Our Recent Celebrations

St Patrick’s Day is an important celebration in Catholic schools within Kildare Ministries, honouring both our Irish heritage and Christian faith.

The Brigidine Sisters, who have played a significant role in Kildare Ministries, also inspire the celebration. Their commitment to education and service resonates with St Patrick’s message, strengthening the link between faith, culture, and community in our school.

Celebrating Harmony Day is important as it promotes inclusiveness, respect and understanding among students from diverse cultural backgrounds. The event encourages a sense of belonging, helping to foster a safe and welcoming environment for all. The colour orange, symbolising peace and social cohesion, is worn to represent the message that “everyone belongs,” and that diversity should be embraced and celebrated. By observing Harmony Day, schools teach students the value of unity in diversity, helping to create a more tolerant and compassionate society.

The Importance of Learning from Mistakes and Taking Responsibility

As children grow into young adults, one of the important aspects of their development is learning from their mistakes. It’s natural for young people to make errors in judgment, whether academically, socially or personally. However, these moments of failure are often some of the most valuable learning experiences they will encounter. Allowing young people to face the consequences of their actions and take responsibility helps them build resilience, accountability, and emotional intelligence – key components of maturing into responsible adults.

When parents frequently excuse mistakes or shield young people from the consequences, they inadvertently hinder their growth. By not learning to navigate the outcomes of their actions, young people may struggle to develop problem-solving skills and the ability to handle adversity. They can also develop a sense of entitlement, believing that their mistakes will always be overlooked or forgiven. This lack of responsibility can delay emotional maturity and the development of essential life skills, such as empathy, self-discipline and critical thinking.

An important part of learning from mistakes is the ability to accept and act on feedback. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or within their peer group, young people should be encouraged to see feedback as an opportunity for growth. Constructive criticism helps them refine their skills, correct mis-steps and avoid making the same errors in the future. Taking on feedback, when approached with an open mind, fosters a growth mindset that encourages perseverance and improvement. It is through this process of reflection and adjustment that young people learn how to evolve and make better decisions, preparing them for the challenges they will inevitably face as adults.

Child Safety

As part of our duty of care and commitment to child safety (Child Safe Standards 3 and 4), presentations on Child Safety will take place during our Pastoral lessons this term and next term.  Early next term students and parents will have the opportunity to respond to questions in surveys. 

Child Safe Standard 3 – Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.

Child Safe Standard 4 – Families and communities are informed, and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.

Reminder

We remind parents that if their child is unwell at school, they should go to sick bay to receive appropriate medical attention and our nurse/first aid staff will contact parents.

Parent Resources/Events

New initiative: Wellbeing Breakfast

Thank you to those parents who attended our first parent breakfast and had the opportunity to meet the Counselling team.  We anticipate having these opportunities once or twice a term and discussing topics relevant to and suggested by our parent community. We will advertise these free events in the newsletter and on our social pages.

Dr Justin Coulson

Dr Justin Coulson has the website https://happyfamilies.com.au/ .

Dr Justin Coulson has a PhD in psychology, is the co-host and parenting expert and founder of happyfamilies.com.au.  He will host a series of online presentations this year.  Topics include:

• Emotional Regulation: A heart-centred approach to supporting your child (Term 1)
• Carrots & Sticks: Better ways to build boundaries with your kids (Term 2)
• Anxious: Helping your child navigate a world of worry (Term 3)
• Entitled: Raising responsibly, respectful kids (Term 4)

SchoolTV

The latest topics on https://kilbreda.vic.schooltv.me/ include:

• The Habits of Happy Families
• Social Media & Comparison Culture

Jane Delahunty

Acting Assistant Principal: Wellbeing and Engagement