Weekly Newsletter of the Senior Prep FROM THE HEADMASTER · Rachel Simmons is the author of the New...
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Unsubscribe l Contact (011) 367 6631 1 Edition: 404 31 March 2016 Weekly Newsletter of the Senior Prep FROM THE HEADMASTER I trust you enjoyed the Easter break. Can you believe that we only have one more week and we’re back on holiday? No wonder everyone is in such good spirits! Today I share the last of my reports from New York with you. Next week, I’ll highlight key points from all reports submitted to date. Rachel Simmons is the author of the New York Times bestsellers, Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls and The Curse of the Good Girl: Raising Authentic Girls with Courage and Confidence. As an educator, Rachel works internationally to empower young women to be more authentic, assertive and self-aware. Her presentation was entitled ‘The Myth of Effortless Perfection.’ Based on the sad reality for the high achieving girl to be: smart, accomplished, beautiful, athletic and well-rounded, all seemingly without effort. The pressure has given rise to the phenomenon of ‘effortless perfection’ in schools around the world. ‘Effortless Perfection’ is correlated with anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicidality and thrives on the assumption that everyone else is ‘doing fine.’ Rachel Simmons raised the concern of reducing numbers of females in leadership positions. She acknowledged the need to establish a culture of leadership again - but with a certain degree of caution in terms of unrealistic expectations of always achieving, always looking good, always being liked and always being nice as this has a tendency to have a significant negative impact. She spoke about the increase of mental health issues in middle school with girls buckling under the weight of pressures in so many areas, and if they are succeeding - at what cost? A girl’s curse of ‘effortless perfection’ does not allow any request for help, and certainly does not allow for failure. Girls generally have lower self-esteem than boys, they internalize their behaviour and often ruminate (or over- think) what they have said or done. They take negative feedback personally and are, therefore, far less likely to take risks. The impact of ‘Effortless Perfectionism’ is evident in ongoing comparisons and a feeling that they just aren't good enough – that someone else is always more ‘effortlessly perfect.’ It’s not enough to be anything, you have to be everything! Therefore what we say is so critical because only girls who feel worthy have the permission to make mistakes! Simmons believes we need to allow girls to talk about their goals and dreams. As parents and teachers we need to talk about the misnomer of effortless perfection and celebrate risk taking and failure at every opportunity. We need to squash the perception that high achievers never ask for help and we need to monitor what our girls are expected to accomplish day in and day out!
Transcript of Weekly Newsletter of the Senior Prep FROM THE HEADMASTER · Rachel Simmons is the author of the New...
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Edition: 404 31 March 2016
Weekly Newsletter of the Senior Prep
FROM THE HEADMASTER I trust you enjoyed the Easter break. Can you believe that we only have one more week and we’re back on holiday? No wonder everyone is in such good spirits! Today I share the last of my reports from New York with you. Next week, I’ll highlight key points from all reports submitted to date. Rachel Simmons is the author of the New York Times bestsellers, Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls and The Curse of the Good Girl: Raising Authentic Girls with Courage and Confidence. As an educator, Rachel works internationally to empower young women to be more authentic, assertive and self-aware. Her presentation was entitled ‘The Myth of Effortless Perfection.’ Based on the sad reality for the high achieving girl to be: smart, accomplished, beautiful, athletic and well-rounded, all seemingly without effort. The pressure has given rise to the phenomenon of ‘effortless perfection’ in schools around the world. ‘Effortless Perfection’ is correlated with anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicidality and thrives on the assumption that everyone else is ‘doing fine.’ Rachel Simmons raised the concern of reducing numbers of females in leadership positions. She acknowledged the need to establish a culture of leadership again - but with a certain degree of caution in terms of unrealistic expectations of always achieving, always looking good, always being liked and always being nice as this has a tendency to have a significant negative impact. She spoke about the increase of mental health issues in middle school with girls buckling under the weight of pressures in so many areas, and if they are succeeding - at what cost? A girl’s curse of ‘effortless perfection’ does not allow any request for help, and certainly does not allow for failure. Girls generally have lower self-esteem than boys, they internalize their behaviour and often ruminate (or over-think) what they have said or done. They take negative feedback personally and are, therefore, far less likely to take risks. The impact of ‘Effortless Perfectionism’ is evident in ongoing comparisons and a feeling that they just aren't good enough – that someone else is always more ‘effortlessly perfect.’ It’s not enough to be anything, you have to be everything! Therefore what we say is so critical because only girls who feel worthy have the permission to make mistakes! Simmons believes we need to allow girls to talk about their goals and dreams. As parents and teachers we need to talk about the misnomer of effortless perfection and celebrate risk taking and failure at every opportunity. We need to squash the perception that high achievers never ask for help and we need to monitor what our girls are expected to accomplish day in and day out!
