16 NOVEMBER 2018
TERM 4 • 16 NOVEMBER 2018 • VOLUME 311
From the Principal Mrs Nicola Taylor
As our 2018/2019 Prefecture and Senior Student leaders take up their positions this term, a number of small gestures or more public events have demonstrated their desire to “lead from behind…” to serve, encourage, challenge others to have a go, respect diverse contributions and assist, or simply make things happen. The actions and interactions of student leaders across the College setting an example for others, goes a long way to contribute to the culture of the College, a culture shaped over time but one which should not be taken for granted. The ‘way we do things at PLC Armidale’… This week began with our annual College Remembrance Day Commemoration service led by our Prefecture. This service more poignant reflecting on the Centenary Anniversary of the end of World War One. The ‘Great War’ characterised by the willingness of young Australians, much the same age as many of our girls who gathered around our flag pole in the rose garden on Monday morning to take on the responsibility of active, armed service. A decision borne not just from adolescent bravado, but for many a sense of conviction that they were fighting for a cause and making a difference.
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16 NOVEMBER TO 30 NOVEMBER 2018 St Catherine's Visit 20/11/18 Years 7 to 10 ABA Spring Competition 20/11 & 27/11/18 Year 3 Excursion to Thalgarrah 20/11/18 String Soiree 21/11/18 Years 9 to 10 National Agriculture Day 21/11/18 ASBA Regional Meeting 22/11/18 Year 10 PDHPE Lawn Bowls 22/11/18 Year 5 Excursion to Uralla 23/11/18 Year 10 Celebration Dinner 24/11/18 Year 10 Peer Support Workshop 26/11/18 Pathways and International Boarders Horse Riding 27/11/18 Tri School Debating 28/11/18 Years K to 6 Indoor Hockey Competition 30/11/18 Years 5 and 6 Basketball Training 30/11/18
Any stories to tell? Should you wish to have any achievement or activity promoted, please send the information to events@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
The remainder of this term will provide a number of opportunities where across the College, many girls will lead from behind’, our String Soiree, Activities Week, PLC Armidale Carols and of course Guild Drama. Please note these events in your diary, invite a friend to attend and join us in seeing our MAD PLC Armidale girls, determined to Make a Difference!
NEWS
Having high expectations of our students, especially those in the Senior Years, to contribute, serve, support and lead is not unreasonable. However, nor should we take it for granted that students will see this as important unless we remain focused and resolved that it is. This position goes against the prevailing culture of our iGen that “it’s all about me!!” The proof thoug is in the outcome, the product of a PLC Armidale education, a partnership between home and school, an investment which yields considerable benefits.
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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For enquires, please contact Events and Communications Assistant, Mrs Nicky Webster
events@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
EVENTS
Upcoming Events 2018
NOVEMBER Annual
String Soiree
Wednesday 21 November 2018 • 5.30pm Astra Arts Centre Entry by donation. All proceeds go to Little Windmills (Helping Australian Country Kids)
RSVP by 16 November 2018 to Nicky on 6770 1700 or email events@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
DECEMBER Year 6 Celebration Dinner Thursday 6 December 2018 • 6pm Astra Arts Centre, PLC Armidale • Smart Casual Purchase tickets $50 per person at www.trybooking.com/ZEKH Bookings essential by Thursday 29 November 2018
Please contact Nicky on 6770 1700 or email events@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
Junior School Presentation Evening 'Time to Shine' Monday 10 December 2018 • 5.15pm Astra Arts Centre, PLC Armidale • Smart Casual Purchase tickets $50 per person at www.trybooking.com/ZEKH Bookings essential by Thursday 29 November 2018
Please contact Nicky on 6770 1700 or email events@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
Service of 9 Lessons & Carols Speech Day Guild Drama Service of 9 Lessons & Carols - Tuesday 11 December 2018 • 6pm St Mary & St Joseph's Cathedral, Dangar St Armidale Speech Day - Wednesday 12 December 2018 • 9am Astra Arts Centre, PLC Armidale Guild Drama - Thursday 13 December 2018 • 12.15pm Dorothy Knox Centre, PLC Armidale
Please contact Nicky on 6770 1700 or email events@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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EVENTS
The Principal of PLC Armidale requests the pleasure of your company at the following events
Service of Nine Lessons & Carols Tuesday 11 December 2018 6.00pm
ST MARY & ST JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL, DANGAR ST ARMIDALE
Speech Day
Wednesday 12 December 2018 9.00am
ASTRA ARTS CENTRE PLC ARMIDALE GUEST SPEAKER: Dr Nicole Sides (PLC Armidale Old Girl, 1982)
Guild Drama
Thursday 13 December 2018 12.15pm
DOROTHY KNOX CENTRE, PLC ARMIDALE
In alliance with PLC SYDNEY
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Anna Caldwell, Head of Senior School
We are now more than midway through Term 4 and have only four more weeks left of the academic year. Congratulations to our Year 12 students who have now completed their HSC examinations. Enjoy the next few weeks of rest and travel and we look forward to celebrating your results with you in mid December.
