Middle/Senior School Bulletin Issue 07/ 16 May 2014
Middle & Senior School News I would like to begin with a quick word of thanks to the parents who attended the Parent Teacher Interviews held last week. Conversations around student learning, specific areas for improvement and for praise lead to improved outcomes for our young people and accurate goal setting. That’s why as a College we really value these sorts of evenings. That said, why wait? If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s progress, performance or homework/study requirements please get in touch with the class teacher or a member of College staff either via the phone, email or through arranging a time to meet. Also if you have any feedback or suggestions on how to improve the Parent Evening itself, or any aspect of your child’s Secondary Schooling experience, please get in touch with me at: virginiaw@salc.qld.edu.au I also encourage parents to attend other parent evenings of interest as they arise throughout the year. We have so much to learn from one another. There is soon to be another Partnerships for Learning evening on ‘Raising Boys’ coordinated by Mr Casey and an evening which will focus on ‘Empowering Young Women To Make Good Choices’, coordinated by Ms Stewart, which will be held on Wednesday 4 June for all female students in Years 9-12 and their parents. The Empowering Young Women evening will feature a panel of experts, including past students and members of the health and policing industries and will be highly interactive. If you are interested in finding out more about either event please contact me at the College. This week students in Years 3,5,7 & 9 sat the National Literacy and Numeracy Tests (NAPLAN) and I was pleased to see them focused on doing their best without feeling any undue pressure or anxiety. The work done to prepare our students for the testing has been embedded in our regular teaching programs; focusing on literacy and numeracy skills as key elements, vital to academic success. When the results come back to the College the data will be used to reflect upon our program. Year 8 attended camp at Tyalgum this week. I was delighted to hear about their night hike and the diverse range of activities they took part in over the 3 days when I visited on Wednesday morning. There is no understating the wealth
of learning and growth that takes place through these sorts of experiences. I would like to thank Ms Dockstader (Year 8 Coordinator) and all of the staff who attended the camp for their ongoing work and passion for student learning. Finally as we approach the middle week of this term, the pressures of assignment tasks and deadlines are likely to increase. Organization, persistence and a positive mindset will all assist in managing workloads. Virginia Warner Deputy Principal Head of Secondary School
Senior School News Positive Psychology – the Value of Positive Emotions Broaden and Build Theory by Barbara Fredrickson The Broaden and Build Theory of Positive Emotions show that positive emotions contribute to and have a long-lasting effect on our personal growth and development. Positive emotions are viewed as markers of flourishing or optimal well-being. For example joy, contentment, love, interest, pride are all positive emotions and signal flourishing but these positive emotions also produce flourishing or greater wellbeing. Fredrickson believes they do this in 5 ways: 1. Positive emotions broaden our thought-action behaviours, which means when we have more positive thoughts we also experience a greater variety of them. For example if we are experiencing joy or interest we are more likely to be creative. This also enhances our ability to think flexibly and engage in better learning. 2. Positive emotions undo negative ones, for example experiences of joy and contentment can help eliminate stress. 3. Positive emotions enhance resilience and if we experience satisfaction, warmth, friendship, love or affection it increases our ability to cope, be resilient and bounce back. 4. Positive emotions build our psychological, physical and social resources. For example if we are having fun with friends it builds our social skills. 5. Positive emotions can trigger an upward development spiral just the same as being negative can spiral us into further sadness, anxiety or depression. Therefore positive emotions are worth cultivating not just as a feel good in the moment experience but as a means to achieving psychological growth and improved well being over time. To develop positive emotions consider relaxation techniques to foster contentment such as yoga or meditation, do something you love, just smile, look for a positive spin on setbacks or challenges, be mindful of the beauty of your surroundings, celebrate the achievement of goals, play more and get off the stress rollercoaster.
