St Spyridon News No.98

VOLUME XXIX No 17 19th October, 2012

DATES TO REMEMBER

THANK YOU FROM MRS HAMER

OCTOBER HICES Junior and Senior School Principals meeting

22nd

K-6 Mufti “Spring Colours” Gold Coin Donation Year 6 Fundraiser Day

26th

OHI Day Celebrations Church Years 7-9, K-2, Year 6 Prefects P & F Spring Fair

28th

VET Work Placement

29th

Parent Forum Year 12, 2013 7.00pm

30th

Year 11 Leadership Day

31st

NOVEMBER Kindy Travelbugs Science incursion

1st

Vaccinations Year 7

2nd

Kindergarten 2013 Orientation Years 4-6 Camp

7th

Years 3 – 6 Camp

Pi Day SS Years 3-6 return from Camp Parent Forum Year 7, 2013 6.00 p.m.

Kindergarten 2013 Orientation

8th – 9th

9th 13th

Peer Support Day Year 9

15th -16th

Leadership Days Year 12

19th – 20th

Divine Liturgy

22nd

Musical Showcase 1.00pm JS

23rd

My sincerest thanks to all for the wonderful honour awarded to me by naming the quadrangle (courtyard) after me. Special thanks to our Parish President and Chairman of the Board Mr Elia Economou and Father Steven for considering me and for His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos for thinking me worthy of this recognition. I felt very humbled at having his Eminence attend this day to present me with the plaque although he was struggling with his health on that day.

I cannot express my gratitude and appreciation to all those who came on that day to share this honour with me ex-students, ex parents, ex teachers, present parents, students and staff members of the Board Parish, Ladies Auxiliary, P& F Committee, again past and present, my colleagues from other schools, distinguished guests, priests, and of course my own family.

It was an emotional day and one which filled me with pride as I looked across the quadrangle comparing it from the first day on the 7th February 1983 with only 42 children and their parents with the 20th September 2012.

What an amazing difference!

I accept this award and this recognition not only for myself but on behalf of all of those who have worked tirelessly and with such commitment, dedication and love over the past 30 years.

St Spyridon College has been a team effort by many people and I can say we have all achieved an organisation to be proud of. We pray that as it has in the past, it will continue in the future, to prepare children to be wonderful citizens not only with high academic standards but with morals and values that will help make this a better world for all.

Thank you all for being there to share that special day with me.

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MEMORABLE MOMENTS

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K

–

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NEWS

her continuous drive, energy and determination to take the College to new heights.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Congratulations to Mrs Synesios and all the hard working teachers who prepared our children for some truly fabulous and challenging performances.

It was a very rich and informative showcase together with some very appealing and educationally impressive classrooms. Parents were blown away by the multi learning experiences that were beautifully presented in the classrooms.

SCHOLARSHIPS Year 7 and Year 11, 2014 Applications are now invited from new and continuing students to sit for the following ACER Examination Scholarships: Year 6 (Year 7, 2014) A Year 6 Scholarship for the top Year 6 student applying for St Spyridon College will receive their tuition fees paid for four years, from Year 7 to Year 10.

On another level of success, we wish to thank all the families who supported the P&F Open Day lunch and contributed to the fundraising result of $2290.00 profit from this activity. Thank you to all the P&F members and some generous parents who volunteered their help for the preparations and process of lunch orders. A special thank you to our very patient and hard working Front Office staff who make everyone’s life at the College so smooth and easy with their efficiency and sincere smiles.

Year 10 (Year 11, 2014) Two scholarships for the two top Year 10 students will receive their tuition fees paid for two years.

Closing date for applications is Monday, 4th February, 2013, ACER scholarship examinations will be held on Saturday, 23rd February, 2013.

SPRING FAIR FEVER 2012

UNIFORM SHOP

Feel the Fever for the Fair! It’s a serious countdown to the most fun filled and entertaining event all members of St Spyridon community and beyond look forward to every year.

SUNDAY 28 OCTOBER 11AM – 5PM JUNIOR SCHOOL CAMPUS

The Uniform Shop will be open before school commences in January on Wednesday, 16th and Wednesday, 23rd January 2013. Hours 9.00 am to 4.00 pm.

SPECIAL GUEST CHEFS STEVE & HELEN FROM MY KITCHEN RULES TO HOST & DELIVER A FABULOUS COOKING DEMONSTRATION.

P&F NEWS

THIS WILL BE A GREAT EXPERIENCE! DON’T MISS THEM!

