Preps and a new beginning

No doubt, families have heard a great deal at home about the ways in which the Junior School students are happily settling into their new Barbreck.

There has been much to explore as well as different routines and practices to learn. The students have been beautifully responsive and attentive to new routines and organisation, which have been made possible to implement because of the new layout available.

Our Preps have been very pleased to be part of the Barbreck “history”! For reader enjoyment, we have captured some of the many wonderful comments the Prep students have said about Barbreck:

“I can see the new playground being built. It makes me feel excited.” Samara

“It is a really good view from our classroom.” Nina and Charlotte R

“The new building is so different.” Ruby

“I like 6C because it is really beautiful and I think the music room is pretty.” Aimee

“I like seeing the new playground being built.” Amelie

“It is special with the nicer rooms.” Avalon

“I like the art room.” Isabella

“I like being in my classroom and playing with my friends.” Eva

“I like all our classrooms together.” Kitty

“I like Mrs Moor’s office because she is really happy.” Charlotte B

“I like everything.” Isabel

 “It feels magical.” Soraya

“It is good because it looks pretty and I like it.” Lucy

Effort and improvement must be highly valued

So frequently, children can be well praised for achieving mastery or a very high score. Effort, determination and steady but productive steps along the journey towards accomplishment should very generously and frequently be praised highly when noted. As adults, we understand the feeling of accomplishment when we conquer a skill which is new or unfamiliar or one which has perhaps always been a challenge.

Motivation is essential if learning is to occur. It is also fragile and subject to fluctuation, especially if improvement is slow in many cases. The affirmation of progress, albeit small or major, in a genuine manner from a valued adult or friend, can make so much difference to the maintenance of motivation.

Effort is a key ingredient and must be recognised as such.

Professor Carol Dweck, a pioneering researcher in the field of motivation, urges educators and parents to recognise effort more vocally and frequently than results. She also asserts that “you will reach new heights if you learn to embrace the occasional tumble”.

As parents and educators, it is critical that we strengthen our learners to fully appreciate that progress towards achievements can be slow and at times can plateau or slip back a little. We want our students to have the skill to look at “why” or “what happened” and the power to use the answer to that question to strengthen and clarify their resolve to continue to persist.

Chess tournament

On Friday 20 July, the following students participated in their first Interschool Chess Tournament at Camberwell Girls Grammar: May Aiello (Year 4), Imogen Begley (Year 4), Kaixuan (Isabelle) Cao (Year 4), Maeli Davenport (Year 6), Audrey Doan (Year 5), Chelsea Harris (Year 6), Emma Peele (Year 4), Harper Roberts (Year 4), Xiuqi (Anna) Wang (Year 5), Qing Chun (Joanna) Yang (Year 6), Xi (Selina) Yao (Year 5), Xiang (Helen) Yu (Year 6) and Xi (Sissi) Zheng (Year 6). The girls were wonderful representatives of St Catherine’s, displaying outstanding perseverance, competitiveness and integrity. The competition was tough and the girls put into play many of the skills they have been learning throughout Morning Chess Club and learnt much more through playing intensively over the day. They should be very proud of their efforts and participation.

The St Catherine’s team came sixth overall, just missing fifth place by half a point. Maeli Davenport (Year 6) and Kaixuan (Isabelle) Cao (Year 4) were awarded medals as equal St Catherine’s top game scorers. Every girl put in a valiant effort winning at least two games each. The girls are continuing to build their skills through Morning Chess Club and looking forward to their next tournament.

Winter illnesses

We are in the season of infections such as coughs, colds and related illnesses. Children who are unwell should stay at home until the symptoms are at least at the very mild level. The spread of infections occurs very quickly, especially in the student population as they are in close proximity to others very often. From experience, we know that children recover more quickly if they rest at home for a day or two than those who struggle with symptoms of ill health.

However, we hope that they are all well and at school each day!