Bullying – No Way!

OLSCC has seen a vast shift in behaviour culture over the past 12 months and we continue our best efforts to make the College a safe and enjoyable space for all students.  As such we are raising awareness of bullying through our Bullying. No Way! Day tomorrow. Students will indulge in a social eating of pizza as a special treat (remember your gold coin donation) as we continue to encourage students to speak up and act when they see unacceptable behaviour, especially bullying.  We also teach that an argument between two people isn’t bullying, neither is an action as a response to another over a social situation, neither is a single comment made in isolation. We remind all students that “bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening.” 

Get Active!

Kids must be active for at least 60 minutes every day in order to keep their bodies healthy enough to function both socially and academically.  That’s 60 minutes of exercise where kids are running, jumping, climbing, chasing, leaping, diving, swimming, walking, jogging, playing, huffing and puffing.  It builds core strength in a variety of muscles, increases blood flow, creates curiosity and challenge, provides many social experiences, builds strong bones and helps the brain develop new ways of thinking and working.  And it’s fun.  But its something that many people take for granted, and something that others simply don’t get the time to think about due to other commitments.  Though for children it is a must and the habits learnt in childhood will be those they keep for life.  But what can I do to keep them active? Here’s some ideas.

1. Dog – if you have one, it needs to be exercised – make it a 2 for 1 deal and the whole family can knock out 30 minutes in a quick walk around the block. 
2. Make some family play time – start with an hour a week where everyone in the family has active play.  It can be at the local park, down by the creek, at Lake Broadwater, anywhere.  Make sure you aren’t tempted to take the phone and bury your head in it while the kids play though – they learnt more from what you do then what you tell them to do.   
3. Join a team sport – We are spoilt with team sport options here in Dalby, and they happen at all different times.  If you find these sports too expensive you can always apply for a Get Started Voucher to help your child participate.  For example if you are eligible for a Get Started Voucher, joining the Dalby Devils Rugby League Club for the season would only cost the family an additional $10.  Check out the website for more details.
4. Stuck for ideas?  Have a look at the Queensland Government Getting Active Webpage: https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/health/get-active/kids-teenagers I have linked the kids and teenagers page, though there are plenty of other ideas.  The ideas in the link provide ideas for all ages and stages.

In a time of digital dependence and 24/7, its hard for physical activity to complete in some children’s lives.  There’s only one way to change that and it involves getting out of the house, having a run and having some fun.  The habits children develop now will be the ones they continue for the rest of their life!

Great Leadership Learning

Earlier this week, all the College Leadership Team members spent Sunday, Monday and Tuesday working with Ken Avenell (Director – Formation and Identity) on quality leadership, one of our College’s strategic agendas.  Our focus was on Team Synergistics – how our team can best function to enhance our individual capacities and create the best leadership for our College. Although extremely challenging and even confrontational, we know how others in the Leadership Team function, and have created clear expectations, ways of working and essential guidelines regarding our behaviour as a leadership team to ensure we make the greatest impact on the improvement of the College.  We were surprised to be taken far away from our families and friends for the 3 days, though it was explained that this was necessary due to both the hours of work required, and the absolute commitment to the program, meaning no chance to visit home or be distracted.  It was also a pleasure to work alongside the staff from another great school in our Diocese, Mater Dei Primary School.

Peter Cuskelly

Principal