lion’s roar Educating successful women of tomorrow in a Christian Environment
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL Mrs Nicola Taylor Principal Professor John Hattie is a name many educators are familiar with. Author of Visible Learning and the Director of the Melbourne Education Research Institute, Hattie has curated and collated research about effective teaching and student learning over many years. Hattie has identified, feedback as an essential aspect of student improvement. Feedback lets students know how they are going but also gives information about how they can improve. Practice is essential for learning, as practice leads to repeated action which reinforces the behaviour. However, if the action or behaviour could be improved, practice alone may not be enough. Feedback not only lets students know how they are going and areas to improve, but provided in an appropriate and timely manner can have a far greater impact than may be envisaged. In classrooms on a daily basis, class teachers provide feedback to students. Feedback is also provided by peers, music tutors and sports coaches all with a focus on continual improvement by making students aware of something they otherwise may not have known or foreseen. Feedback is said to be the ‘breakfast of champions’! At PLC Armidale, feedback isn’t something only for students, it is relevant and applicable all. As for the girls, the manner and mode of feedback is key to ensuring the message is objective and not personal, focused on the action or aspect which may not be hitting the mark or which has scope for improvement. In any organisation there will be multiple perspectives and varying areas of interest some more relevant to one group than another. Again, this is where feedback is useful, it may provide an insight or reflection not previously considered or appreciated. The College website has a section designed to capture feedback, under the Current Families tab. Compliments, concerns and complaints can be provided online, which when received are forwarded to the Executive for consideration and a response. Utilising this mode of feedback is often more effective than an email to a single member of staff and a lot more helpful than discussions in places where little positive gain or improvement can arise. (See link below) Whilst we all enjoy compliments, as these can help strengthen actions or experiences, the concerns raised and complaints lodged each provide valuable feedback which may lead to positive change and improvement for all. Sometimes immediately, for other aspects it may be more gradual and over time. To conclude with a quote from John Hattie… “The simplest prescription for improving education must be dollops of feedback!” http://www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au/current-families/compliments--concerns-complaints/compliments-concerns-complaints-form
UPCOMING EVENTS MARCH 2019 EVENT
DATE
NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST BULLYING & VIOLENCE
15/03/19
CAMPUS TO CITY CANTER
16/03/19
NEW ENGLAND FESTIVAL PARADE
16/03/19
2019 EUROPEAN STUDY TOUR INFORMATION EVENING
18/03/19
BOARDERS’ CHAPEL
18/03/19
2019 THAILAND INFORMATION EVENING
20/03/19
IGSSA SWIMMING
21/03 - 22/03/19
WALCHA SHOW
22/03 - 23/03/19
BOARDERS’ CHURCH SERVICE AT ST MARK’S
24/03/19
BOARDERS’ CHAPEL
25/03/19
TILDESLEY TENNIS TOURNAMENT
26/03 - 29/03/19
JUNIOR SCHOOL PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS
26/03 - 27/03/19
OGU EVENT - AFTERNOON TEA
31/03/19
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PLC ARMIDALE NEWS Mrs Shona Eichorn Director of Development 2018 Ad Astra - Our Annual Publication The 2018 Ad Astra publication is currently at the printers and we expect to take delivery of it in the final week of term. Once received, it will be distributed to the eldest child in each family. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
STORIES TO TELL? PHOTOS TO SHARE? Our students are involved in so many activities both in and out of school hours and we do our absolute very best to keep on top of all the information we receive, and then promote. Should you have a news or a photo to share, please send directly to development@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au (until further notice). Please also appreciate that not every single photo which is submitted will be used. Shona Eichorn • Director of Development development@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
Sally McCook • Enrolments Manager enrolments@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
Amy Chiu • Pathways Administrator achiu@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
Student Absence or Exemption from Attendance 2019 Under the NSW Education Act, school attendance is compulsory until the age of 17. As a school, we have a Duty of Care responsibility to see that students enrolled at the College are in a regular pattern of attendance unless there are special circumstances making this difficult. To streamline our process of notifying the College when a student is absent, parents are asked to bookmark and use the online forms found on the College website:http://www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au/current-families/notification-of-absence If permission is being sought for a period of absence longer than five consecutive school days duration a separate form is to be used, also found on the College website:http://www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au/current-families/request-for-leave These online forms are received by our receptionists in the Junior and Senior school with our attendance records on Edumate adjusted accordingly. Parents are asked to use these forms to ensure that notification of absence, or requests for exemption from attendance are actioned promptly.
