St Patrick’s Primary School

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents and Carers,

The theme of Reconciliation Week this week has been ‘Grounded in Truth, Walk Together with Courage.’ In class during the week the children have had an opportunity to learn about reconciliation. This morning the school gathered for a short reflection time.

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The dates for NRW are the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates mark two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, which gave the Australian Government the power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and to include them in the Census; and the High Court Mabo decision, which saw the concept of terra nullius overturned.

Continuing the story of my play time lunch sessions with our energetic and fabulous Year 2 boys, I have been watching the play behaviours of the children. It is interesting to watch those who are just happy to play, and those who seem to have a strong desire or need to win. This gets me thinking about where children learn a ‘win at all costs’ mentality. If you are like me one thing that might challenge you as a parent are posters that proclaim messages such as: “Failure is not an option -Winning is the only thing that matters.” Or “Whoever comes second is the first loser.” Of course, as adults we realise that the non-winners or the losers associated with such words and slogans are the authors who have failed to understand the purpose of participation. However, such statements without doubt will have negative effects on children. If expectations are too great, children can be afraid of facing disappointment after they have put a great deal of effort into an endeavour.

In his book, “Will You Still Love Me if I Don’t Win?” Christopher Andersonn makes the distinction between negative and positive competition: negative competition occurs when a child competes for his self-worth and value as a person. Positive competition is the result of children competing to discover their talents and inner strengths such as determination, patience and perseverance.

We will continue to help our children to learn through positive play about positive competition. The ‘Empowered’ program Ms Spicer is facilitating each Friday is another space in which our students are given time and opportunity to discover their strengths.

Christ With Us