OPEN DAY JUNIOR SCHOOL 2012

THE FAIR NEEDS YOU TO HELP – flyers to follow will request your help.

SO PLEASE GIVE IT YOUR BEST TO GET INVOLVED AND HAVE FUN! YOUR EFFORTS CAN TAKE OUR FUNDRAISING TO NEW HEIGHTS FOR THE EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS OF OUR CHILDREN.

You may register now online: www.stspyridon.nsw.edu.au follow the links Scholarships and Awards, then Online Scholarships.

This year’s Open Day will be the most memorable and was very special!

The momentous and moving ceremony to celebrate Mrs Hamer’s 30 year anniversary at the College as founding principal had deeply touched every person present on this day. On behalf of the P&F committee of 2012 and all families of our College, we whole-heartedly congratulate her for her progressive and tireless efforts and we thank God that our College was so blessed to be led and guided by her outstanding expertise as she continues to do so in the future. We are inspired by

Spring FAIR 2012 is getting ready to bring you:  

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NEW SIZZLING BBQ MENU OFFERS LAST YEARS FAVOURITE THRILL SEEKING RIDES & ACTIVITIES



SUPER STALL SURPRISES INCLUDING : COLOURFUL CANDLES, CHILDRENS WEAR, JEWELLERY, LADIES SHOES, EXCITING NEW GIFTWARE, BILINGUAL BOOKS, DECORATIVE CAKES, DANCE & PERSONAL TRAINING SERVICES, CYPRIOT CUISINE, TERRIFIC TOYS, FUN FRESH FLOWERS AND MORE MORE MORE!  LOCAL EXCITING LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

BEFORE SCHOOL CARE 2013 Interest is being sought to gauge feasibility for Before School Care in 2013. If you are interested in this service, could you please leave your details at the office by the end of October.

CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Mr Economou our Parish President and Chairman of the Board of Governors on his recent marriage to Dimitra. Wishing them a long and happy life together.

VERY FEW STALLS AVAILABLE FOR HIRE! SOLO HIRE OR FIND SOMEONE TO SHARE A STALL!

CONDOLENCES Our condolences are extended to Mr & Mrs Kipriotis, Theodore and Keira on the recent passing of their mother and grandmother. May God give rest to her soul and strength to the family at this difficult time.

An excellent opportunity for promoting your business and selling your goods and services to our local community and beyond.

Contact Kim Georgas 0402047207 or Maria Pascalis 0414244695 for details.

LOST

Mrs M. Pascalis P&F Assistant Secretary

Items of uniform belonging to Year Two children were misplaced on Open Day, including school shoes and blazer. We ask all parents to check their child’s clothing in case these items have accidentally come home to you, as these items are expensive to replace. If they are found, could they please be returned to the Junior School Office as soon as possible.

JUNIOR SCHOOL REPORT YEAR SIX FUNDRAISER On 26 October, Year Six will be hosting Spring Into Spring. This is part of their fundraising for their end of year gift to the school. This year, Year Six would like to purchase digital cameras for each stage. All Children K – 6 are invited to come to school in Spring colours. For this privilege, they are requested to donate a gold coin. There will also be a yo-yo exhibition on this day where students can share and learn new tricks.

A reminder to label all items of school clothing. Be mindful that labels often fall off or fade so they need to be checked regularly.

28 OCTOBER On the 28th of October we will commemorate OXI day as well as celebrate our annual Spring Fair.

They are compulsory school events.

Year Six is also collecting “Christmas Gifts for a Child My Age”. If you have any new and unused toys that you are willing to donate, Year Six would be happy to receive them. Gifts will be donated to the Sydney Children’s Hospital.

K – 2 and Year 6 Prefects will be required to attend Church in the morning. Further details will be provided via a school bulletin.

At 12:30pm K - 6 students are requested to meet their teachers near the hall in preparation for their Greek Dancing performance. Casual clothing and sensible shoes to be worn.

Donations are also requested for the Year Six stall at Spring Fair. i.e. new items and bric-a-brac e.g. perfume, books, toys, household items. These need to be brought in to the Office byMonday 22nd October.

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BUS PASSES FOR 2013

May God rest her soul and grant strength to the family at this time.

All Year 3 and Year 7 students for 2013; that is all students currently in Year 2 and Year 6 this year will need to apply for new bus passes and change of address.

OHI DAY On Sunday, 28th October, 2012 we will be commemorating OHI Day.

PEER SUPPORT WRAPS UP! Session 7 This session, children focus on the skills of winning in a friendly way and coping with losing.