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SENIOR SCHOOL Mrs Anna Caldwell Head of Senior School As the end of term fast approaches, it is good to pause and reflect on what we have already achieved. There have been so many positive and engaging classes, activities and events, and thrown into this mix, lots of fun. We have had many strong sporting results, interesting and humorous assemblies, excursions and music days and Year groups have started their social service activities. Last week students in Years 7 and 8 participated in their first Flourish Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Incursion, where they learnt about and demonstrated resilience, determination, energy and humour, humility, integrity, respect and self discipline – what PLC Armidale is all about!
The New England Festival This coming weekend is the New England Festival and we will have a large PLC Armidale team participating in the Campus to City Fun Run which starts at 8am at Sport UNE. All girls are to wear their school PE/ sports uniform please. We are also taking part in the Parade. All students are to wear their full summer uniform including their blazer and hats. If the weather is cold then the girls can wear their school jumper under their blazer. All students are to meet outside TAFE on Beardy street at 12.15pm and can be collected at the Swimming pool car park around 1pm.
Week 10 Excursions and Outdoor Ed@PLCArmidale With just two weeks to go until excursion and camp week, excitement is definitely building. Thank you to those of you who have returned all the permission, B Risk Warning and medical forms and ensured that your daughters have all that they need for their time away on excursion/camp. If you have not yet done this, please do so at your earliest possible convenience.
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award@PLCArmidale Our new ‘Bronzes’ have now completed their training and are ready for their practice adventurous journey at Camp Somerset in Week 10. Their Qualifying expedition will be held over the Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend in June.
60kms for 60 Years A Silver/Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award Program Adventurous Journey will be held from 13 - 16 April in the Dorrigo and New England National Parks. There is a sign up sheet on the Duke of Edinburgh Notice Board in Senior School. This will be 60kms in length, to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Award in Australia.
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SENIOR SCHOOL
LET’S DANCE
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Mrs Anna Caldwell Head of Senior School
PLC ARMIDALE DANCE ENSEMBLE
Digital Distractions
PLC Armidale is looking at starting up a Dance Ensemble for the Senior School! We will meet during lunchtimes in the week. Dance experience preferred, but not essential. If you are interested in coming along, please come to Room 1 on Wednesday 20 March, Lunch 2 to register your interest. If you have any queries or questions, please do not hesitate to email me at jwysel@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
In our last edition of the Lion’s Roar, I discussed mobile phones and reiterated our rules and expectations around their usage at school and explained why we are not allowing them to be used during the day at school. I have since had several really interesting conversations with students and parents about their rules surrounding devices at home too. It is pleasing to hear that a number of parents are not allowing devices in bedrooms, ensuring there is no screen time for at least an hour before bed, are setting up overnight charging stations in the kitchen or study, and are collecting all devices at set times, just like we do in the boarding house.
We will commence classes in a couple of weeks. I look forward to seeing many of you at Wednesday lunch next week!!
Some parents have installed apps that control the times that their children are allowed to be on social media, that control what they are able to watch and download and also monitor their internet activity. Other great ideas included device free time at home on weekends, which creates more family time. No mobile phones allowed at the dinner table and the introduction of regular games nights, where the family plays board games or card games together. It is so important to be a good role model yourself, so if we ask for no phones at the dinner table, that includes us too. We have to lead by example. Please remember that you if you need to get a message to your daughter, that you are to email or phone reception and a message will be relayed to your daughter. Please do not send her messages to her mobile phone during the day.
HIGHLANDS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING CHALLENGE 2019 The Science and Engineering Challenge (SEC) is a nationwide STEM* outreach program presented by the University of Newcastle in partnership with UNE, communities, Rotary clubs and sponsors. Through the SEC, students experience aspects of science and engineering which they would not usually see in their school environment. PLC Armidale received 6th place overall and performed admirably in the ultimate bridge test.
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JUNIOR SCHOOL Mrs Fiona Wake Head of Junior School Welcome to Week 7. This week the Junior School is addressing perseverance as a Character Strength. So, what does it mean to persevere and how does this relate to teaching and learning? Perseverance is persisting when challenged or completing what one starts. I believe it is closely related to good old-fashioned GRIT! I view grit as my passion for something I wish to do or achieve and my long-term persistence and drive to achieve it. This connects in nicely with the learning goals our students are setting across many areas of learning and the goals staff are working towards in alignment with our College’s Strategic Direction.
