As we begin the preparation for supporting your child to transition into a new school year, promoting their independence and ability to solve problems is a way in which we can all support them to prepare for the changes ahead. I recently came across the following blog by Michael Grose and felt it gave some useful tips to help: 

When parents solve all children’s problems we not only increase their dependency on adults but we teach them to be afraid of making mistakes. That’s fertile ground for anxiousness and perfectionism, which often go hand in hand.

Kids get used to bringing their problems to parents to solve. Of course, if you keeping solving them, they’ll keep bringing them. “Mum, my sister is annoying me?” “Dad, can you ask my teacher to pick me for the team?” “Hey, I can’t find my socks!” It’s tempting if you are in a time-poor family to simply jump in and help kids out.

Alternatively, you can take a problem-solving approach, cuing them to resolve their own problems and take responsibility for their concerns. “What can you do to make her stop annoying you?” “What’s the best approach to take with your teacher?” “Socks, smocks! Where might they be?”

Here are 5 questions you can ask kids to encourage them to resolve their own problems:

1. “Can you solve this yourself?” Get kids thinking they can do it.
2. “What do you think needs to happen?” Start kids thinking about solving problems.
3. “What’s the first step?” Sometimes just getting kids started is enough to get them working out issues themselves.
4. “How would you like me to help?” Get kids considering the type of assistance they need.
5. “What’s the best way to do this?” Get kids assessing and prioritising.

Problem-solving is one of the four major skills (optimism, social skills & independence being the others) that resilient kids share, yet it’s the one that many of us aren’t equipped to develop. Start by stepping back and asking good questions when kids bring you their problems to solve. 

Combined Schools Shopping Night - 15th November 5-9pm

St Michael’s, together with St Gabriel’s and St Pauls are excited to announce that we will be hosting a local shopping tour in the Traralgon CBD. This is a lovely way to support our local small businesses in the lead up to Christmas, while also showing support to our school. All participating stores will be offering discounts on the night and there will be raffles and a lucky door prize too. Further information can be found on the advertisement in this newsletter - please use the QR code for further information and tickets. This event isn’t just for families of St Michael’s so please share with your family and friends. 

A special thank you to the Parents and Friends groups of all 3 schools for their organisation of the event. 

Important dates: 

• 14th to 17th October - Grade 5/6 Swimming program 
• 15th October - Year 3 Big Day Out excursion 
• 16th October - Year 1/2 Scienceworks Excursion 
• 21st to 23rd October and 25th October - Year 3/4 Swimming Program 
• 26th October - Sacrament of First Eucharist Commitment Mass 
• 1st and 4th November  - School Closure Day
• 5th November - Melbourne Cup Public Holiday  
• 19th November - School Concert 1.30pm and 6pm 

Regards 

Lia DiCorleto
Acting Principal