Dear Parents, 

I hope you have had a restful and relaxing long weekend with your families. There are a number of staff who need your prayers at present as they deal with illness and loss in their lives. Please continue to pray for Mrs Armstrong, Mrs Pratt, Mrs Moore and their families.

In the last few weeks, I have been completing some study through Stanford University around Mathematics Education and Growth Mindsets. These courses have provided some very interesting research into these areas. Over the next few weeks I will share some interesting points, some of these you may like to use with your children at home. I hope to challenge your current ways of thinking about learning and specifically attitudes towards Mathematics. 

Two Mindsets

Through decades of research, Dr. Carol Dweck, a Stanford University Psychologist, found that people’s beliefs about their intelligence differ. Some people believe that their intelligence and abilities are unchangeable. In other words, you have a certain amount of intelligence, and you can’t do much to change it. This is called a “fixed mindset.” Others have different ideas about their intelligence and abilities. Some people believe that it is possible to grow your intelligence through effort. This is called a “growth mindset.”

Recent advances in neuroscience have shown us that the brain is far more malleable than we ever knew. Research on brain plasticity has shown how connectivity between neurons can change with experience. With practice, neural networks grow new connections, strengthen existing ones, and build insulation that speeds transmission of impulses. These neuroscientific discoveries have shown us that we can increase our neural growth by the actions we take, such as using good strategies, asking questions, practising, and following good nutrition and sleep habits.

By helping our students develop a growth mindset we are unlocking a life long love of learning and attitudes that thrive on challenge and problem-solving. This mindset is extremely important especially in STEM where it is projected 75% of jobs in the future will be in STEM fields.

The below infographic shows how people with each mindset perceive themselves when up against obstacles or roadblocks to their learning. 

What can I do?

To support the growth mindset of your children you can try to change some of the language you use with them. Try...

National Reconciliation Week (NRW)

This week is National Reconciliation Week which is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively. Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This week our students will be participating in shows organised by Mr Kucher our Indigenous Education Coordinator.

Enrolment Period

Over the last week, I have had the pleasure of interviewing a number of new families seeking enrolment in our school for 2020. These will continue for the next two weeks. Our current enrolment message is It is not too late to book a tour! Contact our office to arrange a time! 62811932 or Office.Stpandp@cg.catholic.edu.au.

Your testimonials to parents are still the number one influencing factor for parents choosing a potential school. Please continue spreading the word about our school.

Blessings and best wishes

Sean Rutledge

Principal (Acting)