Reflective Quotes Giving up is easy, finishing a goal is hard. As motivational speaker Ross Perot says, “ Most people give up just when they’re about to achieve success. They quit on the one-yard line. They give up at the last minute of the game one foot from a winning touchdown.”
A Success Lesson: If you fail, learn from it and keep moving forward. Failure isn’t meant to be a reason to stop it’s to show you a way that didn’t work. As Tony Robbins said, “Don’t change the goal, change the approach.”
A Success Story: Walt Disney While everyone knows the iconic brand of Disney, the story of how Walt Disney created the empire is very inspiring. As a young man, Walt Disney was fired from a local newspaper as his boss thought he lacked creativity. After a failed animation company went under, he was barely able to pay his bills and even ate dog food to survive. With his last few dollars, Walt Disney made his way to Hollywood to try and make it big. Unfortunately, his early time in Hollywood was just as bad. He was told Mickey Mouse would fail, faced constant rejection and seemed destined to never succeed. But Walt persisted and went on to grow the company with amusement parks, feature films, and is known as a cultural icon.
School Camps - Save the Date! Our Stage 2 and Stage 3 girls are getting excited about their up and coming school camps. The Year 3 - 6 classes will be travelling to Coffs Harbour on Monday 1 April to Wednesday 3 April. Camps provide opportunities for students to improve their social skills, interact with each other in different settings and different environments. They also help students develop skills needed to help them grow in understanding of who they are and what they are capable of.
Show Success I would like to congratulate our Pre K Staff and students for their effort and their reach into the Community to enter artwork, produce and a sculpture into the Armidale Show last weekend. They received many ribbons of varying colours; Take a look at the photos included here. Congratulations to Annabelle Mills. Annabelle won and placed in sections across the Open, Under 18 and Under 12 sections and was the Grand Champion for Under 12’s Photography at the Armidale show.
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JUNIOR SCHOOL
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FEATURE CLASS: YEAR 2 Quest for Knowledge and Understanding Year 2 students have been establishing a classroom culture of thinking. Through wondering and asking many questions they have made some great discoveries, enabling them to make connections with what they already know and consider different points of view. Year 2 has enjoyed many opportunities to investigate, interpret and explain their theories. We include many moments throughout our day to talk together, reflect and share. Have you ever wondered ‘Why Glass Gem corn is colourful?’, ‘How to track the sun?’ or ‘What diurnal means?’ Year 2 has made some exciting discoveries after formulating researchable questions for their investigations. Come take a look at our many current wonderings on display in our classroom. Questions play an important role in the learning process, resulting in meaningful learning, scientific inquiry and ultimately higherorder thinking. We are really looking forward to engaging in project-based learning in Term 2 where many more questions will be posed, formulated and investigated.
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SPORTS REPORT AROUND THE GROUNDS Mr Peter Le Surf Director of Sport Summer sports are coming to a close and winter sports are starting to get prepared. Indoor hockey semi finals will be played this week and then finals the following week. Our representative girls, across many sports, are gearing up for trials and competition.
Representative Team Trials This week saw the running of the representative team trials for our teams that will compete in the IGSSA competition in Sydney, later in the year. Lots of girls attended the trials and unfortunately there are limited places in each team. With any trials, it can sometimes be tough on girls who missed out on selection. It is at this time that girls can use the disappointment of non-selection to motivate them to work harder to improve for consideration next time.
Campus to City Canter This event is to be held on Saturday March 16. It is a 5km run, jog or walk from UNE into town, along the bike track. There is a sign up sheet on the sports noticeboard for anyone interested.
Representative Swimming Team The PLC Armidale Swimming Team will be heading to Sydney next week on 21 March to compete in the IGSSA Swimming Carnival. This is a very tough swimming meet, however our girls always seem to perform well on the big stage! We wish them every success.
Representative Tennis Team The PLC Armidale Tennis Team will leave for Sydney on Tuesday 26 March to compete in the Tildesley Shield. This is a tournament that has a long history. Tildesley Tennis has been running for over 100 years. Our Tennis squad has been training twice a week since last year and the girls are very confident that they will be able to perform well at this event. We would like to wish them all the very best.