The children participate in various activities and discuss how to accept the outcome of a game, no matter what it is, in a friendly way in order to maintain those friendships.

Years 7-9 are expected to attend St Spyridon Church. Students are to wear summer uniform including blazer and assemble at the Infants playground at 10.00 a.m.

HOSPITALITY WORK PLACEMENTS Well done to the Year 11 Hospitality students who have now completed their first round of industry work placements. The students showed diligence and professionalism within their work environments, accomplishing their required competencies according to industry standards and expectations. Some of the establishments students attended were Sydney Hilton Brasserie, Bold Food Catering, Belinda Franks Catering, Bungalow 8, Cruise Bar and many other established venues.

Students gained great knowledge from experienced chefs and developed skills and techniques to further their opportunity in the industry. Students are now preparing for their final work placements in Week 4. Good Luck!

After this session, encourage your child to practise these skills in all aspects of lifewhether it be weekend sport or choosing what to watch of television.

Session 8 This is the final session. Children participate in a board game, reinforcing all the concepts that have been learned over the past 7 sessions. They are reminded of the qualities of a good friend and the skills needed to maintain friendships and make new friends. Each Peer Support group has the opportunity to celebrate what they have learned and the new friendships and connections they have made.

Mrs M. Hamer Principal

SENIOR SCHOOL REPORT PARENT FORUM YEAR 12, 2013 On Tuesday, 30th October, 2012, at 7.00 p.m., a meeting will be held for all students of Year 11 and their parents. A Board of Studies Liaison Officer (BOSLO) will be present to talk about the Higher School Certificate. The School HSC Assessment Booklet will be distributed on the night. It is expected that all students of Year 11 will attend with their parents. Students are to wear their full school uniform as they will be presented with their Year 12 badges.

SYMPATHY Our deepest sympathy is extended to Mrs Faletas on the recent loss of her mother in Greece.

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MIDDLE REPORT

SCHOOL

"You don't face your fears, you stand up to them."

Unknown

STUDY PREPARATIONS and YEARLY EXAMS It is hard to believe that the Term 3 holidays were only two weeks ago and that the Yearly Examination period is just around the corner. Some Middle School students, especially those in Year 7, may be starting to feel a little overwhelmed with the prospect of preparing and sitting for long tests that are worth between 25%-40% of the overall year result in most subjects. The best way to tackle situations that are unfamiliar and or fill you with panic, is to stand up and face them. Ignoring, and finding excuses to avoid study will not help. In fact quite the opposite will occur. Stress levels will increase the longer you bury your head in the sand and it will prevent optimum results from being achieved. It is therefore important to begin preparations now.

This week all students will have received Exam Notifications from each of their teachers outlining what will be tested and the Term 4 Assessment Schedule, which provides the weighing of each examination. In Pastoral Care over the next 3 weeks all students will be focusing on their study preparations. This includes developing a study timetable, setting aside quality time (around TWO hours each day, including weekends) for the specific purpose of preparing effectively. Parents are encouraged to closely monitor their children’s adherence to the guides provided on organizing papers, using exam notifications to work out what to study, making summary notes, revising and learning by using memory tricks, and taking on board the tips given on how to work effectively in the exams.

Mrs V. Grillakis Hospitality Mrs A. Katsogiannis Principal Senior School

The term ahead will be full of new and old challenges for everyone. It is important to make some plans NOW, set goals NOW, think positively and prepare as best as possible!

YEAR 5 VISITS THE SENIOR SCHOOL This week students from Years 5 visited the Senior School as part of the transition program. Judging

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from the excited faces and the positive evaluations given, a great time was experienced by all. From these visits students gain a sense of what High School is like, through ‘Taster’ lessons in Science, History, Food Technology, and Physical Education to name just a few subject areas. They also are introduced to some of our routines, specialist learning areas, and get to meet senior school staff and older students who act as their Peer Support Leaders during the visits. Thank you to Alexia Rizzo, Chrystal Christie, Nicole Adam, Manuel Margelis, Sebastian Zois, and George Mandilis for all your efforts in looking after Year 5 and making them feel welcome.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP PREFECT SELECTIONS Over the past two weeks Year 11 students who have been short listed through two voting round by their Peers and teachers have prepared a portfolio of their achievements and presented them at an interview before a panel made up of Mrs Katsogiannis (Principal), Ms Kokinelis (Dean of Middle School) and Mr Kaldis (Year 11 Adviser).

