Pope Francis

We join the global Catholic community in mourning the passing of our beloved Pope Francis, a shepherd whose gentle strength and unwavering compassion touched the hearts of millions. His leadership was a beacon of hope and humility, reminding us all of the power of love, mercy, and service to others. Pope Francis’s deep care for the poor, the environment, and the marginalized was a living example of Christ’s teachings in action. At our school, we will continue to be inspired by his legacy, striving to live out his message of kindness, inclusivity, and faith-filled courage. May he rest in peace, and may his spirit guide us as we nurture the hearts and minds of the next generation.

Understanding Children as Unique Individuals in Their Development Journey

As we embark on another exciting term, I want to take a moment to discuss an important aspect of child development—how children are not simply “mini adults.” They are unique individuals who require careful, guided support to grow, learn, and thrive in their own time. Understanding the theories of renowned psychologists such as Erik Erikson, Jean Piaget, and Lawrence Kohlberg can help us as a community make informed, supportive decisions that allow our children to develop into healthy, well-adjusted individuals.

Erikson’s Psychosocial Development: The Importance of Support in Identity Formation

Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development highlights the importance of supportive, nurturing environments in each stage of a child’s growth. His eight stages of development emphasize how children and adolescents face different challenges at each stage of life, and their sense of self and identity is shaped by the support they receive from adults around them.

For example, during the stage of "Industry vs. Inferiority" (typically occurring between the ages of 6 and 12), children are learning to develop skills, take on responsibilities, and work with peers. At this stage, adults play a vital role in helping children feel competent and capable. When they receive positive reinforcement, constructive feedback, and guidance from caregivers and educators, they develop a sense of industry (a belief in their ability to accomplish tasks). Without this support, they may feel inferior and lose confidence in their abilities.

Additionally, Erikson's "Identity vs. Role Confusion" stage, which occurs during adolescence, is a critical period where teenagers work to establish their identities. During this time, their experiences, relationships, and guidance from adults directly influence how they form their sense of self. The decisions they make during these years, with the right support, can lead to strong self-identity. Without this support, they might experience confusion about their roles in society.

Piaget’s Cognitive Development: Children See the World Differently

Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development teaches us that children think and reason differently at each stage of their development. Piaget identified four stages of cognitive development: the sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational stages.

During the concrete operational stage (ages 7 to 11), children start thinking logically about concrete events, but they are still unable to handle abstract concepts. They begin to understand cause-and-effect relationships, but they are not yet able to think hypothetically. Thus, when making decisions, children need adult support to help them understand the consequences of their actions in more abstract terms and consider long-term outcomes. This is why, when a child is faced with decisions, they may benefit from guided reflection, helping them connect their actions with the broader world.

In the formal operational stage (beginning at around age 12), children become capable of abstract reasoning. However, they still benefit from adults' guidance in navigating complex social, moral, and emotional decisions. Their ability to process complex situations is growing, but they may not yet have the life experience necessary to fully navigate the social world without help.

Kohlberg’s Moral Development: Guiding Children Toward Ethical Decision-Making

Lawrence Kohlberg’s theory of moral development focuses on how individuals develop an understanding of morality and justice. Kohlberg’s stages range from a pre-conventional level, where decisions are made based on self-interest and avoiding punishment, to a post-conventional level, where moral reasoning is based on universal ethical principles.

Children in the early stages of moral development (pre-conventional) often need adult intervention to guide them in making decisions that align with societal values and ethical standards. They might not yet understand the consequences of their actions on others or the importance of fairness and justice. This is why adults must help children learn about empathy, fairness, and the impact of their decisions on others. It’s through thoughtful guidance and support that children begin to move toward more complex moral reasoning.

As children mature into adolescence, they begin to understand abstract moral principles and can think critically about social issues. However, even at this stage, they benefit from adult support in navigating complex moral dilemmas. It’s important to create a safe space for them to discuss their thoughts and emotions and provide examples of ethical decision-making in real life.

Guiding Our Children Through Supportive Decision-Making

As we continue to foster the growth and development of our children, it’s important to remember that they are not simply “mini adults.” They are on a journey, developing physically, cognitively, and emotionally at their own pace. We must be mindful of what decisions/choices we sometimes expect them to make independently- are they ready to do this? By understanding the stages of development outlined by Erikson, Piaget, and Kohlberg, we can offer our children the support, guidance, and encouragement they need to grow into responsible, self-aware, and ethical adults.

In our school community, we are committed to being a positive influence on your child’s development, providing them with opportunities to learn, make mistakes, and grow. Together, as parents and educators, we can provide the support they need to make informed decisions and become the best versions of themselves.

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s journey!

Staffing News

We welcome Kaitlin Vacca to our staff. Kaitlin will be working to support some EAL students until the end of this year.

We also farewell Rebecca Nielsen. Bek has been on leave and has now resigned her position. We thank Bek for her contribution to our school community, particularly for the passion and dedication she brought to her role and wish her well for the future.

CCTV

Under the guidance of DOSCEL and in the interests of security and child safety, over the holiday period we have had extra CCTV cameras installed.

Parent Helpers Welcome for iHour and Lunchtime Clubs

Each term there are several Lunchtime Clubs that run from 1.50pm- 2.20pm.

Please see the table below for this term:

iHour allows students to work on a passion project, idea or new skill.

There will be four iHour sessions this term for the senior students and three for the juniors on:

Thursday May 8

Thursday May 15

Thursday May 22

Thursday June 15 

From 2.20pm - 3.10pm

Activities are varied and usually include some sports and art and craft activities.

Parents/Carers or Friends are most welcome to assist with Lunchtime Clubs or iHour activities. All volunteers must have a Working With Children Check and there is a process we need to adhere to before beginning.

Please contact the school office for more information via info@stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au.

Joanne Coldebella

Principal