Parents needed! If there are any parents wishing to get involved in managing a sporting team, please let me know. This is not a coaching role. It is just having someone on the sidelines each week, assisting the coach with the management of the team. It could involve jobs such as scoring or just making sure everyone has all the correct equipment. If this sounds like something that you would enjoy doing, please email me, plesurf@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au I look forward to catching up with everyone on the sideline.
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JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORT Mrs Lucy Donaldson Junior School Sport Coordinator It’s time to start thinking about Winter sport choices! Netball and hockey sign up sheets are on the Junior School Sports Noticeboard. Both of these team sports are available for Kindergarten to Year 6 students and further information will be emailed out. If you are a parent who might be keen to help out with coaching or being a team manager, please email ldonaldson@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au There is a lot going on with sport in the Junior School, so if you are unsure of anything or require any further information please don’t hesitate to ask.
PSSA Swimming Further to last editions wrap up, congratulations to the following girls for placing in the top 8 in their events: Lola Ferguson 8 Years 50m freestyle - 4th Kate Loxley 9 Years 50m freestyle - 1st, Junior 50m Breaststroke - 5th, Junior 200 IM - 2nd, Junior 50m backstroke - 4th, Junior 50m butterfly - 3rd Lily Donaldson 9 Years 50m freestyle - 7th Ruby Broun 12 Years 50m freestyle, Senior 50m Breaststroke - 6th, Senior 50m backstroke - 8th, Senior 50m butterfly - 5th India Smith 11 Years 50m breaststroke - 4th, Senior 200 IM - 8th Sophie Bailey 11 Years 50m breaststroke - 8th Amelie van der Werf Senior 50m Breaststroke - 7th, Senior 50m backstroke - 7th Natashia Barton 11 Years 50m backstroke - 5th Meg Earle Junior 50m butterfly - 7th Junior Girls Relay (Kate Loxley, Lily Donaldson, Meg Earle and Lola Ferguson) - 4th Senior Girls Relay (Ruby Broun, Amelie van der Werf, Natashia Barton and Sophie Bailey) - 6th
IPSHA Swimming On Monday 4th March, 11 of our Junior School girls travelled to Sydney as a team to compete in the IPSHA Swimming Carnival at SOPAC. For many, it was their first time competing at this level and the last for our Year 6 girls. It is such a fabulous experience not only to swim in the Sydney 2000 Olympic pool, but to come up against some of the best independent schools in NSW. Considering our size, our girls’ certainly held their own and all swam fabulously. Many swam personal best times and lots of heat ribbons were won. When asked about the highlights of the trip, some of the responses were: • Having our own tv in our room • Watching MKR! • We had our own toilet on the bus! • Having the opportunity to travel to Sydney as a team and stay all together Well done to all the swimming team on an excellent trip and such a positive display of sportsmanship. A special thank you to Sarah Yassine (Lola’s mum) for accompanying the team with myself to Sydney and to all the wonderful parents and grandparents who were able to join us on the day and cheer along the PLC Armidale girls.
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JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORT Mrs Lucy Donaldson Junior School Sport Coordinator IPSHA Cross Country Trials@ PLC A large amount of our girls showed interest in trialing for the IPSHA cross country competition which is to be held in Sydney on Saturday 6th April. Trials were held on Friday with 8-10 years running 2km and 11-12 years running 3km. Well done girls on some fast paced races and good luck to those who will proceed to Sydney.
ADNA U11’s Representative Team Congratulations to Sophie Young who has been selected in the U11’s ADNA representative team. Well done Sophie and good luck with your upcoming carnivals. Sophie is one of many of our Junior School girls who have gained selection in an ADNA representative team this year.
