Term 2 Parent Coffee Catch Ups

We have two dates for catch ups next term – Thursday 8 May 1pm and Tuesday 10 June 9am. Come along and connect with other parents! More details will be sent out next term.

Fun at Secondary Girls’ Group

Girls’ Group has been meeting for the last few weeks. We have enjoyed making bracelets and necklaces, and colouring in. A smaller group of girls were also invited to do tie dying. Girls’ Group is a great time to relax, have a chat, and do some fun activities.

Choir off to a Great Start

Choir has been rehearsing during the last few weeks. We have been learning a new song, complete with funny lyrics and amusing hand signs. In addition to singing, we play games, and ‘Duck, Duck Goose’ is a firm favourite. Choir allows students to connect with students in different classes, and develop confidence and social skills while having fun.

Essentials Hampers

We have had two hamper draws this term, with the families of Oliver, and Charlotte and Jaxon being lucky recipients. They received a hamper up to the value of $20, made up of pantry and household essentials. All school families are automatically in the draw, and special thanks to Vinnies Gympie for making up these hampers for us.

Family Matters: The Power of Life-Giving Words

Would you rather hear the life-giving words “that’s great” instead of “that’s dumb?” What about the word “yes” instead of the word “no?” Or “you’re fun to be with” rather than “you’re boring?” These words most likely create a different momentum inside of you. Words can give, shift, and stop the momentum. The power of the tongue to speak life into our families is tremendous. Some words can give life, but some can be life-taking and potentially crushing in a child’s mind.

Once, at Disney World, a father’s words destroyed his son. This family had just gotten off a ride when the attendant called out, “Sir, you forgot your belongings.” The teenage son sheepishly went to get his belongings. When he returned, his father slapped the boy on the head and loudly said, “You’re so stupid!” The boy visibly turned into a shame-filled, fearful, insecure little boy. The momentum the father created with his words was devastating!

Your words matter in the life and story of your child. So, how can you use words to create a life-giving home, and build self-confidence and guidance in your child? Here are some helpful guiding questions to consider when you’re thinking about whether certain words you use are life-giving or potentially destructive:

1. Are They True? Not all words that are true are life-giving. You will need discernment to think through what truths your child needs and the timing of the truths. By the way, it’s not bad to tell a child they are not good at something but make sure to follow it up with something they are good at to give them helpful, life-giving information. Also, if your child has heard some lies about who they are, help them regain their perception through trustworthy and genuine truths about who they are. Words based on truth set a momentum toward trust, genuineness, and growth when given within the context of a loving intention.
2. Are They Encouraging? Words can help make observations of strengths the child may know, suspect, or need to hear. Sometimes kids need to hear that things are going to be okay. Be genuine and honest with your encouraging words. If a child is awful at basketball and knows it, it is not helpful to say they are good at basketball. In fact, your words will lose their meaning if you give false encouragement.
3. Are They Loving? Words can help your child know they are loved. Do you communicate your love to your child with your life-giving words? Do you provide verbal observations of the things you love in your child?
4. Are They Helpful? Words can help guide a child’s growth when given in a loving context. You can teach important, life-giving lessons to your children with your words. Words that speak life can make a child laugh to help them relax or help build knowledge that can be turned into wisdom. What are your goals with your words as your child approaches adulthood, where they will need to build and manage relationships of their own?
5. Are They Important? Words can be defining. For example, kids need to learn from an early age how to handle the words “yes” and “no” and “don’t” and ”you can’t” and “you can.” These words are momentum stoppers and momentum makers and can teach important concepts about life, relationships, responsibility, work, and finances. For example, a father and his toddler son were playing with a ball when the ball rolled into the street. The son began to go toward the street, so the father said sternly, “No! Don’t go in the street!” The boy looked upset, but the father’s words coupled with an emotional intensity helped him understand that it was not okay to go out into the street. It was life-giving to the son because the father said it with the boy’s best interest in mind, within the context of a loving and trusting relationship. The father helped his son see that he was not angry with him, but was focused on teaching him something vital.

Consider the following strategies for thinking through ways to speak life into your family:

1. Take some time to write down and discuss words that are fuelling to you and to each family member. What are 3 negative momentum and 3 positive momentum words for you and others in the family?
2. Share the different types of momentum that are created through words. Share with your family how the power of the tongue can create different momentum (i.e., feel motivated, anxious, depressed).

These lists are just the beginning of your life-giving words inventory and will help you to start speaking life into your family. Remember to consider words that are helpful for encouragement, motivation, correction, direction, and re-direction.

• Adapted from Focus on the Family Australia

My role is to support the wellbeing of staff, students, parents, and others in our school community. If you ever need to have a chat or help with something, please contact me. I’m at school on Tuesday (8.30am-11.35am) and Thursday (9.30am-2.35pm), and I can also be contacted via email – rsdri0@eq.edu.au.

Chappy Rachel