The Prefect Body for 2013 will be formally announced at the Prize Giving Ceremony to be held at the conclusion of Term 4. We wish all students success.

PEER SUPPORT LEADERS This week the role, process, and duties of a Peer Support Leader were explained to Year 9, and those interested in taking on this leadership position were provided with a guide for writing their letter of application. This letter is due for hand -up next week (week 3) during Pastoral Care.

Over the coming weeks all Year 9 will participate in Leadership and Peer Support Training Days.

This will give applicants the opportunity to demonstrate their aptitude and enthusiasm for this role. Peer Support Leaders of the incoming Year 7 2013 group will be finalized later in the term, and formally acknowledged at the Scholarship and Leadership Assembly held at the start of the new year.

Ms G. Kokinelis Dean of Middle School

CAREERS

COLUMN

LUMINO CITY Are you passionate about architecture, building, and design? The UNSW Built Environment is celebrating their students’ work by holding a special event at Pier 2/3, 13 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay on Saturday 17th from 11am to 3pm for students and their families which will give students an opportunity to meet and speak with teachers and students of Built Environment. It will showcase the work of the graduating students alongside a dynamic program of public events, featuring industry speakers, debates and research workshops.

LuminoCITY is more than just a showcase of the students work; it is an opportunity for school students to discover the many career opportunities

OHI DAY & SPRING FAIR On Sunday 28 October all Middle School students are expected to attend the Church service at St Spyridon, which also includes the commemoration of OHI Day. There are only two Sundays each year we ask that parents set aside in support of school and community events, and this is one.

Students will need to assemble in the infants playground by 10.am. Following the service, students and parents are encouraged to attend the annual Spring Fair to be held in the grounds of our Junior School, which is next door.

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available under the broad discipline description of ‘Built Environment’. These opportunities include a range of degree programs dedicated to built environment disciplines - Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Planning, Industrial Design, Computing in Architecture, Construction Management, Property Development, Urban Design and Sustainable Development.

LuminoCITY will be open from Friday 16th to the Thursday 22nd November from 9am to 4pm.

EDUCATION IN ANCIENT GREEK LIFE Education was a significant part of Ancient Greek life. Its origins were from the Homeric and aristocratic traditions and then was democratised in the 5th century BC. This democratisation was influenced by the likes of Plato and Isocrates who were known as Sophists.

It is important to note that Greek education focused heavily on training the whole person; mind, body and imagination.

Mrs A. Skerman Careers Adviser

GREEK

There were two types of education known as informal and formal. An informal education was provided by an unpaid teacher in a non-public setting where as a formal education was obtained through a paid teacher in a public school or through a hired tutor. Formal education was primarily for men and was not provided to slaves, manual labourers or women.

COLUMN

Αγαπητοί γονείς και φίλοι, Να ‘μαστε και πάλι πίσω στα θρανία. Στο τεύχος αυτό δημοσιεύουμε μία ακόμη εργασία μαθήτριας της τάξης των Αρχαίων Ελληνικών. Το θέμα της είναι το εκπαιδευτικό σύστημα στη ζωή της αρχαίας Ελλάδας. Δημοσιεύουμε επίσης φωτογραφίες από την εκδρομή της Β’ Γυμνασίου στο ελληνικό εστιατόριο «Μύθος» του Λάικαρτ όπου τα παιδιά μας έφαγαν και χόρεψαν ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ! Καλή σας ανάγνωση. κ. Μ. Φαλέτα

A young girl would receive an informal education from their mothers on household management, music, dance, making of textiles, food preparation and how to raise children in preparation to serve her husband later in life.

The boys on the other hand had the chance at a proper formal education. The first part of this education process is called Elementary. During their early years, boys were taught at home either by a master or pedagogue.

The word pedagogue is a compound word formed of two classical Greek words: παις and άγω.

The word παις means a child and άγω means I lead.

Therefore a pedagogue was a person who took care of and looked after the child. These duties included teaching the boy basic morals till he reached the age of seven and officially started school. Even then a pedagogue would escort the child to and from school and see that he was well behaved.

At the elementary stage, boys were taught to count, draw, read and write. At first they were taught letters and symbols followed by words and the formation of sentences. These were written with styluses on a wax covered board so that it could be erased and re-used. When they began reading, they would be presented with poetry to memorise and recite. This education was the only type of education that could be accessed by the majority of

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age. The physical education activities included running, jumping, wresting, discus and javelin.

the population. The lower class boys would be provided with this education directly from the knowledge of their parents as their families could not afford the luxury of education as the upper class families could. Upper class boys were sent to a public school or taught this by a hired tutor and thus received a formal education.