Coming up this Term Indoor Hockey: S emi Finals Friday 15 March Grand Finals Friday 22 March IPSHA Cross Country Saturday 6 April School Cross Country Thursday 11 April
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CATTLE TEAM REPORT Ms Judy Miller Cattle Team Coordinator Armidale Show It was a very busy two days for the girls competing at the Armidale Show on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 March 2019. There were some new judging categories introduced this year including Fruit and Vegetables and Crops as well as the regular cattle, stock horse, fleece and sheep judging. The results below speak for themselves. JUDGING: Intermediate Fruit and Veg - Meg Kealey 5th place Junior Sheep Judging - Madison Mitchell 4th place Intermediate Stock Horse Judging - Lucy Crowley 2nd place Intermediate Cattle Judging - Meg Kealey 2nd place PARADERS: Junior Paraders Heat 1 - Liberty Cook 3rd place Intermediate Paraders - Paris Whibley 3rd place FOO2 Zone Beef Paraders Finals - Paris Whibley was selected to compete at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in April. The PLC Armidale team of three - Paris Whibley, Lucy Crowley and Laura Hayes won the Schools Competition. This was a fabulous achievement considering the initial scoring indicated a three-way tie with two other schools.
Inverell Show PLC Armidale had two outstanding days on 1 and 2 March at the 2019 Inverell Show, with the team taking out a number of major awards. The results were as follows: FRIDAY SCHOOL’S SPECTACULAR COMPETITION: PLC Armidale took home Champion School Team. Five schools entered the competition with PLC Armidale winning with a total 41 points. HEIFER FITTING CHALLENGE: Paris Whibley 1st. Laura Hayes 2nd INTERVIEW QUESTIONS: PLC Armidale team 2nd. PARADERS COMPETITION: Meg Kealey took out Reserve Champion Parader. Laura Hayes, Meg Kealey, Liberty Cook - 1st place in their age groups Paris Whibley, Madison Mitchell - 2nd in age groups Lucy Crowley - 5th place in age group SATURDAY STUD CATTLE CLASSES: Grand Champion Simmental exhibit Reserve Champion Red Poll male Reserve Champion Red Poll female.
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MUSIC Mr Matthew Minter Director of Music Last week on Wednesday 6 March, the Stage 5 Elective Music Class attended the NECOM Year Nine and Ten Music Day. As usual NECOM organised a very exciting and educational program. Highlights of the day included choral workshops run by renowned Australian composer Luke Byrne, Sessions on African drumming and ukulele performance group composition tasks and a wonderfully lively dance workshop run by our very own Mrs Wysel. On Thursday and Friday last week, the Year 11 and 12 Music students attended the HSC music days at NECOM. The two days of the Year 11 and 12 Music Days include comprehensive workshops, masterclasses and lectures on all aspects of the syllabus including performance, composition, aural and musicology presented by leading educators, acclaimed Australian composer Luke Byrne, author of the major Music 1 Text book, Helene Gallettis, and two leading music educators from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music who are both senior markers. This was an excellent opportunity for the girls, especially the individual workshops that were provided for Year 12 students to assist them with their major works in performance musicology and composition.
IN HOUSE CONCERT The Term 1 In House concert was held on the evening of Wednesday 13 March. It takes a tremendous confidence, focus, motivation and commitment to prepare and present a solo musical performance or a musical duet, and the 22 girls from Year 1 to Year 12 who stepped onto the stage on Wednesday evening are to be sincerely commended on their achievements. Fine performances as we heard on Wednesday are the results of weeks, months and years of diligent practice, and tremendous support from a network of teachers, parents and other mentors. I was very proud of all of the girls and wish them all the very best in their preparation for the Eisteddfod. I would also like to sincerely thank Jim Dauparas for his generous help with the preparation of the catering and Isla Biffin, Elinor Warwick, Xinyue Li, Holly Dauparas, Teya Catterall and India Smith for their assistance with the running of the evening. I would also like to thank accompanists Robyn Bradley and Li Ling Chen. Congratulations to all of the following girls performed on Wednesday. Rebecca Sung, Chiyo Brown, Holly Dauparas, Emma Dauparas, Jennifer Sung, Isabelle Douglas, Kimberley Blake, Anais Dettwiler, Harriet Minter, Charlotte Thomas, Anviti Sinha, Abigail Thompson, Emily Thompson, Kaylee Swick, Khushi Aila, Jiya Aila, Teya Catterall, Scarlett Loxley, Xinyue Li, Maddie George, India Smithand Elinor Warwick.
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PATHWAYS Mrs Rebecca Eastment Pathways Teacher Mrs Eastment, Mr Davidson and Mrs Eichorn accompanied many of our Pathways and international students to the annual Civic Welcome at Armidale’s Town Hall, hosted by the Mayor and Armidale Regional Council last week. The girls enjoyed the opportunity to meet with other international students at UNE and schools in our community over a delicious Afternoon Tea, as well as receive a certificate and book, and a photo with the Mayor. Welcome girls! Homestays needed for April holidays - please see Community on page 20 for more details.
