Dear Parents and Carers

As what remains of the term very quickly draws to a close, and each week brings us closer to life returning to some form of normality, I wanted to take this opportunity to check in with families as to how they are travelling at this time.  I understand it has been very difficult for all families, but particularly so for some. The pandemic has had a considerable effect on us all and it is with this in mind that I would remind you that where we can assist families, the school stands ready to do so.  Earlier in the year, I was contacted by some families for assistance and that offer still stands.  In making this offer I would encourage families to contact me via email, phone or in person, whatever is easiest and more comfortable, to discuss how we may be able to support you or someone you know of that is in need.  All conversations are confidential. 

One of the many things we do well as a school community is support one another and those in need.  Please remember if you are in need of assistance to reach out to us.  This week I would like to share with you another article that I found particularly interesting in light of the events to date.  It has some good advice on dealing with setbacks which I believe we have all recently experienced.  

Finally this week it has come to my attention that some of our students are being asked to wait near the entry/ exit gate in Oxley Street.  I realise that this is in an effort to reduce queueing time for drive-through pick up and expediency.  Please be aware that there is no teacher supervision in this area in the afternoons.  Younger students, P-3, should not be left unsupervised in this area.  I understand that the increased pick up traffic due to COVID restrictions has caused delays, however, student safety remains our priority.  Please do not ask young children to wait to be collected via the Oxley Street gate unsupervised.  Thank you in anticipation of your support.

Have a great week.

Tim

7 Stages of Overcoming A Setback

The challenges of COVID-19 have resulted in massive changes in schools and setbacks on what we had initially planned for this year. This can be very unsettling. In Emotional Intelligence at Work, US psychologist Hendrie Weisinger identifies seven stages most people experience after a setback. Similar to Elizabeth Kubler-Ross’s stages of grief, he says, ‘You need to experience and manage each stage, successfully moving through each one. Failure to do so keeps you stuck in a particular stage and further from your comeback.’

The sequence of stages is not set in stone. You might experience several at once; you might move between stages; you might return to one already passed. However, Weisinger says, it is essential that you work thoroughly through each stage.

1. Disbelief – overcome it. The first reaction has been likened to a lull before an emotional storm. “This isn’t really happening to me. I can’t believe this.” The first step in making a comeback is to acknowledge the reality of the setback, assess the situation accurately and know the feelings you will normally experience as a consequence.
2. Anger – deal with it. Anger begins to form, making you feel worse as the reality of the setback sets in. “It’s so unfair. I’m really annoyed. I don’t agree with the decision that has been made. I wasn’t consulted and I don’t like the way Fred treats me.” You complain, feel bitter and often expect others’ support and sympathy. Know that this is a natural emotion at this stage and try to defuse it through some kind of physical activity — e.g. write a mock letter to Fred, telling him it’s the worst decision you’ve come across and what’s wrong with it...then rip the letter up, or undertake other forms of anger dissipation such as vigorous exercise.
3. Yearning for the good old days– which won’t get you far. Nostalgic thoughts of yesteryear are usually the next phase. They help you to feel good but this desire to turn back time is only a mechanism preventing you from facing reality. Acknowledge this stage and deal with it by accepting that it’s impossible to turn back time.
4. Depression – fight it. Often, after a setback, you’ll feel like going to bed and pulling the covers over your head. Others shun friends, wishing to suffer alone, incapable of doing anything. Some find it hard to sleep and become exhausted during the day. Depression is the major hurdle in making a comeback: you slump into despondency and despair.

On the brighter side, this stage is also the turning point: once you’ve passed it, you’re on your way to returning. Seek the support and advice of family and friends; use positive self-statements; try problem-solving techniques. Once you have resolved to look positively at your current situation, you are ready to move on.

5. Acceptance – face the new challenge. Your confidence and motivation are now beginning to return. You’ve weathered the worst of the setback. You finally acknowledge that your old situation no longer exists and that you are prepared to face the new one. Focus positively on new goals and desires and adopt a strategy to realise them.
6. New hope – embrace it. Optimism has returned. You now have meaningful goals, thought through the steps to achieve them and are reasonably confident of doing so.
7. Positive activity – undertake it enthusiastically. Your motivation is nearly back and you feel encouraged, energised and ready to do whatever it takes to follow the new course.

Hold on to this new attitude by breaking down your goals into achievable mini-tasks, monitoring your behaviour from time to time, embracing the support and advice of others and using problem-solving skills to generate new effective responses to any obstacles you encounter on the way.

Recognising when you are in each phase is beneficial. Acceptance allows us to start to move on. We certainly live in ‘interesting’ times. Hang in there!

Steve Francis MScM, BEd, DipT                                                                                          www.SteveFrancis.net.au

Steve is an expert in school leadership and work-life satisfaction. Steve was a Principal for 20 years and is the author of four books, ‘Time Management For Teachers’, ‘A Gr8 Life...Live it Now!’,’First Semester Can Make or Break You!’ and ‘Attitude is Everything’. Steve lives in Brisbane with his wife and family but works with school leaders and staff in schools across Australia and internationally.

World Environment Day

On Friday we celebrated World Environment Day with classroom Prayer celebrations.  Each class also created a pledge for how they can help look after our world.

Year 6 Interactive Museum

Today I was fortunate to be invited to the Year 6 Interactive Museum which forms part of their Religion unit “How is the Holy Spirit alive today?”  In the unit, students explored significant people from our Catholic tradition whose lives have been inspired by the Holy Spirit.  Some of these people included Mary McKillop, Catherine McAuley, Mother Teresa, St Paul and St Francis of Assisi.  Students prepared answers to questions around their chosen person.  They included background information, how the Holy Spirit was alive in that person’s life, miracles that they were known for and real world examples for how we can follow in their persons footsteps today.  The students all did an amazing job presenting their information and they definitely looked the part.  

Do you need financial help at this time?

St Vincent de Paul (Townsville Diocese) has received significant funding from the Federal and State Governments to help people through the COVID 19 crisis. They are happy to assist families and individuals who have been impacted financially by the pandemic and can assist with education, medical, rent and utility bills. SVDP is also able to provide people with food vouchers, clothing, furniture and household items.  For assistance ring 1800VINNIES.  Allister Crocker, (Diocesan President of SVDP - Townsville Diocese), is also happy to facilitate assistance to families and field calls on 0408723864.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you require assistance.

Have a wonderful week.

Take care and God Bless

Amanda

Semester 1 Reports

Due to Covid- 19 interruptions to regular school routines , some changes to school reporting have been necessary. For Semester 1, teachers  have assessed and will be reporting on Religion, English, Maths and Science. No attendance data will be included in this report.

Other Learning Areas will be included in Semester 2 Reports. 

SJS Reports can be accessed through the COMPASS portal on Friday, June 26th. Further details for accessing your child’s report will be included in next week’s newsletter. If you have any concerns about logging into COMPASS, please contact our school office for assistance. 

Athletics@Joeys

Last Friday saw the continuation of our Athletics@Joeys events. Students in Years 3-6 participated in High Jump in our Putney hall. This field event was a great way to showcase skills learnt in PE classes and was an enjoyable experience for all concerned. In a first at Joey's, we welcome our Year 3's, who are joining us for some experience. This Friday, we venture back to our oval for Long Jump. We thank Ben our groundsman, for preparing our new sand pit. We wish our competitors well. Students are asked to wear their PE/Sports uniform each Friday.