Counsellor’s Catch Up

Dear Students, Families and School Community,

Firstly I would like to say a big thank you to everyone for making me feel so welcome in my new position as School Counsellor. My goodness I can’t believe we are almost at the end of the first term as I’m sure many of you feel the same way. It has been a joy getting to know all the children and staff at Sirius College and I look forward to a wonderful year ahead.

Thank you to all parents who filled out the consent forms and returned them, as this process enables me to provide prompt support for your children as needed and will help them to grow socially and emotionally in a healthy manner which positively contributes to their education.

I would like to share with you a very heart-warming experience I had whilst doing yard duty at a recent lunch time. The students were practising their cultural dance as I watched in admiration and amazement at how fantastic they were. Almost the whole school joined in and the students were clearly enjoying themselves and so engaged in their dance moves. As I watched I engaged in a conversation with a student standing next to me, who was also smiling and enjoying the dancing and music. We had a lovely chat and shared our mutual love for music and how this particular dance had been rehearsed and where it was going to be performed. After the bell had gone and it was time to go back to class this particular student came up to me and said, “It was really lovely speaking with you”, which was so nice to hear that with an incidental conversation I had not only learnt more about the cultural dancing but connected with this student and brightened both our days.

This experience highlighted the power of communication and what sometimes we may take for granted and consider to be a simple conversation, has the power to be so much more.

We can make a difference in our children's lives and support them to function successfully on a social, emotional and academic level. Help build your child's self-esteem and confidence by actively listening and engaging in conversation with them about their day or write an inspirational message and pop it into their lunch box or on their pillow on a regular basis is a wonderful way to give loving encouragement and support. Ask your children daily to share three fantastic things that have happened in their day. Opening the doors of communication with your children will not only empower parents with knowledge and understanding but the children will grow with confidence to express themselves in a safe environment now and in the future.

Wishing all families a fantastic school holiday break and looking forward to seeing everyone for a bright and positive Term 2.

Kind Regards,