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PASTORAL CARE Paula Goode Pastoral Care Coordinator This year the Senior School Pastoral Care structure has been modified to suit each Stage or Year cohort’s individual needs and to be more efficient as the demand on time becomes more valuable. The Pastoral Care schedule is includes three 20 minute sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings each week, with Years 7 and 8 to have a special event held once a term for that Stage or Year cohort. Years 9 to 12 have the same Pastoral Care sessions mid-week mornings and a timetabled 45 minute lesson per cycle, with other events being scheduled during each term. Years 7 and 8 students participated in the first Stage 4 Wellbeing Day on March 7th which focused on building positive relationships, coping with change, taking on challenges and empowerment. The event was led by the Pastoral Care Leadership Team - Mrs Caldwell, Mrs Goode, Miss Leahy, and the Patrons of Years 7 and 8 Miss Hourigan and Miss Roe. The catch cry of the day was ‘3, 2, 1 RAW’ (Roar! – Addie Astra even made an appearance) with each of the sessions applying the 3, 2, 1 RAW acronym:
R - Resilience
I can. How to activate coping skills and possibilities of personal growth.
R - Relationships
I care. How to establish & maintain positive relationships, where to seek help.
R - Reflection
I see. Identifying emotions, self-awareness, good decision making.
A - Achievement
SMART goals, organisation, time management and study skills.
A - Acknowledgement
A Kindness Ninja challenge to appreciate acts of kindness and gratitude.
W - Wellbeing
Benefits of mindfulness activities.
Other sessions were integrated into to schedule to bring attention to the positive and negative influence and impact of Social Media and use of various computer devices including phones. An encounter with buckets of Lego as part of a Team Building challenge to emphasise co-operation and the importance of communication skills. Active Brain-Breaks for stress relief and focus and understanding the College’s Core Values with a poster challenge to spotlight the character strengths and qualities of: • Humility • Integrity • Respect • Self-Discipline Another Stage 4 Wellbeing event is currently being planned for Term 2 Week 5, with anticipation for another to be held mid Term 3. The school Psychologist Penny Kempton will be assisting Patrons and Specialists in some Pastoral Care sessions covering topics deemed appropriate and timely, as well as conducting training forums for both Patron and Specialist staff on understanding the adolescent brain, dealing with teenage issues and the significance of one supportive adult in the school environment. Planning is underway for a 3-day Study Skills Incursion for Year 11 later this term (more information to come), and Year 12 have timetabled Careers sessions with Mrs Dare, who has already organised the girls to attend events such as a Defence Force Recruiting Careers Presentation and a visit to the University Roadshow held at The Armidale Secondary College.
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coaching a child about how he or she may approach a situation. your Suggest that he or she looks for someone they Mothering daughter 4th March 2019 know, and wait for a lull in the game before asking. Social scripting involves timing, not just the words to use. 3. Telling a sibling to stop annoying them “Jessica, please stop flicking the ruler while I’m watching TV. I find it annoying.” This may work. If not, this child could try, “Jessica, could you flick your rule elsewhere.” It may work. It may not. But it’s infinitely better than yelling, “Jessica, DDDOOOONNNN’TTTT!!!!” 4. Saying No to a friend without losing face Research shows that many teenagers struggle with peer pressure because they don’t know how to say NO in a way that maintains their status. One strategy is to use an excuse rather than say give an outright NO. “I don’t want to drink tonight because I’ve got football training in the morning.” 5. Expressing their emotions Both genders can struggle to express their feelings, particularly if they haven’t been taught the words to use at home. Recently, I saw a mother prompt her three year old when he was clearly annoyed. “Are you frustrated Maxie?” “Yes, I fusttated!!” “Would you like a hug? “Yessss!”-
You’re never too young or too old to be hugged. Just as you’re never toothyoung or too old to receive a social script In recogni4on of Interna4onal Women’s Day last Friday (8 March), Paren4ng Ideas expert from a well-meaning parent or friend. contributor Sharon WiI shares eight strategies to strengthen the mother-daughter bond.