Important Dates and Information 24 November - Year 10 Celebration Dinner 26 November - Year 10 Peer Support Leadership Training Day 27 November - Year 10 Camp Coffs Harbour
SENIOR SCHOOL
Senior School Notes
3 December - Activities Week Starts
Examination Week Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 have now completed their end of year examinations. I would like to commend all the girls for the way they embraced the challenge and approached their examinations with focus. They worked hard and maintained a positive attitude throughout the week. As results are released, we encourage our students to adopt this same approach and to work on building their resilience, particularly if results don’t go the way they would have hoped. I encourage all girls to seek feedback from their teachers and to take these examinations as part of their learning journey rather than as a definitive sign of their knowledge and ability.
Year 11 Transition Program. This Term started with our Prefect Induction Service followed by a Leadership Training Day for all of Year 11. Preparation for transitioning into Year 12 has continued throughout this term in Pastoral Care. The girls will soon move into the Year 12 study block.
End of Year Activities With the end of term fast approaching, we are looking forward to our Activities Weeks in Weeks 8 and 9. To assist you with your organisation, please see the program below for all students. This year we are going to be holding our Lifesaving at the Uralla Pool. If students live in, or travel through Uralla to get to school each day, they can go straight to the Uralla Pool. A member of staff will be there to mark the roll and to supervise them. All other students will meet at school as usual and will travel to Uralla by coach. We hope your daughters enjoy the end of year activities. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the school.
End of Year Activities in the Senior School WEEK 8
Tuesday 11 December
Monday 3 - Friday 7 December
• Final Assembly (Senior School Students) • Class Parties and Clean-up (Years 7 - 11) • Speech Day Rehearsal - Prize winners and performance group 2:00pm - 2:30pm • Guild Drama Rehearsal • Service of Nine Lessons and Carols 6:00pm - Senior School Choir to arrive at the Catholic Cathedral at 5:15pm. All other students to arrive at 5:45pm.
• Senior School Life Saving (Year 6 - Year 11) • Senior School Social Service (Year 6 - Year 10) • Intensive Study Session (Year 11) • Guild Drama Rehearsal (K - Year 11).
WEEK 9 Monday 10 December
• Senior School Life Saving • Intensive Study Session (Year 11) • Carols rehearsal and Pastoral Care Class Activities • Junior School Swimming Social Service group (Year 10 Students) • Guild Drama Rehearsal • Senior Choir Rehearsal at the Catholic Cathedral 3.30pm - 5pm.
Wednesday 12 December
• Years 7 - 11 students arrive at PLC Armidale at 8.45am • Speech Day commences at 9.00am • Morning Tea for Guests and Students provided in the Rose Garden (Years 7 - 11) • Guild Drama Rehearsal. Thursday 13 December
• Guild Drama Rehearsal • Guild Drama commences at 12.15pm.
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Fiona Wake, Head of Junior School
Spring has well and truly arrived with the birds, butterflies, bees and all alike busy with the excitement of another season and a time of opportunity. PLC Armidale students are alike, wrapping up another year of learning, displaying their progress over the last 12 months through assessment, interviews and observations, all creating a snap shot of each individual as learners. As I reflect back on another year past, I find myself already setting goals for the Junior School for 2019 in alignment with a Strategic Improvement Journey devised by our College and in the best interest of our students. Teaching and Learning an ongoing focus, pastoral care always embedded and plans to further develop our Global Garden, Junior School grounds a priority. 2019 will also see the implementation of an Integrated Project Based Learning Model, with greater details to be communicated shortly. As the pace is notably fastening and we still have three weeks of formal learning and then two weeks of activities and community service, I encourage you to touch base with your daughter’s teacher to discuss her learning or any concerns you may have.