Music was another main component of Ancient Greek education. Boys learnt how to play various instruments such as the double pipe or reed, the kithara and most commonly the lyre. They also learnt how to sing and rhythmically dance.

The Ancient Greeks had a very highly developed standard of education, especially for that time period. Their philosophies and ambitions to enhance the whole person were truly amazing considering that this is a time before Christ. This just further proves what a sophisticated and well developed civilization this was in the fact that they continuously thought of ways to try and expand their morals, values and intellect to better themselves as people and create a better life not only for themselves but for the wider community.

This shows us again how much our modern society can learn from the goals of the ancients who even though had none of our modern technologies did not stop developing and broadening their horizons as a civilization.

When the boys of the upper class turned 14 they had the option of continuing to secondary school.

This secondary school could be a permanent one or provided by a travelling teacher called a sophist.

The word sophist comes from the classical Greek word σοφία or σοφός which means wisdom or wise. This term was originally used to define someone with extensive knowledge in a particular craft or trade. A warrior or a sculptor could be considered as sophists in their occupation. Over time the word changed to describe people with a certain extent of general wisdom in human affairs and the likes of politics and ethics. It came to describe a particular class of intellectuals who taught various courses, questioned the nature of language, culture and had a talent of persuading and impressing an audience. They were mostly known for their claims to teach virtue and excellence. Sophists contributed widely to the development of law and can be named as the world’s first lawyers. They taught skills for a price and often commanded high fees for their knowledge although there were exceptions such as Socrates who didn’t accept a fee. This sophist’s most famous student is Plato.

Katerina Arvanitakis Year 10 Classical Greek

LISTENING STUDENTS

TO

OUR

Το Σάββατο στις διακοπές, εγώ και η Χριστίνα, μαζί με την γιαγιά μας, την μαμά και τον Γιάννη, πήγαμε στο 2μμ ραδιοφωνικό σταθμό στο Dulwich Hill. Γνωρίσαμε την θεία Λαμπρινή , στο παιδικό πρόγραμμα. Μας καλοσώρισε και μας πήγε μέσα στο στούντιο. Γνωρίσαμε και τον θείο Αντώνη. Καθήσαμε και βάλαμε ακουστικά και μιλήσαμε στο μικρόφωνο στα ελληνικά. Τραγουδήσαμε με τη γιαγιά μας δύο τραγούδια την Ελλάδα Ελλάδα και τον Γιαλό Γιαλό. Όλοι χάρικαν που πηγαίνουμε στο Κολλέγιο του Αγίου Σπυρίδωνα και έχουμε μάθει ωραία Ελληνικά. Για την προσπάθεια μας, μας έδωσαν ωραία δώρα. Μας αρέσει πάρα πολύ το παιδικό πρόγραμμα της Θείας Λαμπρινής γιατί διαβάζει ωραίες ιστορίες και παίζει μοντέρνα παιδικά τραγούδια. Είναι καλό όλα τα παιδιά να ακούνε αυτό το χαρούμενο πρόγραμμα κάθε Σάββατο στις 10 π.μ. για να μιλάνε καλύτερα Ελληνικά.

These schools taught subjects such as chemistry and biology, known as natural sciences, rhetoric, geometry, sophistry, astronomy and meteorology.

These were highly valued in Athenian society as they saw education as a significant factor in a person’s identity.

After the boys finished this secondary school they had the option of obtaining ephebic training which was military training to be started at the age of eighteen followed by military service of two years.

Physical education was also very important to the Greeks because, as mentioned before they aimed to educate the whole person. This was the purpose of the gymnastics component of the boys’ education.

This started at either the beginning or during the elementary part of their education. This was done in a place called the gymnasium. It enhanced physical appearance, prepared for potential involvement in war and ensured good health at old

Ευφροσύνη Πασχάλη 4Τ

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separate groups which were related to the field we were interested in. For the morning session we chose the session Body Talk and Psychology.

Body Talk was especially interesting as we were able to touch various parts of the human body as well as picking up a brain. The Midday session included Hands on Health Care and the debate on who will win the 2012 United States Presidential election. Hands on Health Care was all about the Sydney Nursing School and a tour of the facility.

