Hello,
Wow, another term is done—three down, one to go! Where has this year gone? With the end of a term, particularly Term 3, there seems to be a sense of nervousness in the air as the end of the year feels just around the corner. There’s chatter about end-of-year plans, organizing, and ordering supplies for 2025. For parents, this can be an unsettling time because we come to the realization that our children are growing and learning at a rapid pace. For some, it may mean the end of the primary school era, while for others, it may be the beginning of their school journey.
Last week, I went with the Year 6s to a High School Transition Seminar presented by the Schools Ministry Group and hosted by Tanunda Primary. There were a number of local schools present, and it was great to see our young people begin to make connections and meet others who are also going through this time of change. They could see that they weren’t the only ones and started thinking that this next step may not be as big and daunting as some first thought.
When we experience change, it often brings fears, worries, differences, new friends, bigger choices, and challenges. The presenters encouraged the students to face these challenges with an open mind and gave them this golden rule:
“IF YOU CAN’T CHANGE SOMETHING,
YOU CAN ALWAYS CHANGE HOW YOU THINK ABOUT IT!”
We were asked to consider our limiting beliefs about ourselves. What doubts, negative thoughts, and limits do we put on our abilities? We need to change our fixed mindset to be open to new experiences and have a “can-do” attitude to achieve our goals. Yes, we will face setbacks and knockdowns, but it’s how we bounce forward that matters. We all experience challenges and low points, but how we rise from them and move forward is where our real growth comes from. I truly believe that we are never given more than we can handle.
As I have said before, I want to reiterate that you never have to face these challenges alone. There is always a team around you to support and pick you up when you’re low. The presenters reminded our students of this, and from their comments that day, I know that was a significant takeaway for them. Yes, high school will be daunting; yes, change may bring worries and fears and new beginnings, but we don’t need to face it alone. There are support people—friends, teachers, family—who are on this journey with us. Who is on your team? Do you feel like there’s someone to catch you? I encourage you to reach out and thank those who are on your team.
Our family night on Friday was a great success. The weather was cool but perfect for sitting next to the fire roasting marshmallows. There were lots of smiles, chatter, and the best part—we all left with full bellies! A big shout-out “Thank you” goes to FOG for pulling together such a fun night. We look forward to hosting more of these events in 2025 to bring people together.
Enjoy your holidays, stay safe, and see you next term!
Cheers Jo