Student Friendship Program and 8 Keys to End Bullying The programs 8 Keys to End Bullying and Girl Drama and Friendship Therapy, have commenced this week with students addressing Key Principal 3 `STOP Bullying whenever you see it’. The content of this topic teaches students that WORDS MATTER, and the tone of your voice can affect how other people feel. The future will see students undertaking the Friendship Survey again so we can identify if the program is achieving success. I look forward to sharing our findings and relating back to you
identified progress points and areas requiring continued focus.
In-house Concert Success The In-house concert last Wednesday was a huge success. Regrettably I was unable to attend this concert, however I received footage of some of the performances and was informed of the high standard and confidence the students were developing as little performers. I greatly thank Mr Matthew Minter, Mr Sam Jacometti, Mrs Millie Graham, Mrs Emma Young and the numerous Peripatetic Teachers who are working and organising our students, and of course parents who encourage, support and navigate this commitment on a continual basis. It is such a pleasure providing students with the opportunity to perform for a real audience in a safe and familiar environment.
JUNIOR SCHOOL
Junior School News
Wrapping Up Term 4 - Your Feedback is Welcomed and Important! I would like to invite Parents/Carers to make a time to see me if you would like to discuss any matter that is concerning or if you have an idea of an activity/event or change that you can see would be beneficial to our Junior School. I hold a strong sense of belonging and loyalty to our community, and hence I am always willing to listen and discuss your thoughts and aspirations for the Junior School that will see us continuing to gather strength, grow and succeed on so many fronts.
End of Year Activities in the Junior School WEEK 6
WEEK 9
Monday 3 - Friday 7 December
Activities Week 1
• Pre K Learn to Swim • Year 5 Uralla Gold Excursion • Year 3 Thalgarah Excursion • String Soiree
• Pre K Learn to Swim • Junior School ‘Time to Shine’ Presentation
WEEK 7
• GUILD Drama Performance
• Pre K Learn to Swim • JS Sport Afternoon Friday 30th 2:00pm
WEEK 8
Monday 10 December
• Carols at Catholic Cathedral Tuesday 11 December Thursday 13 December
• School ends Thursday 13 December Further details regarding these events will be forwarded to you when required.
Activities Week 1
• Pre K Learn to Swim • Year 6 Dinner Thursday 6th December
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SPORT
Around the Grounds Sports Report Peter Le Surf, Director of Sport
PLC Armidale Starry Night of Sport 2018 On Saturday 10 November, over 150 parents and girls gathered at the Armidale Bowling Club to celebrate the amazing achievements of the PLC Armidale girls. In light of the incredibly successful Invictus Games, recently hosted in Sydney, reference was made to the incredible links between sport and better mental and physical health.
Student Coach/s of the Year - Mackenzie Constable Acknowledges the time and effort applied by a student to develop skills of the younger members of PLC Armidale. Senior Team of the Year - PLC 1 Opens Hockey Team Recognises the most successful senior sporting team at PLC Armidale. Most Improved Team of the Year - PLC 5 Netball Team.
A British study estimated that $840 million dollars was spent on sport in 2016. In that same year $1.611 billion was spent treating physical and mental conditions from inactivity.
Junior Sports Shield - Jorja Power Acknowledges a Year 7 - 9 student’s all -round achievement and contribution to sport at PLC Armidale.
This equates to, for every $1 spent on sport, we save $1.91 on not having to treat physical and mental conditions.
Junior Team of the Year - PLC 2 Junior Rep Hockey Team Recognises the most successful sporting team in Years 7 - 9.
A very wise investment.
Years 7 - 9 Sportsmanship Award - Lucy Young Junior student who goes to training, gives their best, turns up, doesn't give any grief to the coach referee or other players and gives their all.
The Starry Night of Sport recipients of awards: Lawton Trophy - Chloe Stier Recognises a student’s dedication & consistent effort to PLC Armidale Netball. Reeve Cup - Sarah Askey Recognises a student’s dedication & consistent effort to PLC Armidale Hockey Senior Sports Shield - Mackenzie Constable Acknowledges a student all round achievement and contribution to sport at PLC Armidale. Year 7 Rookie Award - Jenna Marquardt Acknowledges a Year 7 student’s consistent performances across a wide variety of sports. Spirit in Sport - Charlotte Caldwell Acknowledges the all-round participation in a wide range of sporting areas at PLC Armidale whilst displaying a high level of sportsmanship and encouragement. Tom Award - Mia Emanuel Recognises a student’s loyalty, reliability, dependability, leadership, quiet persistence and achievement in sport at PLC Armidale.
