor Harrell • Gregory Deputy - Kathleen MacDougall • Macquarie Deputy - Isobel Harris • Wentworth Deputy - Ella Atkin
Whilst not all of our girls sought out or were inducted into formal positions of leadership, throughout the Leadership Training day which followed the Induction Assembly, they were encouraged to support each other to accept responsibility, share the load and set a positive direction across the College for others to follow. Our 2019 Student Leadership Team were exhorted to make the most of the privilege to lead, seeking to honour God and serve others through their position, both in what is done and how it is done. To aim high and not be fearful of failure. In the words of Christian missionary William Carey…"Do not be afraid of failure, rather be fearful of succeeding at things that don’t matter…expect great things, attempt great things..."
Any stories to tell? Should you wish to have any achievement or activity promoted, please send the information to events@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
Shona Eichorn • Director of Development Sally McCook • Enrolments Manager development@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au enrolments@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
Nicky Webster • Events & Communications Assistant Amy Chiu • Pathways Liaison events@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au achiu@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
AND… don’t forget to LIKE US on Facebook and Instagram! 02 6770 1700 • www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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Valedictory Day 27 September 2018
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For enquires, please contact Events and Communications Assistant, Mrs Nicky Webster
events@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
EVENTS
Upcoming Events 2018
OCTOBER Junior School Eat & Beat Festival
A celebration of food and creative arts at PLC Armidale Junior School. Friday 26 October 2018 • 4.00pm - 6.30pm The feast starts at 5.30pm Dress up in a food inspired costume.
RSVP juniorschool@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
OGU Reunion weekend Friday 26 - Sunday 28 October 2018
For more details contact: OGU President, Kathie Marquardt kathie@marquardtconstructions.com.au Director of Development, Shona Eichorn development@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
PLC ARMIDALE P&F presents
High Tea
GARDEN PARTY
An afternoon of elegance in the beautiful grounds of PLC Armidale during the Old Girls Reunion weekend. Saturday 27 October 2018 • 3.00pm Purchase tickets $40 at www.trybooking.com/WFOA
NOVEMBER Annual
Starry Night
of Sport
To celebrate the many sporting successes at PLC Armidale Saturday 10 November 2018 • 6.30pm - 10.30pm Armidale City Bowling Club • Cocktail Dress Purchase tickets $40 per person (parents and students) at www.trybooking.com/YHRS Bookings essential by Monday 5 November 2018
Please contact Nicky on 6770 1700 or email events@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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Anna Caldwell, Head of Senior School
I trust that you enjoyed a relaxing, happy and healthy holiday and are ready for another action packed term. Our girls have been very busy over the school holidays with Service Learning Trips to Thailand and Fiji, hiking in the Blue Mountains National Park on their Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Adventurous Journeys, competing at the Athletics NSW All Schools Championships, competing at ISHE in Tamworth, playing indoor hockey at the NSW Indoor Hockey Championships and participating in Cattle Camps…just to name a few of their amazing experiences.
Uniform All students are to wear the summer uniform in Terms 4 and 1. This includes the tartan summer dress, green or red jumper, blazer, hat, white ankle turnover socks and black school shoes. Green or red hair ribbons and regulation jewellery.
HSC Examinations The HSC started yesterday and runs until 9 November. Whilst in and around the school and especially near the Year 12 Study centre, please keep noise to a minimum. We wish our Year 12 students all the best in their exams.
Stage 4 and 5 Examinations Years 7 to 10 will sit their End of Year Examinations in Week 3 this term.
Senior School Socials Years 6, 7 and 8 will host the Combined Schools Social tonight at PLC Armidale, from 7 to 9pm. The girls are to be dropped off at the Rose Garden from 6.45pm onwards and collected from the Rose Garden at 9pm.
SENIOR SCHOOL
Senior School Notes
The Year 9 and 10 Social is being hosted by NEGS at PLC Armidale, from 7 to 9pm. All students are asked to adhere to the Socials Protocol in regards to behaviour and attire. The girls are to be dropped off at the internal Bus Bay by 6.45pm and collected from the same Bus bay at 9pm. All students are to travel to and from the social by bus.
Hawkesbury Canoe Classic After months of training, our courageous crews will be setting off at lunch time on Friday 26 October, heading to Windsor for the start of the 111km marathon paddle. This years paddlers include: Ella Atkin and Grace Lehman, Mia Emanuel and Mia Tindale, Laura Hayes and Lily Coleman, Sophia Grant and her brother Harrison Grant. I wish all the paddlers and their land crew, all the best for the event and look forward to seeing their tired but smiling faces at the finish line at Brooklyn on Sunday morning.
