Principal's Post

Interschool Athletics Carnival – A Division

The Inter-School Athletics carnival was held on Friday October 31^st at The WA Athletics Stadium, in Floreat.

The team was super excited and a little nervous as, after coming away champions of the B division in 2108, it was our first year competing in the A division.

The weather conditions were extreme, with major storm fronts hitting the competitors and spectators hard throughout the day. It was also incredibly cold and windy.

Fortunately, there were some breaks in the weather which meant the program was slightly adjusted, but all the scheduled events were completed on time.

The results at the end of the day were very close with only a few points separating placings.

A huge thank you to all the parents that came to support the team and to those who helped out on the long jump pit.

Also, to Mr Lombardi, Mrs Xavier, Miss Reid and Miss Trott who supported the team and helped out with jobs on the day.

Big THANK YOU also, to Jeannie Pincus, Steph Coates and all the parents who organised the breakfast which was enjoyed by the team on Wednesday morning.

Finally, to Tammi Doyle and Sharon Thompson who have helped out with training over many years. This is their final year at St Columba’s and their dedication, enthusiasm and expertise was always appreciated.  Thank you so much on behalf of the school. You will both be missed.

Jo McCluskey
PE Teacher

School Fees – Reminder Statements

Reminder statements were sent home over the past couple of weeks. If no direct debit is set up on your account or you have alternative arrangements in place, full payment is required by the 30^th November.

Thank you to all our parents for the efforts in maintaining payment of the school fees. This is very much appreciated

Method of payment is either by cash, cheque, EFTPOS, BPay or Direct Debit.

With our new audit procedures the school is required to account for outstanding school fees at the end of each year.

If you are unable to pay the account in full and have no alternative arrangements in place, please contact Peta Santella on 9208 2705 or email peta.santella@cewa.edu.au to make a repayment plan.

Please remember, we are here to support families experiencing financial hardship and we are happy to meet with you to discuss this or any other matter. We understand that these are not easy conversations to have, but also know we are genuine in our support of your family. Your attention and co-operation to this matter is appreciated.

School Counsellor News

Parenting behaviours even the best parents need to stop

by Michael Grose

As a parenting educator for more than 25 years, I’ve had many opportunities to observe and listen to parents in action. During this time I’ve learned some valuable lessons about raising children and managing families.

Usually, my advice is positive in that I try to focus on what you should being doing as a parent. Maintaining forward momentum has always been my aim. However it helps sometimes to be reminded of some of the behaviours we should stop or do less of, if we are to raise autonomous, emotionally-smart citizens of the future.

Here are some parenting behaviours you may consider stopping or doing less of, together with replacement behaviour as well:

Doing too much

Kids need to learn to fend for themselves and stand on their own two feet. Independence is the aim for parents. Learn to delegate.

Winning arguments

The need to win arguments and prove that you are right harms relationships and creates fertile ground for conflict. Focus on the things that matter.

Expecting too little

Expectations are tricky. Too high and kids can give up. Too low and kids will meet them. Pitch them at their own abilities and their developmental age.

Speaking when angry

Speaking tends to be a default mechanism regardless of your emotional state. When you’re angry kids don’t listen. They pick up your venom but not your words. Choose the time and the place to speak to kids.

Failing to give proper recognition

It’s easy to take children’s good behaviour and their contributions to the family for granted. The behaviours you focus on expand so catch kids doing the right thing.

Playing favourites

Children usually know who’s the favoured or preferred child in their family. Your discipline and expectations give this away. Share the parenting with others so you share the favouritism.

Letting kids drop out of the family

In small families most children have their own bedroom, which means isolation is easy to achieve. Teenagers, in particular, tend to prefer their own company rather than the company of peers and parents. Put rituals in place and make sure everyone turns up to meal-time.

Taking the easy way out

It’s a quirk of modern life that as parents get busier with work and other things there is a tremendous temptation to avoid arguments by giving into kids. Hang in there when you know it’s the right thing to do.

Judging yourself too harshly

Parents are generally hard markers of themselves. Kids are more forgiving of their parents’ blunders than their parents. Parent your family as if it’s a large one.

Solving too many problems

It’s tempting to try to solve our children’s problems rather then leave some for them to solve. A forgotten school lunch is a child’s problem not a parent’s problem. Pose problems for kids rather than solve them.

Confusing helping for responsibility

We all love it when our children help at home, but this shouldn’t be confused with taking responsibility. A child who gets himself up in the morning is learning to take responsibility. If you want a child to be responsible give him real responsibility.

Telling kids everything will be ok when they are anxious

It’s human nature to reassure your children when they are worried or anxious that everything will be ok. This however is not always true and also reassurance leads to dependence. Validate your child’s worries so that they feel understood. Kids need to hear “I get it” rather than “Get over it”.

Taking yourself too seriously

There is a lot of gravitas placed on parents’ behaviours and on modelling that can weigh you down and take the joy from being a parent. Take time to enjoy the little things in family life.