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THROUGH THE KEYHOLE GIRLS SCHOOL 31 March 2016
Finally, she suggested to teachers and parents that we make ourselves a little more vulnerable on occasions to show that sometimes life does get the better of us and that we too need to slow down and ask for help. Have a wonderful weekend ahead.
Darrel Webb (Headmaster)
CONDOLENCES
Our sincere condolences go to Tony Blackhurst and his family for the recent loss of his father. Mr B’s father had been battling with illness for a number of years and passed away over the Easter break. Please keep Tony and Patti in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Mr B will be back at school next week. Darrel Webb (Headmaster)
THE FLEXIBLE LEARNING PROGRAMME We look forward to welcoming you to a presentation on the philosophy which underpins the Flexible Learning Programme as well as having you visit your daughters to see them in their classrooms, in action, with various research projects. Driving questions, outings, activities and speakers have engaged the girls in relevant topics ensuring dynamic areas of study and learning. The girls seek to find solutions to the questions using technology and visible learning practice and present their findings in innovative and vigorous resolutions. The element of choice is involved in the strands that may be selected, ensuring intrinsic motivation, which is evident throughout the school at present. The Google classroom platform is being used to improve upon the FLP practice of last year. The main aim of the FLP is to give the girls an opportunity to experience learning that is interest driven, self-managed, self-assessed and that allows for flexibility in learning styles. It is interesting to note that New Zealand educationalist, John Hattie, identifies these factors as being of particular importance for effective learning to take place. Hattie compiled the results of over 50 000 studies in educational practice into a series of publications that identify those principles of teaching and learning that produced the most successful learning outcomes. His writings on ‘Visible Learning’ can be followed on www.visiblelearning.org . Hattie's findings suggest that ‘Visible Learning’ occurs when teachers see learning through the eyes of students and help them become their own teachers. Pam van Gass (Deputy Head: Academics)
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FLP IN FULL SWING
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THROUGH THE KEYHOLE GIRLS SCHOOL 31 March 2016
SPORTS DEPARTMENT Please note that there will be NO afternoon sport next week due to parent consultations. We will still, however, have class sport lessons as per the timetable (that includes the 13:00 - 14:00 slot on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday) so please ensure that your daughters come to school prepared. We have now commenced with netball in all sports lessons, instead of swimming. The Grade 3 girls will, however, continue to have tennis on a Friday morning. Netball matches will only commence next term as follows: Grade 4 - 7 on Thursdays; Grade 3 on Fridays. Please refer to the sports letter which was sent out on Tuesday this week with regards to arrangements for netball, hockey and cross country for next term.
All girls must please wear a hat for all sports lessons, and bring their own water bottle. See the School Communicator under the Resources tab for sports notifications.
Liz Ashmore (Director of Sport) [email protected]
PHOTOGRAPHS You will have received your daughter’s individual photograph (a ‘thumbnail’ version), attached to an order form, today. Individual photos are not displayed on the photographer’s website – for security reasons. All group photos can be viewed and accessed on the website: www.lifeimaging.co.za with Username: stpeters and Password: pqspg456. (These details are on the order form) Photographs which are ordered using the order form - must be paid for via EFT (banking details on the form). Proof of EFT should be attached to the order form when it is returned. NO CASH CAN BE ACCEPTED. An example of the framed, class photograph is in Reception – if you would like to see one before you order! Deadline for orders is 6 April 2016. Jean Macleod (Marketer)
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IMPORTANT REMINDER: FORM COMPLETION FOR VERIFICATION ON NEW APP Please use this link: http://goo.gl/forms/kvMdLCEq0G You are required to complete this form, please. These details are needed in order to set up the once-off verification step once the App is launched in May. If you have not done it, you will not get access to the App. (This App is created by the School Communicator (D6) developers and is an upgrade of the old Communicator) Please note: each person making use of this App needs to have one (only) set of details – including ONLY one email address. Example – a Granny or Au pair may be listed, but needs their own authentication details. The School Communicator will work as usual until you receive notification regarding the upgrade. We are planning to launch this App mid-May and will notify parents when it is available for download. Thank you. Jean Macleod (Marketer)