Leo Project Helping the Homeless Stay Warm this Winter Our wonderful Leo Community Service Group has embarked on a project to assist the homeless through an initiative by Hot Tomato, Newey’s Dry Cleaners and Rosies to collect donated coats, deliver them to Newey’s dry cleaners (for free
cleaning), then to be distributed to the needy by Rosies’. With the winter coming there will be some people who will suffer from the cold who can’t afford a warm coat. If you have any old coats, jumpers or other types of warm clothing please bring them to the collection points in Junior or Middle School Admin or Ms Stewart’s Office in the Senior School. To find out more about the project go to www. mygc.com.au/1029hottomato/coats-for-a-cause/ Congratulations to: • The SRC who ran a fantastic Middle and Senior School Disco – it was wonderful to see our older students interacting with the younger grades and providing opportunites for our community to come together. • Chelsea Hackett – 15yrs Female World Champion for Muay Thai. Chelsea has just returned from Malaysia where she won the Gold Medal against a very experienced competitor from the UK. If you have any concerns or queries please contact me on tanias@salc.qld.edu.au Tania Stewart Head of Senior School
Middle School News It was lovely to see so many families from the Middle School at last week’s Parent/Teacher meetings. While my own subjects of eLearning and Numeracy have neither set assessment nor feature on any reports I almost had a full dance card of meetings throughout the evening. Accordingly I can only conclude that many parents were keen just to meet with their child’s teachers and to establish the positive relationships which lie under effective learning in schools. While many students believe that the universe will implode when their parents meet their teachers I always find it worthwhile to remind students that the only reason we are sitting together is to seek ways to improve their time as a student at the College. Such time together is highly valuable and I encourage all students to reflect upon the discussions of the evening and to set relevant goals for the remainder of the term. Partnerships for Learning I have enjoyed our first two evenings in our Partnerships for Learning. Our session last week on ‘Your Child and the Digital World’ was ably led by Mrs Jo Schaefer and I am sure that all parents left the session far more knowledgeable than when they arrived. Our next session will be on ‘Raising Boys’. I hope that we will have lively discussions about my own gender and what it means to have a growing teenage boy in the home. Date yet to be confirmed.
Reading It has been a delight to have all of the classes from Year 7 up in the library on alternating Thursday afternoons in order to read and to discuss books. I hope that there are many students bringing books home to read before going to bed (and many parents needing to switch off reading lamps). I have read several cracking books recommended by students in Year 7 and we are looking at developing more ways through which students can share their likes/dislikes regarding books they have read. Should you believe that your child is a reader but just hasn’t found the book that provides the key to their interest then please feel free to contact me and I’ll throw a smorgasbord of books their way. My brother has just given me the Gormenghast Trilogy and I am eagerly awaiting a rainy weekend when I can hide away and tear into the first of them. As always please contact me should you wish to discuss any aspects of your child’s education. Tom Casey Head of Middle School tomc@salc.qld.edu.au
Chaplains Chat As we returned from the holidays, Junior and Senior school worship has focused on the wonder and beauty of Easter; the event that has affected our way of life in the western world more than any other happening. The death and resurrection of Christ is the cornerstone of our faith. It brings hope to the direst of circumstances and inspires us to live joyful, optimistic lives. The significance of Easter in our lives as Christians is monumental. Unfortunately, this has tended to be lost in our modern western way of life. Easter can be viewed as an obscure event that may or may not have occurred and has little significance for how we live our lives in the 21st century but there are still plenty of people who embrace the promises God has made to us. The disciple Thomas had difficulty believing that Christ defeated death as he encountered his colleagues on the first Easter Sunday evening. He needed to see the proof with his own eyes. He was blessed with a first-hand encounter with Christ a week later and this led him to devote his life to taking the good news throughout the known world – as it also did for the other disciples. As we make our way through life today we do not have the privilege of literally seeing Christ as Thomas did. But as we put the belief that our God provides into action we are blessed to see Christ at work in all manner of situations. A small group of students went along to Easterfest over the weekend of Easter and all of us who attended were blessed to see God’s love and goodness in action through the worship times, partying and goodwill that existed among the thousands of young and old who joined in the festival. As we participate in the promise of Easter we are blessed by encountering Christ’s love and goodness in action. It is our hope that all St Andrews students will be blessed with eyes
