This week, as part of the College’s Positive Education Wellbeing Program, we celebrated ‘R U OK?’ week. During the week all boys in the Primary School will nominate a boy who has been a star and a comfort to them. They also had to explain why they nominated this person and then place their recommendation in the NOMI-MATE box located in the Primary School. Over the remainder of this term we will read out these nominations during our Monday and Friday morning assemblies as well as publish them in the Tolle Lege.

Signs that a friend may not be OK

‘R U OK?’ seeks to create a world where we’re all connected. We’re never too young to look out for one another and meaningfully connect. Many factors can contribute to someone feeling low. It isn’t always easy to know whether someone is OK, particularly if they haven’t talked about it or children have yet to recognise the importance of changes in behaviour. However, there are signs children can become familiar with which could indicate that a friend may not be OK.

What causes struggles?

A range of circumstances can lead to a child feeling low, including:

Big life changes like moving to a new house or school, experiencing grief or loss, being around people going through tough times, arguing with someone, problems with school work, having a medical condition or chronic illness, not sleeping well, not exercising enough, hormonal changes

It’s a good idea to check in with a friend and ask, ‘Are you OK?’ if:

They’ve been showing signs of being upset or angry for some time, their mood is having an impact on others, they’re not enjoying school or life in general, you’re worried about their safety, they start to miss school, or don’t want to play with others or take part in their favourite activities

How can children help?

Children cannot be expected to fix someone’s problems, nor know the best way to help and support. However, they can be encouraged to listen to what their friend is saying, let them know they care and tell a teacher, school counsellor or trusted adult if they are worried about their friend. By promoting an environment of positive peer support and accessing support channels via an adult, children can learn that asking, ‘Are you OK?’, is a key life skill.

Music Showcase

Last Friday night we had a group of very talented musicians from the Primary School take part in the Showcase Concert. Well done to all boys for sharing their talents with the school community. I was amazed at the prowess and high level of technical performance on show and immensely proud that we had an impressive representation from Years 5 and 6. What a great night!

2019 New Parent Information Evening

This Parent Information Evening, on 25 September, is for new parents of students commencing at the College in Years 5 and Year 7, 2019 only; not for parents of the current Year 6 boys.

Professional Learning

There is much research to confirm the importance of teachers involved in ongoing Professional Learning to improve student outcomes. In fact, the link between professional conversations and student engagement and academic improvement is agreed practice.

In the Primary School we have teachers who consistently seek out opportunities to improve their practice. In so doing they are modelling to the boys that they are life-long learners, always seeking ways to make learning fun, engaging and meaningful. Not only are our Primary School teachers experienced, they actively seek out opportunities to improve on past performances through further studies.

Spotlight on the Primary Staff

James Kirkwood and Andrew Clyne have just completed a two-day conference on Digital Technologies – the new strand which has been included in the Science and Technology syllabus. Andrew is also completing further studies in Religious Education and will soon complete his Certificate in Religious Education. Andrew is also U/11 Rugby Coach and James is TIC of Tennis.

Mark Catanzariti recently completed a two-day conference with RE teachers from the Diocese of Broken Bay on incorporating Gospel Values through story telling in Religious Education lessons. He recently attended a course on SEQTA, the College’s LMS (Learning Management System) with a view to improve the way we record data to inform teaching practice. Mark also runs a weekly after school homework group as well as coaching a College basketball team.

Rose Papalia completed professional learning last term on assessment in English and has a special interest in using feedback and feedforward to improve engagement. Rose is also manager of a senior soccer team and is a spectator at most of her classes sporting events on weekends and after school.

John O’Brien, as well as being the Assistant Head of Primary and author in residence, is also the Talented Writer’s group facilitator, the Science Enrichment facilitator, Primary School Debating Co-ordinator and Science Laboratory Program Co-ordinator. John recently spent a day working with Sarah Humpreys, consultant for UDL (Universal Design in Learning) on ways to further differentiate assessment tasks and learning opportunities for learners of all abilities.

Liz Armenio is the Primary Coding Co-ordinator as well as the Primary ELF (e-Learning Facilitator). Liz was invited to speak at the recent International Boy’s conference at the prestigious TSS school in Queensland over the Term 2 holidays. Liz spoke about ‘gamification’ and game-based learning, using platforms such as Minecraft to promote ideas of sustainability. Liz is about to complete a two-day course on using technology to develop STEM units of work.

We are very fortunate to have teachers of the calibre as the ones we have at St Augustine’s. Not only are they well informed by nature of their ongoing studies, they are genuinely concerned about the wellbeing of your sons. Together with you, their parents and with your support, we present a consistent approach to the holistic education of your sons.

Grooming

Thank you for your support in meeting College expectations regarding grooming. I realise that arranging appointments at hairdressers or barbers can be difficult and your support is very much appreciated in this area. I commented today at the morning assembly how smart all the boys looked. Having a sense of pride in your appearance says a lot about your sense of wellbeing and it also paints a wonderful picture when we present ourselves in this manner to the public. First appearances do count, forming an impression that we care about ourselves and the College’s reputation.

Thank you for your support in this area.

Awards