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 YEAR 12 GRADUATION

In a year where so much has been cancelled, postponed, shifted or simply stopped, we had a wonderful Graduation for our Year 12 students last night. Under the current covid-19 rules from NSW Health, each graduating student could only invite two guests from their direct family members. This sadly meant that the tradition of having Mum and Dad, siblings and Grandparents attend was no longer an option and I thank the families of all involved for the way in which this was worked through. Congratulations go to all students but particularly the Major Award Winners.

Jack Crawford and Vince Villa Sporting Award - Olivia Southby

Marcellin Champagnat Allrounder Award - Kyle Kalabric

Fr John Therry Spirit Award - Luke Kotsu

Cultural and Creative Arts Award - Jessica Soh

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Encouragement Award - Jay Lindfield

St Vincent De Paul Award - Mariel Venal-de Leon

Spiritus Sanctus Citizenship Award - Sophia Wolczak

Our Lady Help of Christian Marian Award - Giselle Levine

St Joseph Award - Lauren Forzeman

St Francis of Assisi Award - Alyssa Powell

ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award - Riley Tonna

ADF Future Innovators Award - Anthony Dellis

Campbelltown Achievement Award – Mr Greg Warren - Olivia Mesa

Science Teachers Association Award - Riley Tonna

Recta Sapere Award - Amith Jacob-Kovoor

NAIDOC WEEK

NAIDOC week was moved to this week because of the Covid -19 pandemic. We commenced the week last Sunday with a wonderful Mass at the Church of the Holy Trinity at Minto. Sr Kerry conducts the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry from there and the mass was celebrated by Bishop Brian and a number of elders and supporters gathered for a lovely celebration and recognition of the oldest continuous culture on our planet. A big thanks to the College staff who gave up their Sunday to attend – Mr Mayes, Mrs Carroll, Mr Robinson and especially Cherrylle and Brian Nau. I was very proud of our John Therry students who danced and provided didgeridoo accompaniment. 

HELPING KIDS DEAL WITH DISTRESSING NEWS AND SOCIAL MEDIA

We live in a world of instant news and communication. So, at times filtering does not take place and uncensored material can become available. Graphic images have been brought into our living rooms and onto our devices via the media over the last few weeks and will continue to do so in the immediate future. But what about the impact of the event and the subsequent effect of media coverage on children and young people? As adults we all want our children to live carefree and happy lives. In reality we can’t achieve this. So what is a parent, teacher, or other caring adult to do when such events fill social media and the consciousness of society?

HERE ARE SOME IDEAS:

1. Reassure children that they are safe. The consistency of the images can be frightening for young children who don’t understand the notion of distance and have difficulty distinguishing between reality and fiction. Let them know that while this event is indeed happening it will not affect them directly.
2. Explain what happened. Sounds obvious but it’s important not to simply assume that children and young people understand what’s happened. Be calm and stick to the facts.
3. Be available. Let kids know that it is okay to talk about the unpleasant events. Listen to what they think and feel. By listening, you can find out if they have misunderstandings, and you can learn more about the support that they need.
4. Help children process what they see and hear, particularly through social media. Children are good observers but can be poor interpreters of events that are out of their level of understanding.
5. Support children’s concerns for others. They may have genuine concerns for the suffering that will occur and they may need an outlet for those concerns. It is heart warming to see this empathy in children for the concerns of others.
6. Let them explore feelings beyond fear. Many children may feel sad or even angry with these events so let them express the full range of emotions.
7. Avoid keeping the television on all the time. The visual nature of social media means that images are repeated over and over, which can be both distressing to some and desensitising to others.
8. Be aware of your own actions. Children will take their cues from you and if they see you focusing on it in an unhealthy way then they will focus on it too. Let them know that it is happening but it should not dominate their lives.

Children’s worlds can be affected in ways that we can’t even conceive of, so adults need to be both sensitive to children’s needs and mindful of what they say and how they act in front of children.

In difficult times, it is worth remembering what adults and children need most are each other.

Source: Practical Parenting