Term 4 Week 5 6 November 2012

Dear Parents and Caregivers Given that quite a deal of feedback was

received after last week’s newsletter, and following a week of incidents that presented a

number of parents with the opportunity to reflect upon their reactions to situations surrounding their

children, I thought I’d share with you a stand-out memory from my early days in principalship and tie it in

with more recent occurrences.

I was about two years into my first appointment as principal and had come to know a number of families very well

through their involvement in school activities. One family, in particular, was represented on the P&F and always helping out in one way or another. One day I realised that I hadn’t seen the mother around school for weeks and began to wonder about her absence. The very next day, a letter appeared on my desk from this mum - a long letter in which she tore me apart, her anger positively steaming off the pages. She wrote that I had slapped her son on the back of the head as he drank from the bubblers and had also called

him a derogatory name. For weeks this lady’s anger had obviously simmered and simmered and finally couldn’t be contained any longer; the result being this vitriolic outpouring of emotion that intensified as the letter progressed.

I hope it is needless to say that I knew nothing of which she spoke – such an incident was pure imagination. Obviously, I had to get to the bottom of it, so I spoke with her son who, rather sheepishly, admitted that he had told his mother this story many weeks before in order to deflect her ire from another matter. You can imagine, then, the great embarrassment and remorse that followed her son’s ownership of this work of fiction. As we sat together afterwards reflecting upon what had happened, the mum said to me, ‘But Glenda, as a mother, surely I have to believe my son.’ My answer, then, remains the same today. Automatic and unquestioning belief of everything we are told is a very dangerous framework out of which to operate. I believe common-sense and a little wisdom tells us that, rather, we are called to listen to children (with a little detachment) and then move further afield to others (teachers) who can help, the aim being to get the bigger picture, gather information and ultimately, to find the truth. We do this, not to find someone out, assign blame or administer punishment, but rather to be a responsible parent / adult and to provide the child with appropriate modelling of behaviour in potentially inflammatory situations. Often the child’s first response to this approach will be the heart-strings-puller, ‘You never believe me,’ usually accompanied by a show of hurt feelings.

These side-trackers can be resisted with a simple, ‘I’ve heard eve-rything you’ve said but you may not have all the information or the whole picture and I must have these, if I am to be helpful to you. That’s what parents do.’ (Obviously, over time, you also learn more about the child as well and are better able to guide them to responsible adulthood.) Imagine the suffering and waste of time, energy and emotion that could have been avoided had the mum in the story done just that – if she had simply and calmly come to me and said, ‘David is telling me that there was an incident between the two of you at the bub-blers yesterday. Can you shed any light on that?’

As I mentioned earlier, recent events brought that story back to me; events involving parents who believed and defended their children to the point that they were closed to any possibility that they may not have been given correct information or may not be in possession of all the facts. Children do tell fibs and they do exag-gerate the part others play in wrong-doing while downplaying their own. If I had a dollar for every time a parent has said to me, ‘My child doesn’t lie,’ only to find this not to be the case…... Having faith in a child’s ultimate goodness is absolutely necessary and true, but having blind faith in a child’s innocence in all matters can be reckless and unhelpful to that child’s development. Chil-dren must be free to make their mistakes and it’s our job to help them learn from those mistakes while they are young. We deny them their right to learn if we indulge them and/or blindly follow them rather than lead them. Mistakes do not make any child less loved. It’s simply one of the ways we all learn. Have a great week

everyone. Glenda

Before I leave the subject, may I also reiterate two points made in last week’s newsletter? Firstly, the more adults are able to control those overly-emotional responses to children’s issues, the more logically and appropriately we will see to problems. Secondly, never approach other people’s children—not to question them or to warn them off or to chastise them. This is highly inappropri-ate and can only escalate the problem. Involve the teacher and let us mediate with children and parents. That’s part of our job.

Orientation Thank You - Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Orientation another successful introduction to Stella Maris. To all teachers, school officers and Year 7 students who spent the two morn-ings with the new little ones, thank you for giving them a happy taste of school life. To the Year 1 and Year 7 teachers and students and school officers who helped with the current preps and Year 1’s who moved up the school, thank you for being helpful and flexible. To office staff, Year 7 students and parent helpers for so much behind the scenes and on the day preparation, thank you for easing the load and helping out. To Kylie Walsh, Tim Eva, Suzette Ellis, Linda Dow, Judith, Terry and Fa-ther Joe for speaking to parents, thank you for your valuable input. And lastly, a big thank you to the parents who buddied a new family.. or two… or three….you were a great help to our many wonderful newcom-ers to Stella Maris. Thanks one and all.