of faith and so enjoy the love, peace and hope that is ours as we participate in God’s kingdom through faith in Christ. Chaplain Graeme Schache
Careers News APPLICATIONS for COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES for the 2014 QCS TESTS are open now. Each year, the Queensland Studies Authority (QSA) invites expressions of interest from community members to nominate for the position of chief community representative or community representative for the QCS Test. To maintain the accountability, security and proper conduct of the test, the QSA appoints members of the community to each test centre to complete duties on behalf of the QSA. This year the QCS tests will be held on Tuesday, 2 September and Wednesday, 3 September. A test centre is a secondary school, or another place approved by the QSA, where students may sit the QCS Test. All test centres are located within Queensland and have a chief supervisor to administer the test on behalf of the QSA. Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming and/or applying to become a community representative should visit https://www.qsa.qld.edu.au/memos/14/024-14. pdf All information and appropriate application forms are to be found at this link. Note that completed application forms need to be handed in to SENIOR ADMINISTRATION on the ground floor of the Main Administration building by close of business on FRIDAY 23 MAY. Any enquiries about the positions and application process should be directed to Mrs Wrigley. Experience Science Registrations are open for Experience Science 2014 at the Gatton and St Lucia campuses. At Experience Science, students in Years 10 - 12 can discover what it is like to study science at UQ and how science is applied in industry and everyday life. Students will gain hands-on experience through interactive science workshops facilitated by experts from UQ and industry. Now in it’s eleventh year, the 2014 program will run on 17,18,21,22 & 23 July at UQ’s St Lucia campus and on 24 July at the Gatton Campus (limited places available at Gatton). Register now. For information, contact: Aimee Parker - Phone: (07) 3346 1629
Email: experience.science@uq.edu.au Web: http://www.science.uq.edu.au/expsci Register now for FEAST Future Experiences in Agriculture, Science and Technology (FEAST) is a five day residential program at UQ Gatton, designed to inspire and inform Years 11 and 12 students about the exciting and rewarding science careers in the agriculture, animal and food sectors. Students will explore science disciplines through hands on activities and workshops run by UQ staff and Industry and discover the career outcomes and opportunities for their future. Students will experience University life and expand their knowledge of UQ study options, programs, careers and campus life. Registrations open online March 17 at: http://www.science. uq.edu.au/feast For information, contact: Karli Kollegger Phone: (07) 5460 1279 Email:feast@uq.edu.au Web: http://www.science.uq.edu.au/feast National Youth Science Forum - Apply Now The National Youth Science Forum is a 12-day program for students who are about to move into Year 12 and are considering careers in science, engineering and technology. Participants get the chance to visit a number of research and industry facilities, meet people from their field of interest, attend special dinners and fun events, and mix with other top science students from around the country. Current Year 11s can apply to their local Rotary Club by 31 May 2014 to be considered for the forums in January 2015. For information, contact: NYSF National Office Phone: (02) 6125 2777 Email: nysf@nysf.edu.au Web: http://www.nysf.edu.au Sunshine Coast TAFE: Make the Most of Your Gap Year Taking a year off after completing your high school education is tempting. Sunshine Coast TAFE has produced a two-page pamphlet outlining the options available to you in order to gain life and work experience. It can be downloaded here: http://www.sunshinecoast.tafe. qld.gov.au/Schools/Pages/default.aspx ACTU Worksite This website aims to provide information to young people about their rights at work. The site contains videos, articles, quizzes and more on what your rights are at work. http://worksite.actu.org.au/ Brisbane Careers & Employment Expo, Friday 23rd – Saturday 24th May 2014 @ Brisbane Convention Exhibition Centre. Queensland’s largest careers, education, training & employment event will feature exhibitions from Tertiary and Vocational training organisations as well as employers and members of industry. Event entry is free. http://ncee.com.au/brisbane/
Police Recruiting Information Seminars for May Brisbane Information Seminars are held at the Police Headquarters, 200 Roma Street, Brisbane. -Saturday 17th May, 9:30am - 11am & 1pm - 2:30pm -Saturday 24th May, 9:30am - 11am & 1pm - 2:30pm -Saturday 31st May, 9:30am - 11am & 1pm - 2:30pm - You do need to reserve places at these events so book online at: http://www.policerecruit.qld.gov.au/seminars/ RSL Youth Development Program 2014-2015 The Returned & Services League (RSL) of Australia (Queensland Branch) and Bond University are delighted to be offering the RSL Youth Development Program again this year! The RSL Youth Development Program has been designed to recognise and reward the outstanding efforts of highachieving Queensland students. The 2014 - 2015 program aims to once again award 200 grants to talented Year 10 and 11 students who have demonstrated success in the following categories: • • •
Academic Achievement (inclusive of Arts, Drama, Dance and Media) Sporting Achievement Community Leadership and Civic Participation
Recipients of the RSL Youth Development Program will receive grants of $2,500 and the top 10% of the highest achieving Year 10 and 11 students will receive a higher recognition via a $5,000 grant. Recipients will also have the exclusive opportunity to apply for a scholarship worth 50% of tuition fees to study either a single or combined degree at Bond University on the completion of high school. Video link - http://www.youtube.com watch?v=fAapM0wxl1E Applications are open online now at www.RSLyouth.com. au and will close on November 11. Download an RSL Youth Development Program information flyer. Interested applicants should visit www.RSLyouth.com.au for further program details or find us on Facebook at www. facebook.com/rslyouth. Christina Wrigley Director of Learning and Teaching christina@salc.qld.edu.au
Sport News Queensland Swimming Congratulations to Max Indriawan who has been selected in the Queensland Schools Swimming Team to compete at the National Championships in Melbourne in July. This is a fantastic achievement for an extremely hard working swimmer. Well done, Max. Equestrian Mikayla Van Kampen recently represented St Andrews at the South East Queensland Interschool Regional Equestrian Championships and has now qualified to compete at the
State Championships for 2014. Mikayla was awarded runner up for Year’s 7-12 show horse. Regional Soccer Congratulations and best wishes to Jenna Mobberley and Georgia Eller who will be representing the Hinterland District at the Regional 15 years Soccer Championships. Also to Mr Tanguy who is the coach of the team. Representative Cross Country We have our representative teams competing at the Independent District Cross Country Carnival on Friday 16th May, and also at the Years 4-7 Inter Lutheran Carnival on Monday 19th May. Both carnivals are at Rivermount College. The Gold Coast South District Cross Country is on Wednesday May 21st at Pizzey Park. We look forward to hearing how our teams perform and how many St Andrews Athletes qualify for Regionals. High Jump Ms West will be conducting High Jump sessions at Running Club on Monday 26th and Thursday 29th May. Sessions go from 7-8am on the Top Oval. Just turn up and register or you can get a form from Mr Manion. Any Year 4-12 students can attend free of charge. Andrew Manion Head of Sport andrewm@salc.qld.edu.au
Art News Senior Music Evening Last Thursday night our Senior Music students presented another wonderful night of Music. Special thanks to Mr Oakley Grant for his support of these very talented musicians and his organisation of the night.
Priscilla Scott Head of Arts priscillas@salc.qld.edu.au
Uniformshop News Volunteer Needed The Uniform Shop is urgently looking for a volunteer for Wednesday mornings from 8am. You can usually leave by 8.45am but if you can stay later we have plenty of things you can help us with. Please phone, email or drop in if you can help. Discontinued Stock on Sale Now All items still meet school regulations and are suitable to wear to school. Limited stock. Buy in store or via flexischools. Tracksuit Jackets $30 (were $60) thinner white lining size 20 and 22 only Girls Blouses $37 poly cotton, old supplier Size 16 only save $5 Sports Shorts $16 taslon fabric size XS (16) only - were $20 Gowandi House Shirts $18 - old supplier size 18 (like a current 16) - new stock is $24 Navy 40 Denier Tights $3 - size 10-12 years, Mids and X Talls. New stock is thicker 70 denier and cost $7-7.50 each. Football Socks $7 - plain navy with cream sole. Discontinued supplier. Fit size 9-14 shoe. Jacqui Desfosses Uniform Shop Manager uniformshop@salc.qld.edu.au
P&F News Well once again the Term is flying and we will have another long weekend to enjoy. The General P & F meeting for Term 2 is Wednesday 11 June 7pm in the CRC. We welcome any new parents to come and find out what the P & F is all about. If you have any agenda items for discussion please email the Secretary at pandf@ salc.qld.edu.au by Friday 6 June. It is a great opportunity to have input into school projects which the P & F fund.
