IMPORTANT notice for the Primary Interhouse Cross-Country (Year 2 – 6)

Due to the severe weather warning on Friday 26 June, we have decided to bring this year’s Primary Interhouse Cross-Country (Year 2 – 6) forward to Thursday 25 June where we believe it to be a beautiful clear day.

What to Wear: 

• House Sport Uniform (Physical Education shorts and House shirt)
• Appropriate running shoes

What to Bring: 

• Clearly marked hat and water bottle
• If your child has asthma, please ensure they bring their own inhaler.

In light of the current ease on restrictions, we are pleased to inform you that parents/guardians will now be able to spectate from a distance. Parents/guardians may only spectate their own child’s race and must leave promptly at the end of the race. Parents/guardians will not be permitted in the area designated for students.

We thank you for your support and look forward to seeing our students participate this Friday!

Canteen Meal Deal – Order Online or Print and Complete the form below.

Orders close Friday 26 June

            N is for No Ultimatum!!!

When starting to read this chapter, I must say that I was quite intrigued as to how any parent could do this! Referring to my own experience as a mum, I must confess that I have found myself giving a few ultimatums to my daughter here and there…. Once again, parenting is a journey and no journey is perfect in life …

One of the ways Danish schools promote democracy is by allowing students to create the rules together with their teacher every year. Everyone decides the code of conduct together. Having worked in education for over twenty-five years now, I have found this approach to be the most effective one for me and the students in my care. Danish teachers, just like St Stephen’s teachers, also help students set up goals regularly (academic, personal and social). Setting goals helps us to keep motivated, get maximum results, remain focus and creates accountability. Here are some pieces of advice found in the book in relation to No Ultimatum:

• Remember to distinguish the behaviour from the child. There isn’t a bad child, just bad behaviour.
• Avoid power struggles. Always think win-win, not “How can I win?”.
• Don’t blame the child. Take responsibility yourself and try to do better next time.
• Try to see that children are inherently good. Children are supposed to push boundaries and test rules ;-)!
• Teach your children. Guide them, nurture them and educate them. Don’t just punish them and see them as needing more discipline. Don’t label them as ”sneaky” or “manipulative” or “terrible”. Words matter. The behaviour is the behaviour; it’s not the child. Explain to your child why something can’t be done. Teach respect, be respectful, and you will be more respected.
• Reframe. Find a better story line about your children and other people. Learning how to reframe and teaching your children to do it makes everyone more caring and happier.
• Remember; the cycle comes back  to you! Good begets good. Bad begets bad. Out of control begets out of control and calm begets calm.
• Always think of your child’s age. What can you expect from your child in relation to his/her age? Children are not small adults…
• Remember, protest is a response to something. Remember that protest is a way of communicating.

Finally, one of my favourite pieces of advice; it is important to know what your triggers are. Where is your breaking point, and what can you do to stop yourself when you get there? Having dealt with teenage years myself a little while ago ;-), I now know the difference between the battles and the war! Don’t take every battle :-)!

Madame Pilote