Fostering Clever, Confident, and Connected Students: Harmony Day, Interhouse Choir, and School Attendance

On Harmony Day, our school community came together for a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity and unity. The Year 11 students delivered a memorable morning filled with activities representing ten different countries. Features included traditional dances that brought the rich heritage of various cultures to life, engaging games, and face painting. Creative arts stations allowed students to express themselves and explore different artistic traditions.

From Prep to Year 12, every student participated in the festivities, making it a truly inclusive and whole-school activity. The energy and enthusiasm were palpable as students and teachers alike embraced the spirit of Harmony Day. We are incredibly proud of our Year 11 students for their hard work and dedication in making this event a success. It was a wonderful reminder of the strength and beauty of our diverse community.

Excitement is in the air as our Year 12 students revealed the theme for this year's Inter House Choir: Boy Bands! During assembly, they entertained us with a fantastic skit and short performances from each house, giving everyone a sneak peek of the fun ahead.

Preparations will kick off in earnest next term, so keep an eye out for the songs and dances the students will be learning. This year, we will be celebrating the music of iconic boy bands: Downs House will be One Direction, Patterson House will be 5 Seconds of Summer, Smith House will be NSync , and Williams House will be Backstreet Boys. We can't wait to see the amazing performances our students will put together.

Congratulations to all students who have achieved 100% attendance so far this term! Regular school attendance is crucial as it strongly correlates with positive academic outcomes and overall student engagement. At Girls Grammar, curriculum content is taught from the first to the last day of each term. We support the Queensland Government's 'Every Day Counts' initiative, emphasising daily attendance for continuous knowledge and development. In the Senior School, unplanned absences of three days or more should be accompanied by a medical certificate. QCAA recommends senior students meet a 90% attendance level.

While regular attendance is crucial, we understand there are valid reasons for absences. If your family is experiencing trauma or your daughter faces health challenges, including anxiety about attending school, please contact us for support. Many thanks to parents/caregivers for your cooperation in ensuring regular attendance of your daughters.

Friendships play a significant role in a student’s school experience. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, good peer relationships can foster positive outcomes in social, emotional, and academic domains. Regular school attendance also provides opportunities for students to build and maintain friendships, which are vital for their social and emotional development.

This sense of belonging and social connection is essential for students’ wellbeing and academic success. Kindness is a powerful tool in fostering a positive school environment. Acts of kindness can enhance students’ social connections, reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing. As a parent/caregiver, encouraging kindness helps students build meaningful friendships and creates a supportive community where everyone feels valued.

It is important to remember that young people’s brains are still developing, particularly the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making and impulse control. This means that children and teenagers might not always make the best decisions or act kindly. 'An understatement', I hear many of you say 😊. However, teaching kindness at home, can positively influence your child’s brain development, promoting empathy and better decision-making skills.

Rebecca Sparrow, known as Australia’s 'Friendship Whisperer,' offers valuable insights and resources for parents and students, focusing on helping tweens and teens build positive friendships and navigate social complexities. Some of resources include:

Books: Titles like Find Your Tribe and Ask Me Anything provide practical advice for teens.
Podcasts: Parental as Anything: Teens and Ask Me Anything offer tips and answers to common questions from teens.
Webinars: Topics range from managing conflict to building better friendships.

If you are seeking to upskill the resources in your parenting toolkit, or your daughter would like more information on these topics, please visit Rebecca’s website, https://rebeccasparrow.com/ .

I will leave you this week with one of my favourite parent sayings:

I keep hearing it takes a village to raise a child.

Do they just show up? Or is there a number to call?

Wishing all the GG families a happy time over the Easter school holidays! I am hoping you all get some time to relax, recuperate and re-energise.

Kathy King

DP-Students (Acting)