Upcoming Relationships Australia workshops as follows:

Dads Raising Teenage Girls – Thursday 24 September at 22 Southport Street, West Leederville 6.30-9. $25.00.

The father-daughter relationship is particularly important during the teenage years to help girls navigate this difficult time. Find out how you can build a more rewarding relationship with your teenage daughter. For further information ring 9489 6322.

Mums Raising Boys- up to the age of 12 years – Wednesday 14 October at 22 Southport Street, West Leederville 6.30-9. $25.00.

However well-prepared mothers are logically, the emotional response to having a boy is often still, ‘Wow! This is unknown territory.’ It is true that for many mothers, the idea of raising a son carries its own set of worries. As the primary female role model in a boy’s life, mothers play an important role in the development of their son’s identity including their ability to be nurturing. This in turn affects how they relate to others, particularly to girls and women.  For further information ring 9489 6322.

Parent-Teen Connection – Tuesday 20th October x 4 weeks at 22 Southport Street, West Leederville. $50 per person/ $75 per couple

We have all come through adolescence – do we remember?  It has always been a challenging, sometimes frustrating period of life’s journey. Thankfully, today’s parents are usually more inclined to listen.   Living with teenagers can be confusing and even worrying, but also rewarding.  This course reduces stress and teaches parents to communicate, negotiate and minimise conflict. For further information please ring 9489 6322.

Relationships Australia Parenting Courses

Further information about the following courses offered by Relationships Australia can be found at Courses and Seminars.  Locations include West Leederville and Midland.

Briefly, upcoming August/September courses include:

WEST LEEDERVILLE:
Parent Child Connection (Wednesday 26th August x 4 weeks)
Mums Raising Boys (Tuesday1st September)
Fathering After Separation (Thursday 3rd September)
Parent Teen (Saturday 5th September)
Kids and Today's Technology (Wednesday 15th and 22nd September)
Dads Raising Girls (Thursday 17th September)
Mums Raising Teenage Girls (Monday 21st September)
Mums Raising Teenage Boys (Tuesday 22nd September)

MIDLAND:
Fathering After Separation (Tuesday 22nd September)

Phone 9489 6322 for information, costs and availability.

National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence

Last Friday was the 2015 National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence.  It was great to see so many students taking the 'pledge' to stand up to bullying at school and a good way to raise awareness about what students can do if they are being bullied or if they are aware of bullying occurring.  Students enjoyed some free cupcakes and there were armbands and handy reference cards available.  
For further information about the National Day of Action parents and others who may be interested can visit http://bullyingnoway.gov.au/.  
I hope that this important National Day will be recognised at Holy Cross College each year through activities and events.  

Bullying. No Way!

This week our attention is on the topic of bullying and we have registered for the 2015 National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence taking place on Friday 20th March.  Students have participated in extended HTG activities to get them thinking and talking about the topic, and on Friday I'll be having a stall to raise awareness and provide students with an opportunity to pledge their support and promote the message that bullying is not cool at Holy Cross.  Each day this week I've also been posting some resources and information on LifeSupport (taken from the www.bullyingnoway.gov.au website) to help educate and guide our students.  Also on this website you'll find a link for parents at http://www.bullyingnoway.gov.au/parents/index.html.

If you or your children have concerns or questions about bullying, please don't hesitate to contact the school.
 




 

Lost in Concentration - article from "Parenting Ideas"

Lost in concentration

by Michael Grose

Electronic devices such as tablets and mobile phones are ever present. They are heaps of fun, the source of so much knowledge and a great way to stay in touch with others. The flip side is that their hypnotic effect is powerful so that frequently all our concentration is directed at them rather than our kids.

There are five BIG opportunities available to you as a parent if you choose to be in the moment when you have children.

1. Build their language

Recently, I saw a mother walking side by side with a young toddler playing a simple language game. She would make a sound with her mouth and her young son would mimic her. This is language building at its most natural and finest, and wouldn’t have happened if this mother was on the mobile phone rather than being present with her child. Whether you are with a toddler, primary aged child or a teen the language building opportunities are endless. You just have to focus on the one you are with and let things happen naturally.

2. Teach your children about their world

Most children are naturally curious and will ask lots of questions. “Why do dogs bark?” “Why is the sun round?” “Where do babies come from?” Yes, some are simple, some are hard to answer and some you are just not ready for. But it’s through these simple interactions that you become your child’s first and most important teacher. 

3. Impact their thinking

Influential British educator Charles Des Forges says, “If you want to influence your child’s thinking then you need to talk to him. If parents want more influence then they need to talk more to their children.”  According to Des Forges it’s through the conversations that parents have with their children that they impact the way they think, as well as influence their values. Nothing kills personal conversation with a child or young person like a mobile device.

4. Build relationships

Relationships are built through common interest, good intent and respectful behaviour. I can think of no better reason for being in the moment with your child than the opportunity it presents to build some common interest and rapport.  It’s reassuring to know that you’ve made plenty of deposits of goodwill to draw on, particularly in the tricky teenage years.

5. Build memories for you

As a parent of adult children I now treasure the memories of times I was fortunate to have spent with them as young children.  It’s strange how these memories resurface at the most unexpected time. Recently, I was in a supermarket and I remembered the time when I enthusiastically asked my youngest, who was three at the time, to get the box of cereal with the big red K. Off she went feeling all important and returned with a triumphant smile armed a box of dog food. “Thanks darling. Nearly!” was my reply desperate not to quell the enthusiasm to help that only a three year old can have.

The key to positively influencing your kids, building strong relationships and building enough fond memories to last a lifetime is to make sure that your mind is where your body is and be fully present when you are with your kids.

New Headspace Premises!

Headspace in Midland has moved to bigger premises in 2015, re-opening at:

64 Morrison Road, MIDLAND (above Gilbert’s Fresh Markets – entry off Keane Street).  

The same contact number can be used to get in touch with a friendly member of staff at Headspace: 

(08) 9274 8860.

This terrific youth service provides free health and wellbeing services for young people aged 12-25, including:

• Counselling and mental health support
• Assistance with employment and education
• Alcohol and other drug support
• Youth friendly doctors

Welcome

Welcome students to the Summer term at Holy Cross College.

For some of you this will be your first week at Holy Cross – either as brand new students or perhaps as a student transferring from another school.  You may be experiencing information overload and feeling completely overwhelmed, however please remember:

Don’t panic!

It’s totally normal to feel like this when you start something new.  Transitions and changes are typically exciting but also difficult and scary (moving from a familiar environment, where you’re the oldest in the school to an unfamiliar environment where you’re the youngest).  Trust me though, things generally get easier as you find your way around the College, as you meet new people, as you get to know your teachers and get a grasp on your subjects, homework and class timetable.  

The important thing is to ask lots of questions if you’re not sure, seek help when you need it, try to stay open to forming new friendships, smile a lot, endeavour to be as organised as you can as early as you can, keep calm (breathe in … breathe out …) and just take one day at a time. 

As the School Social Worker I’m here for you if you need a little help navigating this sea of change, or with any problems or worries as they crop up over the year both at school and outside of school.  Sometimes it can help just talking to someone when you’re feeling confused or upset and so if you’d like to make an appointment you can contact me either directly via Conneqt, through your Teacher or Mrs Nolan in the Admin area. 

I hope you have an amazing year and I wish you all the best for the adventure that lies ahead.

Warm regards,

Ms Jo Betti

HCC Social Worker