HOT DOG DAY A reminder that Hot Dog Day will take place tomorrow - Friday, 1 April. If you are available and would like to help, please add your name to the list which is up on the front door of Reception (Senior Prep) and on the notice board – next to the Grade 0 sign out sheets - (Junior Prep). Five volunteers per grade are required and are to meet us at 09:30 (for Grade 0 – 2) and 09:45 (for Grade 3 – 7), at the Keys Pavilion – next to Newlands Field. The cost is R20. Jen, Marcia & Nicky (Hot Dog Day Co-ordinators)
CARTRIDGE COLLECTION Please remember to bring in your cartridges on Friday, 1 April. There will be a collection point (big green and white cardboard boxes) throughout the day for empty ink cartridges in the Chapel carpark. There are permanent collection points in all the reception areas - Senior and Junior Girls and Boys. Thank you for your support! Monica Sloane (St Peter’s Foundation and Community Partnership Coordinator)
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TRANSFORMATION FORUM WITH MAMA THANDI CHAANE – THURSDAY, 19 MAY Mama Thandi Chaane, St Peter’s Governor for Transformation, held two exciting forums last year. At the request of the School leadership team, PA and Council, she will hold the next open forum for parents on Thursday, 19 May, 18:30 – 20:30. We invite you to come and hear about the Transformation Committee’s plans for 2016 and to see how you can promote, or participate in, the St Peter’s Family drive that has the best interests of all our children at heart. Please save this date! Vijay Maharaj (Director of Diversity)
PA NEWS
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HOLIDAY CLUBS
1. GRADE 0 - 1 HOLIDAY CLUB – MONDAY, 11 TO FRIDAY, 15 APRIL Come and join Mrs Buck and Mrs Baker for a fun-filled week of crafts and baking during the first week of the April holidays. Ride your bike around the campus and bring your costume for a swim. Siblings welcome.
Dates: 11 - 15 April Times: 08:00 – 12:00 Cost: R200 per day, all payments in cash and payable by the Wednesday, 6 April Venue: Janet Buck’s class Sign up on Megan Baker’s classroom door and collect an enrolment form from Janet Buck or Megan Baker.
2. GRADE 2 - 4 HOLIDAY COOKERY CLUB – MONDAY, 11 TO FRIDAY, 15 APRIL Do you love to Cook, Bake and Create? Join us for a week of fun-filled baking, cooking, decorating, designing and packaging this Holiday Remember to bring an apron, an ice-cream tub, a packed lunch, water bottle, hat and sunscreen. SPACES ARE LIMITED SO BOOK YOUR PLACE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE with Mrs. Montagu Dates: Monday, 11 – Friday, 15 April Times: 08:00 – 12:00 Cost: R225 per day
3. NETBALL HOLIDAY CLINIC A Netball Holiday Clinic will be held from 28 - 30 April to help the girls with pre-season training and improving netball skills. We will be focusing on agility, footwork, court playing techniques, shooting techniques, defence and a lot more. We incorporate the following life skills into the training: · Sportsmanship · Team work · Build individual character · Friendship
· Acceptance in cultures and personalities · Mental strength · Sports is fun and enjoyable
Dates: 28 – 30 April Cost: R200 per child per day Time: from 09:00 till 11:30 Venue: St Peter’s Netball Courts Age group: Grade 3 to 7 only Bookings can be made with payment, in cash, to Ms Musi.
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QUOTE
~ Tomorrow is April Fool’s Day! Believe nothing and trust no one . . . !
THE WEEK AHEAD Monday 04/04/2016 07:30:00 13:00:00 Flexible Learning Programme Grade 3 - 7 Classrooms
Monday 04/04/2016 10:30:00 12:00:00 Exec Meeting GS Board Room
Monday 04/04/2016 14:00:00 15:00:00 Academic Meeting Council Chamber
Monday 04/04/2016 14:00:00 16:00:00 Parent Consultations
Monday 04/04/2016 15:30:00 19:00:00 Singing Sistas St Mary's, Waverley
Tuesday 05/04/2016 07:30:00 13:00:00 Flexible Learning Programme Grade 3 - 7 Classrooms
Tuesday 05/04/2016 07:45:00 08:15:00 FLP explanation by Darrel Webb & optional visit to c/rooms Royce Hall & classrooms
Tuesday 05/04/2016 14:00:00 15:00:00 EE Meeting Council Chamber
Tuesday 05/04/2016 14:00:00 16:00:00 Parent Consultations
Wednesday 06/04/2016 10:30:00 12:30:00 Exco Meeting Rector's Office
Wednesday 06/04/2016 15:30:00 19:00:00 Parent Consultations
Wednesday 06/04/2016 REMINDER: COLLECTION FOR CHAPEL TOMORROW
Thursday 07/04/2016 07:30:00 08:00:00 Chapel Awards Chapel
Friday 08/04/2016 07:30:00 08:30:00 Eucharist Chapel
Friday 08/04/2016 12:00:00 12:00:00 Term ends (School closes for Grade 3 - 7)
