Dear Families

Thank you to parents who attended ‘parent conversations’ with teaching staff last week; this meeting early in the year enables a snapshot of how your child is settling in. Conversations with teachers about your child's social and emotional behaviour and learning are incredibly important for several reasons: Teachers spend a significant amount of time observing your child in a structured environment. They can provide insights into how your child interacts with peers, responds to authority, and engages with academic material. Understanding these dynamics can help you better support your child at home. Teachers can offer valuable perspectives on your child's strengths and weaknesses in various areas, whilst parents/carers can provide a wealth of information to support a better understanding of the uniqueness of every child.  Early intervention can prevent issues from escalating and ensure your child receives the support they need to succeed academically and socially.

Education is not just about academic achievement but also about fostering social, emotional and spiritual growth. By engaging in conversations with teachers about your child's social-emotional behaviour, you can ensure that their educational experience promotes holistic development, including empathy, resilience, and interpersonal skills. By working together, parents and teachers can create a nurturing environment that empowers children to thrive inside and outside the classroom.

As part of our school improvement, a focus will be on revisiting our behaviour processes and guidelines. The leadership team is currently engaging in research and evidence from Tom Bennett that will support the practices we implement as a staff this year. Tom Bennett is an educator, author, and behaviour management expert known for his work in improving classroom culture and student behaviour. He is the founder of the researchED movement. Tom Bennett's approach to behaviour management emphasises the importance of clear expectations, consistency, positive reinforcement, and building strong relationships with students. His strategies are grounded in evidence-based practices and aim to create a positive and supportive learning environment for all students.

Some key principles of Tom Bennett's behaviour management strategies include:

Clear Expectations: Bennett emphasises the importance of clearly communicating expectations to students from the beginning.

Consistency: Consistency is fundamental in behaviour management. This helps to create a fair and predictable learning environment for all.

Positive Reinforcement: Bennett advocates for using positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviours. This can include praise, rewards, and recognition for students who demonstrate positive behaviour.

Disapproval for Misbehaviour: While positive reinforcement is important, Bennett also believes in holding students accountable for their actions.

Building Relationships: Building positive relationships with students is essential for effective behaviour management. When students feel valued and respected by their teachers, they are more likely to engage in positive behaviour and respond well to instruction.

Last week, Sacred Heart leaders were presented with their badges at our prayer gathering. Our school leaders and class captains were elected by their peers to represent and be a voice for students. Leaders often have to choose courage over comfort, and as I have discussed with students, this can be uncomfortable at times. Student leaders play a key role in building a sense of community spirit and pride within the school. They will support and organise events, celebrations, and service projects that bring students together and strengthen bonds among classmates. Student leadership empowers young individuals to make a positive impact within their school community. Leadership are looking forward to working with students and helping them grow as leaders.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership

Charlene Best
Principal