Years 10 - 12 Sportsmanship Award - Mia Tindale Senior student who goes to training, gives their best, turns up, doesn't give any grief to the coach referee or other players and gives their all. Diebold Shield - Ella Atkin and Grace Lehman Fastest crew in Hawkesbury Canoe Classic Junior Sportsperson of the Year - Chiyo Brown Recognises the individual achievement of a student in Years 7 - 9 in or outside of the school’s pathway. Most Outstanding Achievement in Sport - Mia Emanuel Recognises the highest achievement in sport outside the Schools pathway.
Sports Captains for 2019 Also on the night, the Sports Captains for 2019 were announced and I would like to congratulate the following for taking on this role. I look forward to working with you throughout 2019. Swimming - Lilly McCook Tennis - Charlotte Caldwell
Youman Shield - Lucy Martin Acknowledges a student’s dedication and commitment to training and the encouragement and development of team spirit in swimming.
Equestrian - Mariah Pennell
Soccer - Mullen Award - Madison Mitchell Players player, acknowledges the player who made the most effort throughout the year.
Basketball - Lilly Graham
Netball - Sarah Miron Hockey - Mackenzie Constable Rugby - Larris Cleal Athletics - Gracie Martin
Service to Sport - Amanda Kennett Invaluable contribution made by a student or parent/s to sport at PLC Armidale. Supporter’s Award - Penny & Doug Lehman Recognises the interest displayed in PLC Armidale sport through attendance, support and encouragement at various sporting events.
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I would like us to think about the traditional model of doing things verses the sports model. The traditional model says that we should finish school, go to university, graduate; then go out into the world and practice on our own, trying to get better. This is what doctors, lawyers teachers etc have been doing for centuries. The sports model is that you are never done! Even the world's best players have coaching. They are the very best at what they do - however, they are still looking for improvement all the time.
Cattle Team Report Term 4 Following on from the successes the team celebrated recently at the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza, the steer carcase results have just been released:
SPORT
I would like to congratulate all the girls who participated in sports throughout 2018 and their parents and carers for getting them to all the sporting fixtures.
PLC Armidale's Hugo placed 8th on the hoof and in the on the hook results he came in at 4th place. Tim and Briony’s Harold placed 1st on the hoof and also took out 1st place on the hook with a total score of 86.95. These two steers were in the same class and did exceptionally well from a class of 16. Congratulations Tim and Briony!
Judy Miller Cattle Team Coordinator
I would like to think that we, at PLC Armidale, are using this approach when it come to everything we do. We are always looking to improve on our last performance. I would like to think that we were not scared to try new things. Sometimes they don’t go as well as we would have liked. But that doesn’t stop us from trying. If you have any feedback about sport, feel free to let me know. You can be our coach! Thanks.
Peter Le Surf Director of Sport
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MUSIC
Music Matthew Minter, Director of Music
The Junior School In House Concert was a tremendous success. It was great to see the quality of performances and variety of repertoire presented so beautifully by girls from Year 1 through to Year 6. It was lovely to have some ensembles n the program too. Well done to the newly formed clarinet ensemble led by newly appointed woodwind teacher Mr James McKay. Mr McKay has done a terrific job with this group and four girls: Lily Donaldson, Libby Ditchfield, Amelia Webb and Huna Moghaddar presented their first solo performances on the evening. Other first time performers included Aryannah Moore, Chloe Hoad, Amaal Shahid. Well done also to the Silver Strings led by Mrs Joanna Fairs Wu and Treble Makers led by Mr Phil Oxley while Mrs Dunham is on maternity leave. Thank you very much to our accompanists, Robyn Bradley and Li Ling Chen, and music teachers for your excellent work preparing the girls for their performances. Thank you also and well done to newly appointed Creative Arts Prefect, Isla Biffin, who did a superb job assisting all aspects of running the evening including planning, programming, catering and being an excellent MC.
