World Teachers Day – Hats off to our Teachers

The idea of an apple for the teacher is a tradition that has stood the test of time throughout history and whilst there is much speculation about the origins of the gift of an apple, the tradition of giving apples to teachers has always been a way of showing appreciation.

In recognition of the wonderful work of our teaching staff our students wrote cards for our teaching staff acknowledging them personally for the extraordinary and varied contributions they make to our school community and of course this handwritten card was accompanied by an apple for good measure.

The theme this year is Hat’s off to our teachers. In recognition and celebration of the many hats a teacher wears throughout the school day: mentor, motivator, negotiator, referee, nurse, teacher, decorator, cheerleader and educator to name but a few.

This week’s Parenting Ideas article addresses the importance of the early identification and response to signs of anxiety in young people. Beyond Blue identifies a range of indicators that parents should be on the lookout for

• Physical: panic attacks, hot and cold flushes, racing heart, tightening of the chest, quick breathing, restlessness, or feeling tense, wound up and edgy
• Psychological: excessive fear, worry, catastrophizing, or obsessive thinking
• Behavioural: avoidance of situations that make you feel anxious which can impact on study, work or social life www.beyondblue.org.au/ the facts/anxietysigns-and-symptoms

This week during Pastoral Care our students focussed on further developing their study skills in preparation for upcoming exams and assessment task. Empowering students with the organisational skills and strategies necessary for success builds confidence and reduces the likelihood of students feeling overwhelmed and anxious in the lead up to this busy period. If you have any concerns about how your son is feeling in the lead up to these tasks please reach out to your son’s Pastoral Care Coordinator, or Assistant Pastoral Care Coordinator for support.

Mrs Hughes
Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing