It is amazing to think that we are almost three terms down and that we are close to embarking on the final term of the school year!

When I reflect about the last few years teaching in Year 5, I frequently think about how much the boys seem to mature during the 38 weeks that I have them in my classroom. I welcome them into the classroom on day 1, freshly arrived from Year 4, and this year fresh from many new schools as we now have the second Year 5 class. When they leave Year 5 in December, I am so proud to note how grown up, confident and assured they are as a group of young men, ready for the challenges they’ll face in their final year at Lindfield.

These developments, of course, are due to a number of factors, not least of which is the encouragement, guidance, love and support that the boys get from their parents in terms of becoming more independent, resilient and responsible young men. As a parent, I completely understand the desire to make sure our children are happy, safe and supported – the urge to hold the hand of your son is irresistible at times – but as a teacher I also value a little risk in life, encouraging each boy to attempt something new and unknown, trying to complete a task independently, or even something as simple as asking ‘I wonder why?’. This builds their resilience, independence and allows the boys to learn about and for themselves.

So, I would urge you all to sit down with your boys between now and the start of Term 4 and set some ‘independence’ targets or goals with them – it could be something small like learning how to tie (and untie!) their shoe laces, take responsibility for making sure that all he needs for the following day is safely stored in his school bag before he goes to bed at night, it may even be something as small as walking down to class by himself, or it could be something more specific and personal, but I encourage you to celebrate every small success on the path to achieving the goal. The end of a term is often a time to look at what has been accomplished so far in the year and think about what you would like to achieve over the next term. Whatever your son decides as his ‘goal’, I would encourage you to help him achieve this. Also, if you let your son’s teacher know what goal he has set, then this can be recognised and celebrated at school as well.

I wish everyone all the best for a safe and happy two week break and I look forward to seeing how our boys progress as independent learners into the last term of 2014!

Joel Weekes – Teaching & Learning Team Leader

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