Congratulations to all of the following girls on their exceptional solo or small group performances on the evening. Kimberley Blake, Kyanna Ping Kee, Grace Ruig, Aaliyah Howarth, Aryannah Moore, Sophia Marchant, Chloe Hoad, Amaal Shahid, Kate Loxley, Annie Keeping, Sophia Ruig, Rachel Mungall, Lola Ferguson, Harriet Minter, Willow Gully, Lily Gully, Lily Donaldson, Amelia Webb, Huna Moghaddar, Libby Ditchfield, Neve Daugherty, Flurina Dettwiler, Anais Dettwiler, Scarlett Loxley, Khushi Aila, Jiya Aila, Matilda Eisenhauer, India Smith, Abigail Thompson, Sophie Hardin, Holly Dauparas and the Treble Makers. The Senior School In House Concert was held on Wednesday 14 November. Photos and a report on that event will be presented in the next edition of Lion’s Roar.
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HUMANITIES
Alessandra Perry - La Sorbonne, France In 2018, after finishing the HSC, I traded in my green tartan and the steamy weather of the Australian summer for the snowy winter and high fashion of the city of Paris. Without a doubt it was one of the most interesting, exciting, terrifying and educational experience of my life thus far. But, above all else, its most definitely been worth it. As I sit writing in my Sorbonne University accomodation, the weather is turning cold again and in a city that has successfully stolen my heart. If I thought I had a love for the arts before I am absolutely smitten with them now. As I walk the streets of Paris I am constantly in awe of the art all around me, whether it be the architecture, the fine patisseries, the fashion, the lights or the museums, my eyes are never bored. At La Sorbonne University in Paris, I attend grammar and phonetics classes at la CCFS from Monday to Friday, usually from mid-morning until noon, with additional lectures on French History and Politics which I spend absolutely wrapped up in. My classes are conducted completely in French which I’ve managed to keep up with well. Interestingly, I have found that new concepts are easier to grasp here, in Paris, where I am immersed in French. I am currently B1 level French (that is on the DELF scale which is internationally recognised unlike the Australian HSC level). By the end of this year I will have my diploma in B2 level French language and culture.
During my stay here in Paris I have met so many wonderful people who are not only French but from all over the world (I am in fact yet to meet another Australian). They have taught me so many things about the world that no class at school ever could, I’ve come to realise how truly isolated we are in Australia and have gained such respect and a sense of importance for the necessity of learning a second language and experience first hand, on a daily basis, the doors that speaking a second language can open for you. Without Mrs Rosemary Leitch or Madame Peters this experience would not have been possible and I extend my deepest gratitude to them both. To any younger girls contemplating whether to continue on with learning a language, I would encourage you to do so without hesitation. Languages are an artform and there is so much more that comes with a language than just conjugation, but rather new friends, a new found sense of appreciation, and irreplaceable experiences.
02 6770 1700 • www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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Paula Goode, Pastoral Care Coordinator
Success, Happiness & Purpose After reading some online articles about empowering students to be successful and happy it became apparent that many students need some support to become motivated, focused, disciplined, and resilient. Successful students are not more intelligent than other students. They are just more disciplined and focused, and they’ve developed winning habits. You need to think about a sense of purpose and ask yourselves the hard questions? • What values you want to live by? • What long-term goals would be meaningful to you? • How you would like to contribute to the good of others? • What are your duties and responsibilities?
“ Study while others are sleeping; work while others are loafing; prepare while others are playing; and dream while others are wishing.” - William Arthur Ward There are people all around you who might want the same things in life you do. It’s up to you to go the distance and to do what others aren’t so you can achieve those goals first. “ Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” - Robert Collier Getting out of bed or shutting off Netflix to go to school might seem like a big effort but, if you keep working hard, you will be guaranteed success.
• What kind of person you’d like to become?
“ Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” - Malcom X
As you reflect on these aspects of your life, you will have a clearer idea about how your academic pursuits fit into the bigger picture. The road to success is built one step at a time.
Being in school prepares you for life. It will help you succeed tremendously. Keep preparing for your future!
• What relationships you would like to nurture?
Success - as a student and in life in general - is about daily choices and habits. Here are some quotes to inspire you to make wise choices, find an inner purpose and create good life routines.
PASTORAL CARE
Pastoral Care Events
“ Do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do.” - Oprah Winfrey Yes, to get a degree you have to pass all of your classes. But once you get a degree, you can do what you want to do!
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go!” - Dr. Seuss
“ Be not simply good; be good for something.” - Henry David Thoreau
Keep learning and being focussed in class. Passing your classes will give you more confidence, which will in turn help you graduate with a degree. That degree can take you so many places!
We are at school to learn new skills that will help us be something in our life. Being successful at school will help you learn those skills and will help you be good for something in the world.
“ Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try one more time.” - Thomas A. Edison
“ It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.” - Eleanor Roosevelt
Don’t give up. Try one more time (and another and another and… ).
Planning how to make your wishes and dreams come true may mean acing that exam, test or assessment. So, go do it!
02 6770 1700 • www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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POSITIVE PARENTING
insights 12 November 2018
When kids don’t play by family rules any more
Find your tribe Recently, I had a conversa2on with two parents who’s children wouldn’t cooperate with them by Kate Johnson
any more. Their kids were both thirteen and they were too old for some things such as joining the family at the dinner table, but they weren’t too old to be driven to school. They cooperated with their parents when it suited them. They resisted when it didn’t. They played by some rules and deliberately broke others.
Earlier this week, I took my son to his Paediatrician. Sitting in that room instantly brought back memories of times when the appointments were not so rosy. I can remember clearly taking him in during crisis times and getting that Both kids were the eldest in their family. They all too familiar pit in the stomach fearingthrough the unknown were both taking their and parents new for him. As we sat there, him reading an old Guinness paren2ng ground. 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.
Thirteen is a notoriously difficult age. It’s an
That firstage timeof when we entered this it felt lonely. Not theor space itself, but the magnitudebut of supporting regression. This is office, not to excuse abusive uncoopera2ve behaviour it does our child andprovide some context. 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 betweenApproaching this 2me is tricky, as parents want to maintain good rela2onships but also need our first appointment and now is that I no longer feel like I am navigating this parenting journey without support.to ensure their kids stay safe and engaged in family and school-life. Finding your tribe means connecting with others who are loving and leading their children on the Autism One way of working with children and young people who directly challenge you or the status Spectrum and who welcome your differences with open arms. It is beautifully refreshing to not be confronted with quo is to get them working for you, rather than against you. awkward looks or judgemental glances. Your tribe is the soft place to land when life gets crazy or you feel like you You can’t pick and choose are in over your head. They are a lovely place of comfort after challenging student support group meetings or difficult Many young teens like to distance themselves from their families. Not quite teenagers in the decisions. Parenting a child with special needs brings a wealth of information and resource ideas. Your real sense of the term and no longer children, they are stuck in the middle of two stages. It tribe can be a source of ideas and strategies from a lived experience. For example, they can share their therapy can be a struggle for many parents. experiences, which means you can learn from their ideas regarding who to access in your region instead of sitting on waiting lists for professionals whom you have no background on.
It’s common for kids in this age group to want to operate outside of the family. Teenagers
need to be cut some la2tude and not be expected to do the same things as they did when You might be reading this and have amazing friends, yet still battle with the differences in the parenting journey. I kids. As parents we need to make some adjustments. However expect them to come to the would encourage you to find a tribe. Be part of a community where you are heard, valued and not judged. How do party for you find a tribe? important things such as trea2ng siblings respecJully and turning up for family meal2mes.
Speak to your Assistant Principal
They can’t opt out of reasonable family obliga2ons; nor can they cooperate on their terms
Your Assistant Principal or Welfare Coordinator should have contacts with a local support service or council only. Life is full of give and take. The best place to learn this is in the rela2ve safety of a representative who will know the groups operating in your region. This is a good place to start!
loving family.
Connect Online
Co-opera@on is two way
There are so many online Facebook groups in local areas that start from a proactive parent seeing a need. Or, 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
We're a Parenting Ideas school
parentingideas.com.au/schools
POSITIVE PARENTING
Some2mes young people need to be reminded of the tenuous nature of coopera2on. One way to do this is for a parent to temporarily withdraw their assistance around ac2vi2es they value such as being driven to places; having meals cooked; even having clothes washed.
insights
If you withdraw your coopera2on in this way, make sure you do it calmly so that your young person or child doesn’t interpret it as play for power. Coopera2on is an all or nothing thing so let them experience your non-coopera2on for a 2me. Think this through very carefully. You may need to outlast your young person to make a point so do it at a 2me when you feel strong
Find your tribe by Kate Johnson ‘I can use your help’
One way of working with children and young people who directly challenge you or the status quo is to get them working for you, rather than against you. Acknowledge that they are older and that you could really use their help to look out for and aPer their siblings. Many young teens search for significance within their family so give them more responsibility rather than less so that they can feel older.
