Managing our emotions and dealing with the challenges of everyday life, and parenting, can at times, be more demanding that we would hope. The pressures of work commitments, paying bills, raising a family and living in a world of non-stop activity can take its toll on both individuals and families alike. When the pressures come, and things don’t go as planned, it is easy to be quick to anger.
Charles Swindoll, in his book “David: A man of Passion & Destiny: Profiles in Character” states that “Anger is one of the most debilitating emotions we wrestle with. One reason is that it is unpredictable – it can be on us almost before we know it, and it can wear so many faces.” Swindoll goes on to say “another reason it’s debilitating is that it’s so public. You cannot hide anger, it’s on display. It is there for everybody to witness and remember.”
So, the great challenge for us as parents is to manage our behaviours when we do become angry, and in doing so showing self-control and responding in a positive manner, so that we and our children, learn from errors committed, the mistakes that were made and hurts that have been experienced.
Below are 3 simple techniques to assist with controlling anger and staying calm when dealing with your child who has “pressed your buttons” once too often.
- Look for the early physical signs of your anger eg: faster heart rate, churning stomach, tense shoulders, clenched jaw and hands. Recognising these tell-tale signs can de-escalate tense situations.
- Avoid negative self-talk, it makes anger worse. Internalised commentary like “No-one ever helps me – I have to do everything myself” or “Why do you want to upset me?” are a sign for individuals to take the time to stop, to do something else, and in as a result, helps you to calm down.
- Reflect on the situation. If you feel as though you are calming down perhaps you can assess: How important was this issue? Why was I so upset about it? Using our past experiences as learning opportunities helps us to deal more appropriately with future situations.
We all know that no-one is perfect and that when anger arises, it is an enormous challenge to respond well. It is however, in the best interests of all concerned, that we more often than not, display a calm and controlled response to those highly charged moments.
Russell Gilchrist (Dean of Parresia)
LOST PROPERTY
There is a substantial amount of lost property in each of the campus houses. If your child has misplaced/lost something please advise them to thoroughly check the lost property outside staffrooms in Makaria, Charis & Parresia. (check all houses) Any lost property not collected by end of term will be disposed of. It is advisable for students to clearly name all personal items especially clothing.
FRENCH CREPES
Year 10 French class students have prepared absolutely perfect homemade crêpes, a thinner version of pancakes. A typically French delight which they feasted on with sugar and homemade strawberry jam. They also invited Monsieur Prideaux to join the feast.
In France, crêpes are very popular. The French term “crêpe” derives from the Latin crispa, meaning with “creases”. Sweet Crepes and savoury buckwheat crepes are almost always served for lunch and dinner- Sweet crepes as dessert or an afternoon snack and buckwheat crepes as a main meal at a restaurant or creperie.
The Day of Crepes is celebrated on February 2, with respect to Candlemas. On this day households all over France make crêpes. This is because it is believed that crêpes symbolize prosperity.
Thanks to Mrs Kerry Cross for allowing the French class to use the kitchen facilities.
Laurence Kuntz
ACC CROSS COUNTRY
The ACC Cross Country was held on Thursday 27 May and we took around 60 competitors to the event that was held at Alderbury reserve. It was a great day and all of the competitors put in an amazing effort. We finished in 29th out of 75 schools. A big thanks Mrs Justine Brightwell for being head coach this year.
Adam Dwyer
Note: St Stephen’s School has no affiliation with this company and the post is simply an advert for their services if required.
REVISION PROGRAM – JULY SCHOOL HOLIDAYS – Enrolments Open
ATAR Revision Program for Years 11 & 12
Academic Task Force ATAR subject revision courses will help your child maximise their grades and strive for a top ATAR. Your child will receive in-depth teaching and exam preparation tips and strategies. 10-hour ATAR Revision courses available (2 hrs a day, over 5 days) in most ATAR subjects, as well as Essay Writing and Study Skills.
Available Weeks 1 & 2 of the July school holidays at Churchlands SHS, Rossmoyne SHS, Perth Modern School, Duncraig SHS and online.
Enrol Online: https://academicgroup.com.au/course/holiday-programs/ or Call 9314 9500 or Email: learn@academicgroup.com.au
Skills Development Program for Year 7 – 10
Academic Task Force small group Skills Development courses will help boost your child’s confidence and help improve your child’s marks. 6-hour subject courses available (3 hrs a day, over 2 days) in Maths, English, Essay Writing and Learning Skills.
Available Weeks 1 & 2 the July School holidays at Churchlands SHS and Rossmoyne SHS.
Enrol Online: https://academicgroup.com.au/course/holiday-programs-2/ or Call 9314 9500 or Email: learn@academicgroup.com.au
ATAR Enrichment Program at UWA for Year 12
Academic Associates offers premium ATAR enrichment programs exclusively for Year 12 students wanting top ATAR marks and advanced insight into their ATAR courses. 10-hour ATAR Enrichment and Exam Preparation courses (2 hrs a day, over 5 days) in most ATAR subjects.
Available Week 2 at the University of Western Australia (UWA)
Enrol Online: https://academicgroup.com.au/course/academic-associates-programs/ or Call 9314 9500 or Email: learn@academicgroup.com.au
Note: St Stephen’s School has no affiliation with this company and the post is simply an advert for their services if required.
Note: St Stephen’s School has no affiliation with this company and the post is simply an advert for their services if required