The bond between mother and daughter is truly unique and has far reaching effects on the development and socialisa4on of girls throughout their life4me. Increasing the emo4onal connec4on Michael Grose between mothers and daughters can foster mutual support. Here are some ideas to help you be an Michael Grose, founder of Parenting Ideas, is one of Australia’s leading parenting effec4ve mother for your daughter. educators. He’s the author of 10 books for parents including Thriving! and the bestKnow your impact selling Why First Borns Rule the World and Last Borns Want to Change It, and his latest Mothers are a powerful influence. The way a mother acts in front of her daughter largely influences release Spoonfed Generation: How to raise independent children. her daughter’s behaviour. When a mother can model how to feel pride, take pleasure in her accomplishments, feel a sense of competence and hold a posi4ve self-image she is empowering her daughter in infinite ways. Be okay with saying no Saying no benefits both of you. Daughters, like sons, feel safer with boundaries. Boundaries are essen4al to keeping her safe emo4onally and physically. Daughters will oVen push the boundaries and pester their mothers to give in to them. When you stand firm, you teach your daughter that firmness is a strength worth adop4ng. Your firmness gives her permission to say no when they are put under pressure to conform by peers and in their early rela4onships.
Tune in
parentingideas.com.au/schools
We're a Parenting Ideas school
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Seize the opportunity to take in the full presence of your daughter when you can. No4ce what she is like. No4ce her and openly endorse her likes, dislikes and opinions. You do not need to agree with but you how can validate which demonstrates to be her coachingthem, a child about he or shethem, may approach a situation.respect Suggestand thatgives he orher shepermission looks for someone they own person. know, and wait for a lull in the game before asking. Social scripting involves timing, not just the words to use. 3. Telling a sibling to stop annoying them Invite asser8on Do not stop girls from becoming angry but coach them on the skills she needs to work through “Jessica, please stop flicking the ruler while I’m watching TV. I find it annoying.” This may work. If not, this child strong emo4ons effec4vely. She must have the opportunity to sit in the experience of those could try, “Jessica, could you flick your rule elsewhere.” It may work. It may not. But it’s infinitely better than emo4ons, learn to cope with them and navigate her way through them. yelling, “Jessica, DDDOOOONNNN’TTTT!!!!” Show her that it’s okay to express a full range of emo4ons. Emo4ons are an incredibly powerful tool, and we need to teach daughters that when they feel angry or upset, it’s a signal that something is 4. Saying No to a friend without losing face important and that it should be expressed. Research shows that many teenagers struggle with peer pressure because they don’t know how to say NO in a way Be confident that maintains their status. One strategy is to use an excuse rather than say give an outright NO. “I don’t want to Have confidence in your mothering abili4es. Your mother’s ins4nct will tell you how to parent your drink tonight because I’ve got football training in the morning.” daughter well and how to raise her so that she becomes herself. This intui4on will guide you in se[ng limits knowing if, and when, she needs help. Regardless of what girls may tell their 5. Expressing their and emotions mothers, they want them to be central in their lives. Both genders can struggle to express their feelings, particularly if they haven’t been taught the words to use at home. Recently, I saw a mother prompt her three year old when he was clearly annoyed. Expand her defini8on of beauty Mothers need to be a part of the beauty conversa4on with daughters. Don’t leave it to the media or “Are youpopular culture to be educa4ng her on what beauty is. Model and teach her that beauty comes from frustrated Maxie?” the inside. It is a quality that glows out. The more you are able to do that for yourself, the greater she “Yes, I fusttated!!” is going to be able to do it for herself. Help her find her passion “Would you like a hug? Encourage her to try a variety of ac4vi4es so that she can discover her passions in early to mid“Yessss!”adolescence. Some girls take longer than others to find their passions. Think of these girls as hummingbirds – they are driven by curiosity. Once a girl finds her passion, she is able to use that as You’re never too young or too old to be hugged. Just as you’re never too young or too old to receive a social script her mo4vator to develop her skills. from a well-meaning parent or friend. Fracture the good girl image Allow your daughter to make mistakes, it is one of the best ways to build her confidence. Avoiding failure only sets up a vicious cycle that says “you must be perfect”. Give her the permission to Michael Grose struggle so that she can let the hard 4mes make her stronger, and understand that she can get through challenges that occur to her. This is a valuable lesson that kids learn from their same gender Michael Grose, founder of Parenting Ideas, is one of Australia’s leading parenting parent. educators. He’s the author of 10 books for parents including Thriving! and the bestselling Why First Borns Rule the World and Last Borns Want to Change It, and his latest Gender iden4ty is on a con4nuum – girls grow up to be women and women were once girls. Some release Spoonfed Generation: How to raise independent children. argue that adult women struggle with the same things as younger girls, just in a different context.