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

At 11am on 11 November 1918 the guns fell silent as hostilities ceased on the Western Front, ending four years of death and destruction. Earlier that day, at 5am, the Germans signed an armistice in a railway carriage at Compiègne. In the following year the Treaty of Versailles made the cease-fire permanent. People celebrated across the world. Others reflected with great sadness the extraordinary losses and suffering from many nations. More than 60,000 Australians had been killed. More than 45,000 died on the Western Front in France and Belgium and over 8,000 on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey. Over 416,000 Australians volunteered for service in World War I, of which 324,000 served overseas.

In Australia and in those countries with whom Australia was allied between 1914 and 1918, 11 November subsequently became known as Armistice Day. It was a day on which to remember those who died in the Great War. After the end of World War II, the Australian and British governments changed the name to Remembrance Day. Armistice Day was no longer an appropriate title for a day which would commemorate all war dead. In October 1997, the Governor-General issued a proclamation declaring 11 November as Remembrance Day and urging Australians to observe one minute's silence at 11am on Remembrance Day each year to remember the sacrifice of those who died or otherwise suffered in Australia's cause in wars and war-like conflicts. The proclamation reinforced the importance the Government places on Remembrance Day and encouraged all Australians to renew their observation of the event.

Service Details: A short sincere service in Remembrance of our fallen will be held this coming Sunday 11th November at the Cenotaph, Cotton Tree Park, The Esplanade. Three of our students will lay wreaths at this ceremony. Please join us at the Cenotaph on Sunday at 10.30am

In Flanders Fields: In May 1915 Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae of the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps was working in a dressing station on the front line to the north of Ieper, Belgium, when he wrote…

In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe; To you, from failing hands, we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

Since 1921 wearing a poppy has enabled Australians to show they have not forgotten the more than 102,000 Australian servicemen and women who have given their lives in wars and conflicts during the past 100 years. Flanders poppy seeds may be grown in Australian gardens. By planting the seeds in April, the poppies bloom in November, in time for Remembrance Day. They serve as a visual reminder of those Australians who have died in war. to celebrate the great sacrifice of our fallen war heroes as we lay a wreath to commemorate their ultimate sacrifice. I hope you can join us at the Cenotaph on Sunday at 11am for the wreath laying ceremony to honour those who died.

God bless, ]âw|à{A

P&F/AGM meeting Tuesday 13 November, commencing at 6.30p.m. in

the staffroom. All are most welcome with all contributions viewed as valuable.

Reminder to all Prep Families. Now is the time to be organising a Year1 uniform for your child.

Uniform opening hours for the last week of term: Monday 3rd December 8am to 10am Tuesday 4th December 8am to 10am Wednesday 5th December 10.15am to 3.15pm Thursday 6th December 8am to 1pm

Uniform Opening Days and Hours for next year: Monday 21st January 2013 Closed Tuesday 22nd January 9am to 3pm Wednesday 23rd January 9am to 3pm Thursday 24th January 9am to 3pm, Friday 25th January 8am to 12pm Wednesday 30th January 8.15am to 3.15pm Thursday 31st January 8am to 1pm Monday 4th February 8am to 10am Wednesday 6th February 10.15am to 3.15pm Thursday 7th February 8am to 1pm

Keep smiling! Leanne Dowe Uniform Convenor

8 November

Lucy Hughes, Madison Best, Summer Van Der Helm, Cooper Vagg,

Rory Bell, Jett Moritz, Sienna Cameron, Maya Jeffs, Teya Brown,

Harrison McDonald, Ethan Barwood, Maddie Taylor,

Jackson Smith-Leishman, Harry Dreger, Ruby Towner, Ella Harris,

Jessica Perrett, Emily Ryan, Loren Duggan, Cooper Fysh,

Sabrina Delgado, Max McDonald, Lucy Carolan, Hudson Mills,

Jorja Jones, Courtney Young, Aliecia Braddock.

Bishop Brian Visiting This Friday, we welcome Bishop Brian Finnigan to Stella Maris for the morning. Bishop Brian will meet staff and also visit 1A and 3C students during his visit.