Everyone is welcome. We will soon be looking to form the Fete Committee for next year’s Fete, so if you are interested in helping out, please come to the next meeting. If anyone has any suggestions or comments and cannot make the next meeting please email the P & F at pandf@ salc.qld.edu.au Mother’s Day Stall The Mother’s Day Stall was held last week and the P & F would like to thank the following people: Nicole Ainger for ordering all of the stock for the children to purchase, I think you will all agree there was a great range for the children to choose from. Lauryn Redwood for making all the candles, the children loved smelling and trying to decide which scent Mum would like best. Michelle Brown for organising the raffle and all the prizes, the winners were: 1st prize - Olivia 3A, 2nd prize - Charmaine (Crossing lady extrauterine), 3rd prize - Ellen 1B, 4th prize - Ava P1, 5th prize - Quinn 3C We have to thank parents Sonya Lupton for her generous $100 Lava Rose jewellery gift voucher (www. lavarose.com.au) and also Angela Lyall for her beautiful handmade purse from her business Positive Change Purses – see her Facebook page. Finally a big thankyou to the volunteers who helped out at the stall, Tiffany Turnquist, Katrina McGregor, Sarah Renneberg and Krissie Butler it would not have been possible without you there. Oh and we must not forget our children of St Andrews: Jack Sturgeon, Matthew Valentine, Jack Valentine, Ella Ainger, Cooper Pitt, Taylah Pitt, Rilley Pitt who helped pack the gifts and set up in the mornings. We hope all the Mums had a great day on Sunday and enjoyed the gifts the children chose. Grants We are very fortunate that Kim Allen has agreed to take on this important role. Kim has applied for grants from Coles for Junior Landcare, which could be used for a vertical garden for the new Tuckshop. Kim has also applied for a grant from the Cancer Council, which could go towards much needed shelter up at the top oval. Further, Kim has met with Daphne McDonald and her Grants Officer who will advise her of any grants which may be available to the College. If you have anything you wish to discuss do not hesitate to contact a member of the P & F. President: Daniel Renneberg Vice President: Julieanne Andrews Treasurer: Michelle Brown Secretary: Nicole Ainger P & F Executive. Daniel Renneberg pandf@salc.qld.edu.au
Dates to remember May Monday 19
SLAPS Cross Country Tuesday 20
ICAS Computer Skills
Congratulations to Brenda M on winning the 2 hours free at Timezone!
We are selling the Entertainment Books again this year!! New this year, you have a choice: The traditional Entertainment Book Membership that comes with the Gold Card and vouchers or the brand new Entertainment Digital Membership that puts the value of the Entertainment™ Book into your iPhone or Android smartphone. Entertainment Memberships contain thousands of valuable up to 50% off and 2-for-1 offers from many of the best restaurants, cafés, arts, attractions, hotel accommodation, travel and much more! The price is $55.00 per book and $11.00 from each book goes to fundraising for the College. Books are available from Reception, Junior School Administration and the Uniform Shop. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE ONLINE NOW
It’s that time of year to update the interest earned on your LLL account that is credited annually on the 31st of May. Please send your books in by last day of term, the 19th of June. They will be sent to Adelaide for the interest update and will be returned to you on the first week of Term 3.
Secondary School Parents are warmly invited to join the Year 10-12 Students for a special presentation – The Power of Sleep on Thursday 29 May from 12.00noon-12.40pm in the Worship Centre
Facts: §
Lack of sleep for secondary students is fast becoming one of the most important physical and mental health issues § §
Teenagers need between 9-10hrs sleep per night but many get less than 7
Sleep deprivation leads to poor cognitive function, decreased wellbeing and anxiety
This program will help our young people see the importance of sleep and give them skills to achieve it.
