Assistant Principal's Message
Dear Parents, Carers and the St Joseph’s Community,
A Prayer for Self-Compassion
When I must face loss, may I feel your tenderness -- the tenderness of my own being. When I hurt, grant me the patience to heal in my own time, my own way. For every frustration and mistake, may I uncover the strength to lean in and listen, and to not turn away.
Bring to my experience a sense of awe for life and for myself, so that I can keep opening up to this moment. Show me how self-compassion and forgiveness are the roots of courage and resilience.
Through this compassionate awareness, may I see myself more clearly. May I know myself in my entirety.
Foundation Orientation
Today we welcomed our 52 Foundation students for 2021. There was excitement from children and parents alike as they learned all about ‘big school’ at St Joseph’s. We look forward to seeing our new Foundies again at our next orientation day on Thursday 19 November.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Cameron and Melanie who were both nominated for the 2020 Catholic Education Recognition Awards. They were nominated in the category of Mission for their work in leading the implementation of Conceptual Inquiry in Religious Education at St Joseph’s. I think I speak on behalf of all the staff when I say this nomination was well and truly deserved.
Social and Emotional Learning
This week my focus in the classrooms has been on self-compassion. Self-compassion means treating ourselves with the same kindness, warmth, and support that we would show a good friend. We always offer our friends words of support and encouragement when they are faced with challenges but often when confronting our own difficulties our self-talk can be negative. I am also challenging the students to give themselves compliments. We readily give compliments to others but forget the importance of complimenting ourselves as a way to recognise the things that make us unique and build our confidence by reminding ourselves about what makes us great. I encourage you to take some time to give yourself a compliment (or two) this week!
Spotlight on Learning
Congratulations to Ashley F, Frieda C and Celeste P in Year 5, along with Chime D, Rose W and Chloe C in Year 6 who were the St Joseph’s winners of the Next Level Writing Competition. Five schools participated in the competition which is the brainchild of our very own Mr Stephens. The winning entries will be included in a published anthology that will be available from our school library next year. I know I cannot wait to get my hands on it!
Yours in Christ,
Amy Doszpot
Assistant Principal