Thanks Emma On Friday night, Emma Gilligan represented Stella Maris at the liturgy for the retiring Executive Director of Brisbane Catholic Education, Mr David Hutton, at the start of the Siena College Awards Night. Emma showed great confidence and poise in taking part. Thanks Emma.

Australian Youth Choir

A representative will be visiting all Year 2-6 classes on Thursday.

Calling all Clever Designers We would love a Stella Maris student to design the front cover of the 2012 YEARBOOK. Your design should be in colour and include the words ‘Stella Maris Yearbook 2012’. The winning design will be kept a secret until the Yearbook is published! Please submit entries to Mrs Ludlow in Yr 7C by next Wednesday, 7 November.

Go on! Have a go!

Thank you to Shae Coghlan, Ella Warren, Madalyn O’Donnell, Brae Edgerton, Zoe Kretzers, Carly Macdonald, Bronte Ruegg, Samuel Lawson.

MUSIC NOTES QUOTE OF THE WEEK “The future belongs to young people with an education and the imagination to create.”

~ Barack Obama ~

MUSIC COUNT US IN Music Count Us In - Well done to all every student in the school for your singing and enthusiasm from "Different People" in 2012. You joined close to three quarters of a million students across the world presenting the same song. Special thanks to Mrs Durrer, Mr Wynyard, Miss Worthy, Mr Clarke and Mrs James for preparing students and to our fabulous Concert Band students and guitar students for playing the music. Great job everyone!

CHOIR NEWS - Choir rehearsals have resumed and all students should be at each rehearsal. We were missing quite a number of students from SM Singers last Thursday.

DATE CLAIMERS Thursday 8 November (5:30pm – 6:30pm) a small group of girls from SM Singers to sing at the Big Top (permission forms already handed out) Thursday 22 November – SM Singers to sing at Assembly Thursday 29 November – (2:30pm – 3:00pm) Piccolo Choir presentation to parents and Year 1-3 students Tuesday 4 December – (10:30am – 12:30pm) SM Singers at Maroochydore Respite Centre for Christmas Carols

INSTRUMENTAL NEWS Re-enrolment letters have been sent home with all students currently enrolled for instrumental, singing and speech tuition at school. The form needs to be returned ASAP to secure your place for 2013 or to advise that your child is not continuing. Your prompt attention to these forms would be appreciated!

Recruitment - yesterday, Mr Wynyard and Mrs Salmon demonstrated various instruments to students in Yr 2 - 4 regarding opportunities to join the program in 2013. Tuition is not available to students who will be in Prep or Year 1 in 2013. Should places be available, places will be offered to current Year 1 students later in the term. Please keep an eye on the newsletter. Students currently in Year 5 and 6 who would like to learn an instrument in 2013 should collect an enrolment form from the school office. For any other enquiries, please contact Mr Wynyard at StellaMarisMusic@bne.catholic.edu.au.

A note re lessons and ensemble rehearsal - as the year draws to an end, students will begin to conclude music, singing and speech lessons once the quote of 9 lessons per term over the year have been provided. Please contact your child’s tutors if you would like further advice on when your child’s lessons may be ending for the year. Ensemble rehearsals will still be happening and Individual ensemble leaders will advise when rehearsals will end. Your continued support of these groups is encouraged and appreciated. If you have queries regarding anything musical – please feel free to catch up with us before or after school, by contacting us in writing or via email. Musically Yours,

Inez Durrer Todd Wynyard Classroom Music Specialist Instrumental Music Coordinator idurrer@bne.catholic.edu.au twynyard@bne.catholic.edu.au

November 8 Australian Youth Choir Yrs. 2-7 November 13 P & F/AGM Meeting @ 6.30pm in the staffroom November 22 Music ( SM Singers & Guitar) Assembly Item November 29 P & F Tuckshop Mum’s Lunch November 30 Swimming Carnival Yrs. 4-7 December 4 Year 7 Dinner Dance /Awards Evening December 5 Year 7 Thanksgiving Liturgy (evening) December 7 Last Day Term 4

2013 January 30 1st Day Term 1 March 28 Last Day Term 1 April 15 1st Day Term 2 June 21 Last Day Term 2 July 8 1st Day Term 3 September 20 Last Day Term 3 October 3 1st Day Term 4 October 21 Pupil Free Day December 6 Last Day Term 4

Week Ending 9 November- M Damaggio,A Brown, A Brunswick, A Corby, A Currie, A Horridge,A MacDonald, A Maguire, A McLaughlin, A Pearson,A Roser,B Baillie,B Gardner,B Gordon,C Crowe,C Kemp, C Moloney,C Penn, C Quinn, C Thiele, Tonkes

Wed 07/11 Thurs 08/11 Fri 09/11 Mon 12/11 Tues 13/11

C Cleary M Johnstone

D Vann F Johannsen

J Carolan A van Dalen J Williams R Larkin

H Cruise V Portors

Desperately needed! -A secretary is needed for the Stella FC for the 2013 season and onwards. Interested parties

please call Damien on 0411 283 065.

