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On a very practical level reading together with your child, brings you closer, sharing quality time together in a joyful pursuit. Reading together also fosters imagination, and the ensuing discussion can also develop critical thinking skills. But all my children are now adolescents you say, how does this look for us? Whilst you may long have forgotten the image of your little darling cuddled on your lap reading the ‘Magic Faraway Tree’ when you look upon this mini adult that communicates now mostly in barely audible
one syllable responses, there is still much that can be shared with reading; showing interest in their passions for instance. The positive side of teenagers challenging the world around them is that they have many opinions to offer. Try to engage with them in what they are reading whether it be their novels, the news or issues they encounter through social media. A little interest shown, some thoughtful prompting can often lead to them sharing their youthful insights and can also often lead to them being driven to search deeper to expand their repertoire of knowledge. In scouring the net for other suggestions I found the following: - Place some good reading material in the lavatory (don’t laugh!), one has a captive audience in a manner of speaking.
- Buy them a bookstore voucher as one of their gifts.
- Share a copy of one of your favourite books from when you were their age.
I am certain if as parents we apply our minds to it we can come up with many creative solutions. To read, understand and critically analyse is a skill that liberates and empowers individuals. We can give our children few greater opportunities. Parents who interact with our Learning Support team may have noticed that Miss Sharon Hird has not been around of late. Miss Hird has been on leave due to some medical issues. Mrs Caroline Le Count has stepped in to cover Miss Hirds absence and any communication you would normally have had with Miss Hird should in the interim be directed to Mrs Le Count. We pray for Miss Hirds speedy recovery and look forward to her
returning in the near future. We had a very successful meeting with parents on Monday night about the formation of the Liaison Parents and Fundraising Committee. We will communicate more detail when we have finalised the roles. Don’t forget to join us at the quarterly Open Parent Meeting on 15 March. This will also be the AGM of our Parent Committee. One question that came up at the Liaison Parents Information Meeting was about Uniform. Coming into the role this year, I have gathered that parents are aware that a
change is coming, due to consultations that occurred with some parents and students over the last two years. However exactly what and when has not been made entirely clear. I have met with the team and our uniform suppliers and we have come up with a plan to roll in the new uniform. This begins with a 50% off sale of current uniform commencing next week. There are some items of uniform that will not be discounted as they will be carried over to the new uniform. The new uniform will be released at the commencement of Term 4 2016 with the summer uniform and in 2017 we will follow with the winter uniform. I know from discussions that have been had with some parents and students that you are keen to see what the new uniform looks like. I can assure you that from what I have seen, it is smart and comfortable. I am sure students will have a sense of pride and ownership of their school when they are wearing it. Our uniform supplier, Perm-a-Pleat, are currently working on some physical samples as well as some display boards that we will be able to put on display for parents to view. We will communicate the details of how parents can view this when we receive them. Justin Krause
Principal
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