Dear parents and carers,
As we head towards the end of Term 3, it is essential for us to take a moment to reflect on something that is at the very heart of our school – wellbeing. We often hear this term thrown around, but what does it really mean? It is not just about students, teachers, or families individually; the definition of wellbeing is a community that is thriving.
Dr. Paul Kidson, Senior Lecturer at ACU, beautifully reminds us that "wellbeing happens when there is a commitment to academic learning and social learning." This means that our wellbeing is interconnected, and the well-being of one affects the well-being of all.
It's about nurturing a community that is not only academically successful but one where every member is genuinely flourishing. Our collective strength lies in the relationships we build and the support we offer each other.
As parents, it's natural to want to shield our children from life's challenges. However, we must also understand that stress, in moderation, can be a valuable tool for growth. Just as Dr. Kidson wisely points out, "Too much stress is not a good thing, but not enough of it is also not a good thing." It's how we build our emotional and mental muscles, equipping us to navigate life's ups and downs.
Sometimes, we think of resilience as bouncing back after life's challenges. However, it's also about walking through difficulties when they arise.
Each one of us is part of a web of relationships here at our school. We share the responsibility of looking out for one another's needs in a respectful manner.
In our diverse and vibrant school community, at times it's natural for disagreements to arise. We may hold different opinions and viewpoints, but we must remember that we all share a common bond – our commitment to the well-being of our children and our school. When concerns or complaints arise, the most effective way to address them is by speaking directly with the classroom teacher, or a leadership team member rather than resorting to social media or carpark conversations. Communication, handled respectfully, fosters understanding and resolution.
Wellbeing is a shared journey. It's about building a thriving and supportive community where every member plays a vital role. Together, we can create an environment where our children, teachers, and families flourish, nurturing not only academic success but also emotional and social well-being.
Student Leadership in the Junior School
Over the past few months, the College has undergone a review of the Student Leadership structure both in the Junior School and Senior School. This review involved Year 12 Leadership students, Year 5 students, current Year 6 student leaders, Junior School staff, Leadership as well as College Leadership. The new Senior School student leadership structure was announced at the St Gregory the Great College Mass last week, with the seven leaders presented with their roles and badges. What a joy it was to see Samuel Martyn announced as the Junior School Leader. Sam was a member of the foundation Year 6 class in the Junior School.
The new Junior School Leadership Structure has had a change of titles. The same number of students will make up the team of Leaders, however, the students and staff felt that the change from House Captains to Vice Captains provided all students with an equal opportunity to display their leadership qualities, not just their sporting qualities. The Marist Characteristics are values that a large number of our students possess and these are the qualities we wish to see in the students who are representing their peers.
There was question around increasing the number of leaders due to our school expanding next year. Although this is the case, we are only expanding in Years K-3 in 2024, so will not see a large number in Year 6 until 2027. Review in the Senior School also reported that there were too many leaders and therefore this changed from 16 leaders to 7.
At St Gregory’s College Junior School all Year 6 students are encouraged to demonstrate their leadership skills in order to support fellow students and to benefit the wider community. A student leader at St Gregory’s Junior School embodies the Marist Characteristics of Presence, Simplicity, Love of Work, In the Way of Mary and Family Spirit. Opportunities to demonstrate and to develop these qualities are provided to Year 6 through a range of learning experiences and opportunities.
Year 5 leadership and Team Building Day
On Tuesday 5 September, the Year 5 students participated in a full Leadership Day, run by Mrs Ivancic, Mr Gannon, Mrs Burton & Mr Hayes. Mr Brennan along with Year 12 Leaders Samuel Martyn, Jake Wright & Jack Noy came to speak with the students, support them in their group tasks and participate in team building activities.
The day began with the students sharing questions about leadership and their understanding about what it means. They watched inspirational videos and reflected with peers. Students were also invited to write letters to their new Kindy buddies for 2024. The new leadership structure and applications were distributed at the end of the day.
I invited the students to reflect on how they can build their grade as a TEAM. Mr Brennan and I challenged the students to look out for each other, stand up for what is right and not stand by and accept what is not okay. Mr Brennan emphasised the importance of “being a good Christian and a good citizen”. There were certainly many students during this day who displayed a real sense of focus and ability to reflect. The grade cooperated with their peers during team building activities and shared deep insights into what it means to be a leader.
The Leadership Structure from 2024
In 2024 we will recognise 7 students to fill formal leadership positions, in place for the benefit of the entire student body and the larger Junior School community.
These positions will include:
- School Captains – boy & girl
- Vice Captains – 4 positions
- Marist Ministry Leader
These positions will be determined by a process including student votes from Years 4-6, staff votes and group interview. The Junior School Leadership will rule out students for valid reasons, including but not limited to behaviour records and poor attendance without reasonable cause.
The applications will be reviewed by the Head of Junior School to determine if they are shortlisted to progress through to a group interview. The group interviews will be conducted by the Head of Junior School.
The new student leaders for 2024 will be announced at the Celebration of Learning.
I look forward to receiving applications for our 2024 leaders in the coming month.
Teacher Aide Appreciation Week
In schools, there are many people who work hard to ensure that our students are cared for, supported and given access to learning. Many are often not recognised because they work quietly in the background. Last week we celebrated and acknowledged four important educators in our Junior School – our Learning Support Officers (Teacher Aides). These four dedicated and beautiful ladies have been with us since the school opened and support our students and staff every day, quietly.
On behalf of the students, staff and school community I would like to acknowledge and thank Mary-Ellen Hayes, Christine Lowe, Janine Orton and Rachael Tweedie for being such a wonderful team and integral part of our school staff.
Next year we will add two new members to the Learning Support Team. These positions were advertised, and interviews will take place shortly. I am proud to say that for the two advertised positions, we attracted 130 applications! St Greg’s is obviously a place where people would love to come and work.
PYP Exhibition
The Year 6 PYP exhibition is almost here and the Year 6 students, teachers and mentors have been working extremely hard to prepare for their presentation night.
The PYP Exhibition is the culmination of the International Baccalaureate’s Primary Years Programme. The students have worked in small groups to inquire into a central idea, engaged with primary sources, met with their mentors and created artistic representations for the exhibition night.
The whole St Gregory’s community is welcome to attend the exhibition and support the students in our 2nd PYP Exhibition. Staff from many schools across Sydney have confirmed their attendance for the night as well, including The Kings School, TARA, St Peter’s Anglican, Meriden, and Trinity Grammar School.
We are looking forward to celebrating with you all on the night.
I wish you all the best for the end of the term,
Diana Ivancic