Dean of Students | Mr Damien Cuddihy

I have listened to Michael Carr-Gregg speak on several occasions and have always walked away with the feeling that ‘I can do this as parent and educator’. He gives practical advice that seems universally reachable. Last week during the combined AHS/GT webinar on Building happy and resilient children, Michael flagged that the current understanding amongst child psychologists is that the age range for adolescence has now changed to 10-24 years of age. Puberty is starting earlier, and our children are staying at home much longer. What we as parents knew at 15 is now experienced at ten years of age - referred to as developmental compression. Michael outlined a range of common characteristics of adolescent children and the known preventative measures such as having other charismatic adults around (the village), a safe school environment, a focus on the quality rather than quantity of friendships, and of course, having a diverse range of pro-social activities to stimulate social, emotional growth. To conclude the evening, Michael provided his essential parenting tips based on his 25 years of experience. These included:

• Being present. Showing up spiritually, physically, emotionally, and socially to your children.
• Model respectful relations through the way you interact with your partner.
• Be honest. Particularly about your own mistakes.
• Work hard. Show your children how to work hard and avoid not bothering to ask them to do anything mindset.
• Give them opportunities to contribute.
• Actively construct family traditions. Friday night pizza, camping trips, family board games.
• Encourage rather than discourage dreams.
• Affirm them. Tell them when you are genuinely proud of what they have done or achieved.
• Be affectionate.
• Do not skip on consequences, and be prepared to say no.

During the Q&A session, Michael referred to comments he had made to the Sydney Morning Herald about his concerns that the peer group is becoming the substitute source of life wisdom if adult figures, including educators, do not continue to have a strong focus on setting intelligent limits, boundaries and consequences for children and adolescents. The pillars of good parenting and student formation in schools of respect for all, wise, firm, fair and prudent governance, need to be at the forefront of our decision-making to give our young men something to imitate.

I would imagine that the homes of Terrace students have been busy this week with final exam preparations. At the end of the term, it is time for every student to bring together the work from the preceding weeks to ensure that he is as well prepared as possible. As with most aspects of our lives, students need to understand that reward comes from effort; this includes academic success, which, in the long term, is more strongly linked to effort than natural ability. At the end of the term, I would encourage each student to take some time for genuine reflection about what he is proudest of and what needs greater effort and focus during Term 2.

Just a reminder that all students will be required to wear their blazer to and from the College every day commencing in Term 2. They must remain in the blazer until the 8.25am bell to start the school day. Long trousers are also a compulsory aspect of the winter uniform for all students in Years 11 and 12.