If interested sponsors are needed for new jerseys.

On Tuesday the 23rd October the Stella Maris Surf Team competed in the Pacific

Pulse Surf competition at Caloundra. Our team performed very well coming in third overall. The team should be very proud of their efforts considering the very tough conditions under which they surfed. Individually, our team did extremely well. Congratulations to: Lauren Bellamy u11 girls champ Luke Murray encouragement award Alister Reginato u11 boys champ John McLaughlin u12 boys runner up Zac Medwin u12 boys runner up Our team was Lauren Bellamy, Luke Murray, Alister Reginato, John McLauglin, Zac Medwin, Zac Robbie, Kirra Bellamy and Tye James.

Well done and congratulations.

Last Tuesday the Stella Maris Cricket Team played against St Andrew’s School in the Qld Primary Schools T20 Cup. The boys displayed some excellent skill with both bat and ball but unfortunately were beaten by a better side. A big congratulations to all of the boys who displayed outstanding team spirit, sportsmanship and determination.

Well done boys!!!!

Sushi is now back on the menu. Available Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

Christine Craig (Guidance Counsellor) email:ccraig@bne.catholic.edu.au

The fifth grader's brain Part 2 Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis used MRI to view brain regions that were stimulated when kids played an assortment of video games. When kids played "Need for Speed: Underground" — a non-violent game — activity in the frontal area was observed; this zone is associated with concentration and self-control. But when kids played "Medal of Honour: Frontline" — a violent game — there was no frontal area activation; instead, the amygdala was excited, in the least-cerebral, "reptilian" part of the brain. The amygdala is associated with emotional arousal, especially anger, and is responsible for aggressive, impulsive behaviours. Repeated "firing up" of reptilian zones could "hardwire" a developing brain for less self-control. If you purchase video games for your child, make sure the focus is on racing or skill, not violence.

Growth in the fifth-grader's prefrontal cortex accelerates as the brain prepares for adolescent changes. Your child is probably sliding into adolescence now, especially if she's a girl. Don't delay! Inform her or him about all the physical changes of puberty. The need for "personal space" also includes a quiet, clean, individualized place for homework, time alone in their bedroom, and more independence. Fifth grade boys and girls are often quite hostile to each other. This rudeness has a neurological excuse. MRI scanners have revealed that girl and boy brains, at this age, are wildly dissimilar in the structure of their cerebral cortexes. Girls are often taller than boys at this age, with superior fine-motor skills. Girls also tend to be vastly more "mature." The inflection point (a halfway mark in brain development) occurs in females just before they turn 11, but males don't get there until they're nearly 15.

Strengthened interconnectedness in fifth grade brain architecture improves ability in planning, problem solving, and information processing. This upgrade allows children to recognize that authority figures are not always "right," a new insight that could mean they defy or ridicule adult authority when they hadn't before. An interesting epiphany, but not advantageous to parents! To combat this insurrection, make your rules clear and carefully explain your reasons. Talk about "respect" and how you expect to get it, involve your fifth grader in household chores, and inform your child that he’s now mature enough to be responsible for his actions.

A fifth-grader's evolving, disoriented brain with shaky self-esteem requires firm, but gentle guidance from diligent adults. Developmental psychologist recommend "authoritative parenting” because it provides consistent, compassionate, goal-clarifying direction, and allows the child to build self-esteem by making intelligent choices. Over-controlling “authoritarian” parents who scold incessantly can instil a sense of inadequacy in their offspring, and over-indulgent “permissive” parents that heap praise without justification just give their kids a false sense of attainment.

Children's brains at this age can waffle wildly between recklessness and paranoia. Tell the timid ones that it's alright to make mistakes and encourage them to try new experiences and challenges. Conversely, warn the daredevils about drugs, smoking, alcohol, and skateboarding out-of-control without a helmet, emphasizing the catastrophic harm that can happen to their most prized possession: the mind.