Parenting the individual

Small family parenting is almost always an individual endeavour. It’s worth remembering that sibling relationships (if children have siblings) can be just as influential as the parent-child relationship. It will almost certainly outlast the parent-child relationship. Lead the group, manage the child.

Refusal to express regret

Sometimes parents can work themselves into a tight corner after they’ve said something out of anger or desperation. One parent I know cancelled Christmas out of desperation, and refused to admit she was wrong. Sometimes you need to acknowledge your mistakes and start over again.

Failing to use communication processes

Establish communication processes and communication places well in advance of when you really need them. For example if you are about to talk to your children about sexuality and relationships, what process do you use? Where will you hold that conversation?

Neglecting your own wellbeing

Many families operate under a child-first mentality, which places a lot of pressure and stress on parents. We happily drive kids to their leisure activities at the expense of our own. Carve out some time for your own interests and leisure pursuits.

Giving feedback at the wrong time

Timing is everything when you give kids feedback. If you give negative feedback immediately after an event or action, you risk discouraging them. Use ‘just in time prompts’ to remind them how to do something. Pick your timing when you give feedback.

Clinging to the past

The ghosts from the past are strong indeed causing us to put some of our problems onto our children. The problems we may have experienced growing up won’t necessarily be shared by our children. Re-tune your parenting antennae to your child’s life and away from yours.

Believing everything your children say

As loving parents we want to trust our children and believe everything they tell us. Children are faulty observers and frequently only see one side of an issue. Help children process what happens to them and see issues from every side.

After reviewing this list, for those of you who still aren’t sure what to stop, there is one habit that I’ve seen take precedence over all of the others. You may be part of the majority of people who partake in this bad habit. What is the number one problem of the successful parents I’ve worked with over the years? It is doing too much for their kids.

For more great ideas to raise independent kids read Michael’s book Spoonfed Generation: How to raise independent children.

Jennifer Maughan
Social Worker
Tuesday & Wednesday
9208 2703
jenny.maughan@cewa.edu.au

Nobody’s Perfect: A Parenting Master Class

Parenting in the 21st century is hard. It doesn’t seem to matter what you do, you feel like you are doing it wrong. You always feel guilty, you are struggling to cope, you wonder if it will get better (not when it will get better), and everyone else seems okay. Except you. Dr Bronwyn Harman (DPsych) draws on her research, listening to people’s stories, her own experience as a mother, and psychology to help you in your parenting journey.

This two hour master class will address:

 Why you can’t be a perfect parent
 Why you shouldn’t be a perfect parent
 Why your children misbehave
 Stress and how to reduce it
 Being a confident parent

You will have the opportunity to have your specific questions answered.

When: Monday, 11th November 2019, 6.30pm

Where: Mirrabooka Community Centre

Tickets: $35/person or $65/couple

To book: https://www.trybooking.com/BGKVU

Queries: drbharman@gmail.com

LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE – BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

P & F News

Rachel Lange
P&F President
rachel@galleriapodiatry.com.au or 0401 856 385

—

777 Pharmacy 

Don’t forget to mention that you are a St Columba’s family if you are shopping at the Maylands or Bayswater 777 Pharmacy. 10% of all retail sales goes towards the P&F.

Library News

Pastoral Care

Community Notices

Mercedes College 2020 Enrolments

A sound education is an investment in the future of your daughter.  Mercedes College is committed to providing an affordable education for those families seeking an all girls’ Catholic education in the Mercy tradition.  For those families wishing to explore options, the Principal is always available to speak with you.  Vacancies are still available for 2020; for more information please contact the Enrolment Officer on 93231323.

—

Saint Columba Dolphins Swim Squad – Current Year 3-5 Only

With summer around the corner and the faction swimming carnival in Term 1 we are delighted to start another fantastic season of swimming!

The first session will kick off on Friday November 29 from 6:30am – 7:30am at Bayswater Waves followed by breakfast in the parish hall during the school term.

Fun school holiday sessions are also available at a more reasonable time.  These are a great way to get the kids out of the house and swim with their mates!

Please see enrolment form attached to this newsletter for further details.   Enrolment forms and fees are due November 22nd.

—

Bayswater Primary School

As you may be aware, this year is the 125th anniversary of Bayswater Primary School.

The Parents and Citizens Association will commemorate this event as a part of our biennial fete.  With the anniversary in mind we have decided to organise around the theme “Back to the Future.”  This year’s fete will be held on Sunday 24th November 2019 from 10 am till 3 pm.  A copy of the poster has been attached.

We are also holding a School Reunion Luncheon as part of the above.  Further details are found here https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/baysie-primary-alumni-school-lunch-tickets-71770586757?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&fbclid=IwAR3CEo3h4OANhXDQ1YSlU2YlOdszK9P_ObiVTXMe4utnYEVAiVy2Dh0i6sk

—

Classifieds