You build your skills with the outliers Earlier this week, I took my son to his Paediatrician. Sitting in that room instantly brought back memories of times The outliers in your family will always test your paren2ng skills. You may have to throw out when the appointments were not so rosy. I can remember clearly taking him in during crisis times and getting that the playbook that used to work and look for different strategies to bring these outliers in all too familiar pit in the stomach and fearing the unknown for him. As we sat there, him reading an old Guinness from the cold. 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. Whatever method you use I think it’s essen2al that you don’t allow kids to operate outside family and norms for too It becomes 2resome for the you magnitude and destruc2ve for our That firstthe time whenrules we entered this office, it feltlong. lonely. Not the space itself, but of supporting family life as well. 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 outlined many key strategies you can use to get coopera2on from children of all ages, between our first appointment and now is that I no longer feel like I am navigating this parenting journey without including testy teens, in my recent webinar – Win Kids’ Coopera2on. I think you’ll find it support.useful. The recording is s2ll available.
Finding your tribe means connecting with others who are loving and leading their children on the Autism Spectrum and who welcome your differences with open arms. It is beautifully refreshing to not be confronted with awkward looks or judgemental glances. Your tribe is the soft place to land when life gets crazy or you feel like you are in over your head. They are a lovely place of comfort after challenging student support group meetings or difficult decisions. Parenting a child with special needs brings a wealth of information and resource ideas. Your 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 on waiting lists for professionals whom you have no background on. You might be reading this and have amazing friends, yet still battle with the differences in the parenting journey. I would encourage you to find a tribe. Be part of a community where you are heard, valued and not judged. How do you findMichael Grose, founder of Paren2ng Ideas, is one of Australia’s leading paren2ng educators. a tribe?
He’s the author of 10 books for parents including Thriving! and the best-selling Why First Borns Rule the World and Last Borns Want to Change It, and his latest release Spoonfed Genera2on: How to raise independent children. Your Assistant Principal or Welfare Coordinator should have contacts with a local support service or council Speak to your Assistant Principal
representative who will know the groups operating in your region. This is a good place to start! Connect Online There are so many online Facebook groups in local areas that start from a proactive parent seeing a need. Or, 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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Operatic Recital • Alessio Nelli Hannah Fraser • Michelle Ryan our journey s have led us to you...
ARMIDALe DEC 15 7:30 PM
St Peters Cathedral Parish Centre https://www.trybooking.com/427290
WALCHA DEC 16 2:00 PM Presbyterian Church
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BUY YOUR TICKETS • In-store at Carr’s Newsagency • Online - Trybooking • (02) 67781233 • hfraser@vocistupende.com • Adults $35 • Children $20
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02 6770 1700 • www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
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Speak to…
WHO: WHEN: WHERE: COST:
Year 7 in 2018 - 23 years old 26 December 2018 - 1 January 2019
…if you are interested in coming to Camp
The Tops Conference Centre, Bendena Gardens Rd, Stanwell Tops Super Early Bird
$410 (closes 24/9)
Early Bird
$460 (closes 5/11)
Normal
$515 (closes 3/12)
Discounts
$30 for additional family members
Further subsidies available by contacting the office
TRANSPORT: TRAINING:
For families in the North, South and West of NSW there are buses being organised to transport Campers and Leaders to and from Camp. Interested in training to be a leader? Contact with us about our Summer Internship and learn to lead in all of life.
LEADERS:
Do you have a heart to serve young people? Do you enjoy community with fellow believers? Come to Camp and lead young people in following Christ. We also need people passionate about caring for younger children, skilled in sound/lighting and many other roles. Contact the office for more information.
CONTACT:
camps@pynsw.org.au or 8567 4700
02 6770 1700 • www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
TERM 4 - 16 NOVEMBER 2018 - VOL 311 • 17
R E PA S T
Copies of are available to purchase from the administration office or from the following regional businesses. ARMIDALE
Office Express Foodie Bliss Reader's Companion Collins Booksellers House Worx New England Collective
TAMWORTH Collins Booksellers Lemon House
GUNNEDAH/ NARRABRI Marval Designs
GUYRA
TENTERFIELD
Brisk Trading
The Corner - Life and Style
INVERELL The Dust Jacket
URALLA
Northern Tablelands Property
The perfect gift
CHRISTMAS, BIRTHDAYS, MOTHERS' DAY, ANNIVERSARIES or HOUSEWARMING
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
TERM 4 - 16 NOVEMBER 2018 - VOL 311 • 18