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SENIOR SCHOOL
Adventures in the Blue Mountains During the holidays a group of Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award girls headed south to the Blue Mountains for a week of hiking. We all arrived in Katoomba in the pouring rain and thick fog. The Scenic Railway trip from Katoomba down to the valley, being the steepest railway in the world, was a fun and exhilarating start to the first day of hiking, despite not being able to see any views. From the base the girls walked along the paths that the miners took many years ago, then navigated their way across the rocks from the landslide around to the base of the Golden Stairs and then on to the Ruined Castle. The clouds lifted to reveal spectacular views as the train took everyone back up to Katoomba. Day 2 saw the girls hopping on a bus down to Jenolan Caves where they enjoyed a tour of the Chiffley Cave before starting the long walk back up hill to Katoomba. Whilst we were in the caves, the clouds cleared and we enjoyed an afternoon of sunshine. The first section of the Six Foot Track is steeply uphill and is a mental and physical challenge. Both groups worked together brilliantly and everyone made it into camp before dark and before it started to rain again.
The walking conditions of day 3 were perfect, cloudy and cool for most of the way. This day was the longest, heading down hill for 21kms from Black Range to the Cox’s River. The views were stunning and the spectacular colours of the cliffs of Katoomba grew nearer and nearer, giving everyone a sense of achievement of how far they had already gone and inspiration to keep on going to get to the end. Cox’s River was a welcome relief, everyone enjoyed dinner and a few card games before heading into their tents for the night. After a warmer night and more sleep everyone was determined to be up and off walking early. We walked together to Bowtell’s suspension bridge, an adrenalin pumping start to the day for those who are not so keen on heights! From there the groups enjoyed the stunning views and varied vegetation as they made their way through the Megalong Valley, up to Nellies Glen and on to the many, many steps up to Katoomba. The group finished the four day hike in style at the Explorers tree, exhausted but happy and looking forward to the hot showers at the YHA and delicious food at the many restaurants along the main street of Katoomba for dinner. Congratulations to Isobel Harris, Mia Tindale and Emma Pearce for completing their Gold Adventurous Journeys. Thank you to Will Caldwell, Kirsten Hey, Dr Catherine Wiles, Louise Tindale, Angela and Craig Harris and Martin Hansford for all that you did to make the week so much fun.
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Fiona Wake, Head of Junior School
I hope you have had a restful break and you are enjoying the recent rain. The green tinge across the New England is certainly a pleasant sight providing hope for a good Summer season with some follow up rain and warmer weather. Term 4 is going to be a busy one, as it often is as the year is approaching its final leg. In order for you to develop your family planner, I have included an overview of important dates that will need to be noted for the term.
Summer Uniform • Summer dress - length, below knee to mid-calf • Blazer and straw hat to be worn too and from school • If a school jumper is to be worn, blazers need to also be worn over the top • Green ribbons, scrunchies must be worn each day • Black well-conditioned and clean school shoes • All clothing should be labeled please.
Student Friendship Program and 8 Keys to End Bullying On the last week of Term 3, Years 3-6 took part in a Friendship Survey to gain an understanding of where our students are positioned within their friendships, their happiness at school and their perception of how they are being supported within their friendships or during troubling times. This information will assist us in creating a positive school environment and classroom climate with a pastoral care program that addresses students’ needs. It will help us to build in students key social and emotional skills and help us to assess the effectiveness of our Pastoral Care approach.
NAPLAN Over the break you would have received your daughter’s NAPLAN results. Please be mindful of perspective when viewing these results as some students may not perform in this one-off test as well as they are capable of doing so. It is important that you view the results as one form of data in a much broader context of information relating to your daughter’s capability and achievement. If you are concerned about your daughter’s results or require assistance in understanding the data, please make a time to see either your daughter’s teacher or myself.
JUNIOR SCHOOL
Junior School News
It is pleasing to note, overall the data received from NAPLAN testing was very encouraging, however we continue to reflect on our practice, remain innovative, yet traditional in relevant ways to deliver a curriculum that provides opportunity for students to succeed and demonstrate growth. Further analysis of the results and reflective discussion at an Executive and Staff level will highlight areas of focus, as part of our ongoing improvement plan.
Cup Cake Drought Fundraiser – thank you! Thank you to Dimity Aiken, and all of the community who have supported this cause and baked some cupcakes to sell across the College to raise money for our drought-stricken families. The cakes were yummy, the girls delighted and the message behind the initiative, heart-warming. Thank you everyone, I look forward to touching base with you at the commencement of our term and throughout.
The programs 8 Keys to End Bullying and Girl Drama and Friendship Therapy, will commence Week 1 of term. The introductory lessons will be centered around the Key Principal, ‘Know Bullying When You See Bullying’. The content of this topic shows students how to recognise bullying in all of its diverse forms and how to distinguish bullying from less dangerous forms of aggression such as rudeness and mean behaviour. Throughout this program, author Signe Whitson says, young people are empowered as they learn that they have choices for how to handle any type of bullying that occurs in their life. Through Personal Development and Health lessons, Cyber Bullying and how to be a responsible on-line citizen will be addressed to complement our Pastoral Care program.
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JUNIOR SCHOOL
Junior School Eat & Beat Festival
You are invited to join us for a celebration of food and creative arts at PLC Armidale Junior School.
Dress up in a food inspired costume
Eat & Beat FRIDAY 26 OCTOBER 2018 4.00PM TO 6.30 PM A fun afternoon / evening of food & creative arts for all! The feast will begin at 5.30 pm. Our current students will remain at school after classes to change into their costumes for the event.
Families & friends considering PLC Armidale Junior School for their daughter are especially welcome! This event is part of our Orientation Program for 2019 For catering purposes please RSVP juniorschool@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
In alliance with PLC SYDNEY
What is happening over the following weeks in the Junior School? TERM 4 WEEK 1 • We welcome NEW students Kimberly Blake - Year 4 Kyanna King Pee - Year 4 Lily Riley - Year 1 Anabel Riley - Pre K Violet Creed - Pre K • NE Sings Rehearsal No.4 Thursday 18 October 12.45pm to 3pm • Years 6,7 and 8 social Friday 19 October • NE Sings performance - Lazenby Hall Final Rehearsal 20 October Performance 21 October
WEEK 2 • Summer sport begins • Pre K Vision Screening • Pre-K Learn to Swim Starts Monday 22 October • Eat and Beat Festival Friday 26 October at 4pm • P&F High Tea Saturday 27 October at 3pm - tickets $40 www.trybooking.com/WFOA Further details regarding these events will be forwarded to you when required. www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au Remember the school calendar can be viewed from the PLC Armidale Website and gives a more comprehensive account of the events taking place across the whole College.
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SPORT
Around the Grounds Sports Report Peter Le Surf, Director of Sport
I hope you had time to relax during the school holiday break and you are refreshed, ready to go for another busy term.
Summer Sports
Starry Night of Sport The annual Starry Night of Sport is a wonderful evening where we celebrate all things sport.
Sign up sheets and contracts are now all on the sports noticeboard for term 4 sports. The following sport choices are on offer:
This is a great opportunity to mix with other sporting parents and students and see the wonderful sporting achievements of our PLC Armidale girls.
• Pilates • General fitness • Twilight soccer • Touch football • Basketball
During the night, the Sports' Captains will give a brief summary of each of the sports, followed by the presentation of the various Sports Awards.
• Twilight netball • Volleyball • Swimming • Indoor hockey • Tennis
Please make sure that you have received and signed a contract for the various sports your daughter has signed up for.
There will be lucky door prizes as well as an auction of some sporting memorabilia. Funds raised will go to the Sports Supporters Group funds which is used to assist in a variety of sporting activities.
Save the date
If you have not seen a contract for your daughter’s sport, please ask them to collect one from the sports noticeboard.
Saturday 10 November
The sports contracts will have information regarding registrations, uniform, training and game times, along with information regarding the venues and approximate costs for each sport.
Dress: Cocktail
Armidale Bowling Club Cost: $40 per person (students and parents)
Sports Awards Nomination Forms Sports Awards Nomination forms were emailed out last term. If you would like to nominate your daughter for one of the many sports awards, you will need to complete the nomination form and return it as soon as possible.
