2 minute read
A Note from the Chaplain
Hi Parents,
My role as Chaplain has many facets, and one of my favorite roles this year has been being involved in strategically developing or Middle School. I have recently completed my Masters of Education with the National Institute for Christian Education and Alphacrucis College, in NSW. My thesis was School-Based Social- Emotional Supportive Programs in Middle School.
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As we re-organized our grade levels to establish a unique Middle School (MS), I evaluated what makes MS students thrive amidst the social-emotional difficulties that come during this period of life; being 12 years old is hard! Thank you so much to all the parents of students in grades 5-9 last year who participated in my study. It is now a joy for me to share some of the results with you.
If you are interested, I would gladly share the complete report with you. But I hope you find some of the results interesting like I did.
Top influences on the choices they make:
Students report valuing what parents think of their decisions, more than they value what their friends and teachers think. Considering that they struggle with emotional regulation, MS students need trusted adults to help them think through their decisions. Encourage them when you see them making good decisions! Be careful not to stop them from making any poor decisions, as they do have to learn for themselves, but when they do, help them process through the repercussions.
Highest reported positive social-emotional situations:
Spending time on social media and feeling happy. Other studies show that social media actually decreases happiness. Make sure your Middle School children are at school and get to spend with their friends.
Anxiety, depression, getting along with others, and addictions are identified by a majority of students and teachers as being significant for many MS students.
Most parents who completed the survey do not see these areas as a struggle. Engage in conversation about these topics with your kids, as it is an area that they see as being significant areas of struggle.
Top 5 parts of SPH PV MS that students report have a positive social-emotional impact:
Teachers are working hard to make sure that chats are a safe place, students have plenty of choices to make, are being equipped with soft skills, and have many fun experiences, even online!
Blessings,
Ms. Rachel Feather