This may afford great empathy or it may be a great interference to problem solving if mothers are s4ll working it out for themselves. Sharon WiI has been immersed in teen world for over two decades in her role as a Secondary teacher, Author and Presenter. Sharon is one of Australia’s leading book authors for young people. She has wriIen 15 books for young people to help guide them through many of the issues they face in early years and help them develop key strategies in building resilience and was also a valued contributor to our Paren4ng Girls online course. www.sharonwiI.com.au
parentingideas.com.au/schools
We're a Parenting Ideas school
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P&F ASSOCIATION After the excitement of such a successful Community Open Day, the P&F have moved their attention to other events coming up at the College. The main event in the pipeline is the Autumn Ball which is being held at the school on Saturday 11 May. The committee is working very hard to ensure that this is an event to be remembered. The night will be a combination of fine dining, excellent local music and another wonderful opportunity to continue to build the PLC Armidale Community. Tickets will go on sale this week so start talking to friends and organise a table. If you are new to the PLC Armidale Community, you can contact your Year Group Liaison Parent about possible class tables. Tickets will be $100 with an early bird price of $90 for the first 100 people to book. Don’t miss out on a night that we hope will become a regular event for the PLC Armidale P&F Association.
Your PLC Armidale P&F Executive Co-Presidents: David Dettwiler & Jules Ditchfield Secretary: Tracy Wright Treasurer: Liz Cotterell
Date for the diary • Thursday 11 April PLC Armidale Cross Country Carnival • Saturday 11 May PLC Armidale P&F Association Autumn Ball Please contact us with any suggestions or queries throughout the year via email pandf@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au We look forward to working with all the families to continue to strengthen the College community.
OLD GIRLS’ UNION AFTERNOON TEA PLC Armidale Old Girls’ Union is hosting an Afternoon Tea / Drinks event for all PLC Armidale Old Girls on Sunday 31 March from 2pm - 4pm at the home of OGU President, Kathie Marquardt. Please pass this on to any PLC Armidale Old Girls you may know. All RSVPS are to go to kathie@marquardtconstructions.com.au
PLC ARMIDALE FOUNDATION The PLC Armidale Foundation will conduct its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday 10 April from 5.30pm in the PLC Armidale Hospitality Kitchen Classroom in the Senior School. A report on Foundation activities will be presented together with the election of officer bearers. All members welcome. For more details, please contact PLC Armidale Foundation Chair, Mrs Deborah Martin on foundation@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au or contact Director of Development, Mrs Shona Eichorn on development@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au or phone PLC Armidale on 6770 1700
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PLC Armidale P&F Association is pleased to announce our premier black-tie event
– to be held on the evening of –
Saturday 11th May 2019 The evening will be a night of fine dining and dancing Venue: PLC Astra Arts Centre Catering: Pronto Entertainment: The Gravy Guest Speaker: Brooke Alexander
Tickets: $100 each Earlybird: $90 each (First 100 tickets) www.trybooking.com/BBJEK
For further information email pandf@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au Lucky prizes will be announced throughout the evening
All proceeds go towards valuable education resources for the college.
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POSITIONS VACANT
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COMMUNITY The Aboriginal Culture Centre and Keeping Place (ACCKP) is once again running a Holiday Program for primary school children from Monday 15th April to Friday 19th April. The program will run from 9.00am to 12 noon. This program is open to all children of primary school age. The theme for the April Holiday Program is “Easter”. Children will have the opportunity to learn and carry out activities surrounding this theme. The cost for the morning tea, supervision, materials and activities will be covered by the ACCKP. This holiday program is being funded by the Department of Education. Please pick up and complete a registration form from the ACCKP by the 8th April 2019 to ensure your child/children’s place is confirmed.
HOME STAYS NEEDED! Dear PLC Community, Some of our international students are in need of a Homestay for the April holidays. If you would be interested in hosting an international student please contact the enrolments office enrolments@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au Adults must have a current Working with Children Check. Families are paid $280 per week to assist with costs.
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