Armidale Sportspower Invitational Congratulations to all our enthusiastic athletes who participated in yesterday afternoon's Armidale Sportspower 400m Invitational and fundraiser for PETA: Imogen Dellow, Chiyo Brown, Maddi Campbell-Pickering, Gracie Martin, Bella Watts, Eleanor Pankhurst, Zoe Kelly, Korin Kelly, Sammy Mazzei, Sienna Dellow, Maddi McCook, Scarlett Loxley and Kate Loxley - in a great show of community spirit and support!
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Results
The PLC Armidale equestrian team that competed at The Interschool Horse Extravaganza for 2018 consisted of Saskia Kennett, Mary Flannery, Ruby Ticehurst, Jorja Power, Abby Stevenson and Jazz Kennett. 520 competitors entered this year from a large number of schools from QLD, NSW and the ACT. ISHE offers equestrian competition in Show Riding, Gymkhana, One Day Event, Show Jumping, Dressage, Sporting, Working Horse Challenge and Camp Drafting. The diversity in riding skills of our small team meant that every one of those disciplines was entered by at least one of our girls.
Saskia Kennett Rode in the EVA60 on a young horse for experience only, this was only his second ODE and first at 60. They placed 16th out of a field of 30. This was Saskia’s last equestrian Interschools event and last day as PLC Armidale’s Equestrian Captain. Mary Flannery 7th in the EVA80 ODE
SPORT
Equestrian
Ruby Ticehurst 2nd in the Flag Race, 3rd in the Running Pole Bend, 1st in Bareback, 2nd Girl Rider, 2nd in Hack, unfortunately her horse fell in Working Horse Challenge and she sprained her ankle. Jorja Power Jorja competed on multiple horses for the following results: 10th EVA60, 4th EVA 60, 3rdoverall level 5 Dressage, 2nd overall level 6 Dressage, 7th 70cm AM7 Show Jumping, 2nd 70cm ACC Show Jumping, 1st Show Hunter 13 yrs and over. Abby Stevenson Score of 21 in the camp for her Campdraft and a good performance in Working Horse Challenge. Jazz Kennett 5th in the EVA60 on new horse Louis, 1st in Hack, 2nd in Girl Rider and 4th in Pairs.
Junior School Sport I know the girls are eager to start their new summer sport for the Term and it is always so pleasing to see so many of our girls participating.
A few important reminders: Skoolbag App Please remember to download the skoolbag app and select your daughter’s relevant sports teams so that you receive the weekly draws and any other information that you may require throughout the season.
Uniform • Touch football - PLC Armidale sports t-shirt and shorts • Basketball - PLC Armidale sports shorts and basketball singlet (hired) • Indoor hockey - PLC Armidale sports t-shirt, skort and PLC Armidale hockey socks (hockey stick, mouth guard and shin pads also required).
Registration Please make sure that your daughter/s are registered for their chosen sports prior to playing their first game. It is imperative that all players do this for insurance reasons. Information regarding registration was sent out with the sports contracts. Please contact Lucy Donaldson if you have any problems with doing this.
Training Times A training schedule was emailed out to families earlier in the week. Please make a note of your daughter/s training days and make sure they come to school organised. Training will begin in Week 1 for Basketball and Touch Football and Week 2 for Indoor Hockey.
Games Start Dates • Basketball Monday 22 October at The Den (Armidale High School gym) Years 3/4 - 4pm Years 5/6 - 5pm • Touch Football Thursday 25 October at Rologas Fields Years 5/6 - 4.30pm • Indoor Hockey Friday 2 November at PLC Armidale, TAS or The Den. It is very important to check weekly draws for varying game times and venues. I look forward to a great term of sport!
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HUMANITIES
Humanties News
Kate Clynch, Head of Humanities
Year 9 Tingha excursion The annual Tingha excursion took place last term with students enjoying a day in the field as part of the Geography and History studies. They were expertly guided by Mrs Maureen Brown who provided a wonderful history and geography of the area, from Armidale to Tingha. Students took a step back in time at the Wing Hing Long Museum to discover more about the Chinese influence in the area. This was followed by an examination of the effects of mining in the area and a land management assessment. We are very thankful to Mrs Brown who accompanied the excursion along with Mr Davidson.
Year 11 Society and Cultural Intercultural Japan study This week, Year 11 Society and Culture students attended Ten Koo Restaurant to complete their unit on Japan. As part of their studies of Intercultural Communication they developed a set of interview questions which were keenly answered by Kiyo Hashimoto. We would like to thank Kiyo for his time in sharing his insights of Japanese culture which furthered their understanding of a culture other than their own.