The Presidential debate became a heated discussion and resulted in differing opinions. The last session of the day was centered around the clubs and societies that were on offer at Sydney University. Being two females we were automatically drawn to the Movement and Dance Society. We were able to learn a few hip hop moves and watch some performances of current students. The day overall was very insightful and helpful in helping us understand what University life is like. We were all told to remember, “Everyone’s Uni cake is unique”

On Saturday, we went to the Greek radio station, 2mm. We went with my mum, my γιαγιά and my sister, Frances-Lee. When we arrived, the presenter was called Κυρία Λαμπρινή. She was very friendly and welcomed us to sit down in the studio. We had to be very quiet because when the sign turned red, it showed that we were “on air”. We sang the songs, Ελλάδα Ελλάδα and Γιαλό γιαλό and we introduced ourselves in Greek. Then they asked us what we like to hear on 2mm. We both said that we liked the songs Νια μια γατούλα and Κοκοράκι which we listened to the previous week. If you like to hear some Greek stories and some fun funky Greek children’s songs, listen to this station on Saturdays at 10am.

Constance Synesios and Maria Mio

SPORTS REPORT JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORTS REPORT TERM 4 SPORT JUNIOR SCHOOL Kindy, Year 1 & Year 2 Triskills Gymnastics on Wednesdays in the Church Hall 17, 24, 31 October, 7, 14, 21, 28 November, and 5 December.

Αfter that, they generously gave us some presents for visiting them. We were both given a stationery set. Finally we said goodbye and they reminded us to go back again. They congratulated St Spyridon College and the Greek teachers for teaching us to speak Greek so well.

Year 3 Gymnastics on Thursdays at Bunnerong Gym 11, 18, 25 October, 1, 15, 22, 29 November.

Year 4 Soccer on Wednesdays at School 10, 17, 24, 31 October, 14, 21, 28 November, and 5 December.

Christina Pascalis 2C

UNI IN A DAY On the 25th of September, three students from Year 11 attended Sydney University for a day of mini lectures. We were able to get an insight into University life and how we can customize our own Uni “Cake”. This virtual cake was made up of many “ingredients” which included joining clubs, societies etc. After the talk we branched off into

Year 5 & 6 Footsteps Dancing on Thursdays at School 11, 18, 25 October, 1, 15, 22, 29 November.

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SENIOR SCHOOL SPORT HOUSE GALA DAY 2012 Tuesday 18th September Year 10 students from the Physical Activity and Sports Studies class hosted a Round Robin Basketball and Futsal Competition.

Students enjoyed the day and the highlight was being able to join together in the SPACE to watch the finals.

Year 10 also raised $1000 through the BBQ which will be used to purchase equipment for the Gym .

Thank you to all staff and students who assisted in the success of the Event.

GIRLS BASKETBALL Saturday 20th October is the first round of Basketball for season 2012/13. Students would have received a commitment form that was required to be signed prior to the commencement of the season. All girls would have received a season draw, however, times may change and a weekly time sheet will also be provided and/or emailed home each week. We look forward to a successful season and wish all teams the best of luck.

Ms K. O’Shea Girls Sport

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PRINCIPALS’ DIGESTS 30 Palliser Drive •Hamilton• NZ 3210• Tel 07 855 7101  digests @xtra.co.nz Digests may be copied and distributed in the school community of the subscriber.

Newsletter

Volume 18 Number 39

THE POWER OF PLAY We all like to have fun, but did you know there is scientific research proving the positive power of play? “Life can hurt, play can heal”. Here are some of the many ways science says that play leads to healing in children and youth.

Play keeps the doctor away.

Play keeps us moving and active, which helps children maintain fitness and a healthy body weight.

Play can help to heal broken relationships. Building positive memories together during playtime is a powerful way to strengthen relationships. Over time, playing together builds trust and binds people together in healthy ways.

Play bolsters emotional health by helping children overcome insecurities and gain confidence. When children take risks and overcome challenges in their pretend worlds (dolls, LEGO, games, role plays), they learn skills to overcome real world challenges.

Play reduces strains on a child’s mental health.

Laughter and play are healthy ways to minimise stress, which can lead to anxiety, depression,

and illness. Children and teens with healthy outlets for active play also learn to manage their energy and emotions more effectively.

Play actually helps the brain grow. The more experiences a child has, the more connections (synapses) the brain cells will make. The more connections, the more effectively the brain works.

Play reduces violence by helping children practise and refine social skills. As children learn to resolve conflicts, persuade teammates, and play fair in their game-time, they are learning valuable skills to reduce aggression in schools, sports and families.

So “Go outside and play” may be yet another piece of timeless wisdom from our parents and grand-parents.

Acknowledgement: Ann Saylor Parent Further

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