Have you ever wondered why your teenager is so disorganised, impulsive or emotional? The brain is to blame!
The human brain is the most complex and fascinating organ in the body. We can thank our brain for everything we think, feel, and understand about the world around us. Our brains are an intricate network of electrochemical impulses that shape who we are and what we do. Thanks to movies, books and social media, the idea that we only use 10% of our brain is widely accepted. However, this is a myth. Research using MRI scans has shown that most of the brain is active most of the time. That said, researchers also agree that we only know 1% of what we’d like to know about this brilliant organ.
The development of the brain can be described as a marathon rather than a sprint and this is an important point to remember when living or working with teenagers.
Let’s consider the limbic system and the cerebrum. The limbic system of the brain enables us to process memories and emotions. The cerebrum allows us to have conscious thought and is responsible for both logical and analytical thinking. Unfortunately these two parts of the brain do not mature simultaneously. The limbic system matures earlier than the prefrontal lobe of the cerebrum and therefore, teenager’s emotions do not have an “off switch” until later in their development. Throw in a few fluctuating hormones and neurotransmitters and…cue chaos!
So what can we do to help? We can
- set boundaries that are clear and unambiguous
- open the lines of communication
- listen, listen and listen
- model appropriate behaviour such as how to act when we are frustrated, angry or feeling any other emotion
- guide them
- encourage them
- love them
The positive role modelling teenagers see in the adults around them will significantly impact the connections made in their brain. This will then be visible in their behaviour as they mature into young adults.
Sarah Stockton-Rice (Dean Charis)
YEAR 11 CERT II OUTDOOR RECREATION
The Yr 11 Cert II Outdoor Recreation class spent the week in Kalbarri where they hiked through the Kalbarri gorges along the Murchison River. Having to be self-sufficient and ensure that they had little impact on the environment was a challenge for the whole group, but the opportunity to escape civilisation in such a wonderful landscape was worth the effort. Walking on 400 million year old rock ledges, swimming in the river and camping under the stars was an amazing experience. The muscle soreness will ease quickly but hopefully the memories will last a lifetime.
Craig Thomas
AQUA EXPLORATION REC PROGRAM
Last week at Mindarie students in the Marine and Aqua Rec program enjoyed catching some fish (blowies), crabs and prawns.
David Bosma
FRENCH SPEAKING COUNTRIES STICKER COMPETITION
At the end of Term 3, Year 7 students participated in an inter-school competition organised by the Teachers of French Association. Students put their knowledge and creativity to work to share their vision of La Francophonie – French-speaking countries world.
They selected their best creations to represent their school. Results will be known in Term 4.
Laurence Kuntz (French Teacher)
LANGUAGES WEEK & FRENCH DAY
In Term 4 week 3, SSS will celebrate Language week. An opportunity for all students to explore and reflect on the benefits of language diversity to build a better world.
Language activities will be offered in class including an inter-campus competition for Year 6 and 7 to experience 10 new languages and challenge their linguistic skills.
On Friday 29 october, Carramar campus will have a French Day. On that day, students have the opportunity to wear accessories to celebrate French colours and a French meal and chocolate croissants will be available at the school canteen.
Laurence Kuntz (French Teacher)
REMEMBRANCE DAY POPPIES
In the lead up to Remembrance Day, 11 November poppies are available to purchase at Reception for a gold coin donation.
All Poppy Appeal donations go directly into assisting veterans, and their families, in need. The importance of these funds continues to be highly relevant as we support veterans of recent conflicts, such as Iraq, Afghanistan and East Timor, alongside the ageing population from past conflicts
Donna Lund (Service Learning Coordinator)
VACSWIM ENROLMENTS
Secondary school
If your child is over 13 years old, you can enrol them in VacSwim so they can get their Bronze Medallion during the summer school holidays. They’ll learn advanced survival, rescue and resuscitation skills to help keep them and others safe in the water.
Enrol now at education.wa.edu.au/vacswim