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SPEECH AND DRAMA
Middleton Public Speaking Report 2018 At the end of last term, the Annual Middleton Public speaking competition was held for Years 7-10 in the Astra Arts Centre. The topic for the prepared 5 minute speech was ‘Failure is a blessing in disguise’. The 2 minute impromptu speech topic was ‘If I were a journalist, I would investigate...’ Two student finalists from each year competed for the coveted cup which was awarded by our experienced judge, Mr John Harris, to Sienna Catterall from Year 9. An equal second place was awarded to Charlotte Caldwell - Year 10 and Azaria Jones - Year 8. All the girls spoke impressively in their prepared speeches, choosing memorable examples to illustrate their key points. The impromptus provided a deciding challenge for the participants who thoroughly entertained the audience, but didn’t always meet the time specification. The other finalists were Nathea Ping Kee, Gabrielle Cotterell, Georgina Swales, Natalie Brennan and Caitlin Hansford.
Mrs Jan Patterson Speech and Drama
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PASTORAL CARE
Pastoral Care Events Paula Goode, Pastoral Care Coordinator
Habits can be changed and new ones learnt A new term often sanctions the power to change our habits, to make the most of ourselves. Very often we respond to people and situations in our lives out of habit. The same applies for the stressors that we experience. We all have habits: some good are good and nourish us as people and there are bad habits, which can deplete us. Being aware of what you already do, what you could do better and changing the way you do somethings is an important step in minimising stress and maximising your wellbeing. Replacing old habits with new ones that support you is a significant step in taking control. Stephen Covey, in his book The 7 habits of highly Effective People, describes the three main components to making effective habits: • Knowledge - what to do and why. • Skill - how to do it. • Desire - that you want to do it. So, be the you that you admire - within each of us lies our best self: the sum of our finest characteristics, in there too is our worst self. The two vie for top billing. Our best self provides the template, the ideal model. It’s our best guide to improvement… For nobody really knows us better than ourselves. What have you got to lose except some old habits that aren’t benefiting you anyway? Start now. Start small, but start.
Life is too short.
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POSITIVE PARENTING
insights
Make your compliments count
Find your tribe 5 October 2018
by Kate Johnson
Ever notice how small hinges can swing really big doors? It’s a reminder that it’s the smallest things we do in our families that often have the biggest impact. One way you can maximise your impact on your family’s wellbeing and your children’s self-esteem is to make your compliments count.
Earlier this week, I took my son to his Paediatrician. Sitting inHere’s that room instantly brought of times a story about how aback few memories wellchosen words had a huge impact on a when the appointments were not so rosy. I can remember clearly taking him in during crisis times and getting that child, with an explanation of how you can all too familiar pit in the stomach and fearing the unknown for him. As we sat there, him reading an old Guinness do the same. World Record book and absorbing the information and me, quietly watching him, I reflected on the journey and wondered what we would be facing in this appointment. Next time, your child does something worthwhile take the time to give a sincere
That firstcompliment. time when weSmile entered office, it felt lonely. thelet space itself, buthow the magnitude of supporting our andthis add a little touch to Not really them know you feel. Watch your child’s reaction. child and having no one in our world who understood. As a parent, we can sometimes (well, a lot of the time!) be hanging on for dear life and hoping we are doing the best job of raising our child. What I have found has changed I overheard a friend tell her eight-year old daughter last week: “You did such a good job betweenhelping our firstyour appointment now is that likebig I amsister!”. navigating parenting brother and yesterday. YouI no arelonger such feel lovely My this friend’s face journey was lit without support.up with a big warm smile. At the same time, she gently put her hand on her daughter’s shoulder as she spoke. The little girl beamed, and then happily went off to play. It was a
Finding your tribe means connecting with others whothat are my loving and leading their children theday. Autism simple parenting moment among many friend would have initiatedon that Spectrum and who welcome your differences with open arms. It is beautifully refreshing to not be confronted with awkwardI looks or judgemental glances. tribe take is themuch soft place to land when life gets crazy or you couldn’t help thinking that itYour doesn’t to nurture a child’s self-esteem andfeel like you create home. Compliments, when given sincerely, angroup enormous are in over your good head. feelings They are at a lovely place of comfort after challenging student have support meetings or impact on those who receive them. We all grow a little taller, at least inside, when we difficult decisions. Parenting a child with special needs brings a wealth of information and resource ideas. Your receive them. We also feel closer to the person giving them. tribe can be a source of ideas and strategies from a lived experience. For example, they can share their therapy experiences, which means you can learn from their ideas regarding who to access in your region instead of sitting Compliments satisfy the deep craving we all have to be appreciated. They are easy to on waiting listsbut for they professionals you to have no background on. give, are alsowhom easy not give. You might be reading this and have amazing friends, yet still battle with the differences in the parenting journey. I We forget. would encourage you to find a tribe. Be part of a community where you are heard, valued and not judged. How do you find a tribe? We underestimate their impact.
Speak to your Assistant Principal
Your Assistant Principal or Welfare Coordinator should have contacts with a local support service or council We haven’t developed the habit of giving compliments. representative who will know the groups operating in your region. This is a good place to start! ConnectThere Onlinewere two things my friend did that amplified the impact of the compliment. Firstly, she smiled as she gave it. Secondly, she touched her daughter as well. Touch will always
There are so many Facebook groups in areas that start from a proactive parent seeing a need. Or, amplify a online compliment. It makes it local personal. connect with a bigger state-based group and put the call out for local Carers. The great thing about small online groups is that the ‘tribe vibe’ remains and can provide support, especially if you can’t attend groups, go to work or
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Her mother’s smile showed her daughter how her mum really felt. In fact, the touch and smile said it all. The words justified the smile and touch. The therapy compliment wasLocal givenonline and received through three senses – visually, kinaesthetically have a busy schedule. groups can also then put out the call to do dinners and catch ups and auditory. periodically, which means you can have the joy of face to face communication over dinner!
Start your ownhow kids will process all your messages – they see, they feel, they hear. We often That’s focus on the words and forget the visual and kinaesthetic.
No groups in your region? Ask your school whether they would be open to starting their own. Gather the parents from your school, meet for a cuppa and chat through the joys and the challenges of parenting. The school can Next time, your child does something worthwhile take the time to give a sincere provide compliment. the room and you can be part of a supportive and embracing tribe. Having a core group of parents who Smile and add a little touch to really let them know how you feel. Watch parent children with Autism may also support the creation of relationships between families, which can be your child’s reaction. wonderful if your beautiful young person doesn’t have many peers to play with at lunch time. I promise it will have a significant impact. It doesn’t take much to touch their little
When I walked out of that Paediatrician appointment, I checked my phone. Messages checking how it went and hearts. affirming our child had been sent when we were discussing his future. The beauty of being in a tribe is that you get to experience life alongside others, celebrate the wins and work through the challenges, in community. If you are feeling isolated, I encourage you to take that first step to find a tribe. It takes bold courage to step outside of your comfort zone and seek support or friendship, but the rewards of being part of a community of supportive friends and being able to support others, truly outweigh that initialfounder hesitation. Michael Grose, of Parenting Ideas, is one of Australia’s leading parenting educators. He’s the author of 10 books for parents including Thriving! and the bestKate Johnson selling Why First Borns Rule the World and Last Borns Want to Change It, and his latest release Spoonfed Generation: to raise Journeys independent Kate is the Founder and DirectorHow of Spectrum Inc, achildren. not for profit Autism
service that equips and empowers families and educators as they support children on Michael Grose the Autism Spectrum to flourish. Kate leads an amazing team in the Outer East of Melbourne and focuses on practical Autism education as well as community projects and supporting carers. Kate is married to Joel and they have 4 beautiful children (their eldest being on the Autism Spectrum).
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COMMUNITY
Headspace is a National Youth Mental Health Organisation. Free, self-referred counselling to young people aged 12-25 with a focus on their overall well-being. For further information please contact:
Laura Murray 02 6738 7216 • l.murray@centacarenenw.com.au Centacare building, 150 Rusden Street Armidale
Sometimes, we all need someone different to talk to.
02 6770 1700 • www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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Copies of
R E P A S T are available to purchase from the administration office or from the following regional businesses.
ARMID ALE
Office Express Foodie Bliss Reader's Companion Collins Booksellers House Worx
TA M W O RT H Collins Booksellers Lemon House
GUNNEDAH/ N A RRA B RI
I N V E RE L L The Dust Jacket
T E N T E RF I E LD
The Corner - Life and Style
Marval Designs
Commemorating and celebrating the people, the provisions and the perspectives of PLC Armidale’s past and present community
02 6770 1700 • www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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