Testimonials from other Schools: The session was great – so refreshing, physically and mentally. - St Michael’s College The feedback from the staff and students has been unreservedly positive. Thank you for an excellent presentation, and congratulations on inspiring our students. - Xavier College Our students absolutely loved your sessions. They raved about them. A huge thank you. I will certainly be in touch in the future. - Salesian College Rupertswood
FILL IN THE GAP EXPERIENCE ONE EXTRAORDINARY YEAR IN THE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE
The ADF Gap Year program provides an opportunity for young Australians, who have finished year 12 (or equivalent) and are aged between 17 and 24*, to experience military training and lifestyle whilst gaining new skills and pay over their Gap Year. Gap Year opportunities are available in the Army and Air Force only. The Gap Year program is not available in the Navy in 2015. The life skills and job training that you will acquire during your Gap Year experience will be valuable regardless of what career you ultimately undertake. You will earn more than $45,000, have subsidised accommodation and receive full medical and dental coverage. When would I start? The Gap Year program will commence in January/ February 2015. What jobs are available? The Army has Gap Year job opportunities for Rifleman, Driver Transport, Administration Clerk, Supply Coordinator and Unit Quartermaster. The Air Force has Gap Year job opportunities in Airbase Security Roles. What would I do during my Gap Year? After completing basic recruit training and your specific trade training, you’ll be immersed in the Army or Air Force lifestyle while continuing to learn on the job. You’ll learn valuable skills, meet new friends and may even receive recognised qualifications to help progress your future career. To find out more information about the ADF Gap Year program please visit defencejobs.gov.au/gapyear * Army applicants must be aged between 18 and 24 years old as of 30 May 2015. Air Force applicants must be aged between 18 and 24 years old as of 13 March 2015. TS0006M-02
architectural design workshop
griffith university architecture studios 10 & 11 july 2014 A two-day workshop for school students who are interested in studying architecture
architecture, etc. The workshop will introduce students to some of the major aspects of architectural design that they may encounter in tertiary courses: The design studio: Students will experience the day-to-day learning environment and facilities they will encounter during the studio-based architectural design courses at Griffith University. Design process: Students will be introduced to creative problem solving in architectural design by working through a design exercise for a hypothetical project, assisted by experienced studio advisors. Aspects of architectural design process including human need, constraint generation and solution testing, will be explored in project mode. Measuring, scale and communicating design ideas: Students will be introduced to basic measuring, drawing conventions and the concept of scale in drawings, further to communicating ideas about form, space and human occupation. There are no pre-requisite skills required for participation in this workshop and students will be provided with all required materials. COST:
$220 per student Griffith University is sponsoring a limited number of places for promising young designers. Applicants for Griffith University sponsored positions should forward a cover letter and one-page CV to info@studiomitt.com.au
LOCATION:
Architecture Studios Level 3, G39 Griffith University Gold Coast Campus Parklands Drive, Southport
TIME:
Workshop hours are between 9am -4pm. A workshop outline will be circulated ahead of the first session.
BRING:
Your lunch (or you can purchase lunch on campus) A water bottle
CONTACT:
To register your interest for this workshop, please contact us at info@studiomitt.com.au
Studio Mitt is a collaborative architectural practice actively involved in architectural design education within South-East Queensland universities. This two-day workshop provides an opportunity for secondary school students to learn more about studying architecture at a tertiary level.
www.studiomitt.com.au
|
info@studiomitt.com.au
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p 3102 9500
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ABN 92 144 481 989
INSIGHTS
Building parent-school partnerships
A mother like no other
WORDS Karen Fontaine
Seventeen years ago, Cheryl Koenig was a typical young Sydney mum celebrating Mother’s Day with her husband Robert and their two sons, Jonathan, 12, and Chris, 10. One week later, Jonathan was involved in a car accident that left him with a severe traumatic brain injury. Since that day, Cheryl has worked tirelessly to help not only Jonathan but also other sufferers of brain injury. Here, New South Wales’ ‘Woman Of The Year’ for 2009 – and the recipient this year of a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to people with disabilities, their families and carers – shares her extraordinary story. I grew up as one of five kids in a close-knit
ritual in the milieu of our family life. It’s where we
side. Some deep reserve of energy kicked in and
family, and from an early age I wanted
partake in each other’s day, share thoughts and
I knew I was making a difference to his recovery.
nothing more than to be a stay-at-home mum.
exchange memories. I often call the dinner table
All day long I told him how much we loved him;
I’d met Robert when I was almost 16 and, after
‘my altar table’ – it’s like a religious conviction,
that he was going to be all right. But Jonathan got
nine years together, starting a family seemed
I guess, where I get to nurture and nourish my
worse before he got better and each day felt like
as natural as night following day.
family.
a ghastly repeat of the one before.
On Sunday, May 18, 1997, I was cooking one
I gave birth to Jonathan two days before
Jonathan was in intensive care for three weeks
Christmas in 1984. He was an adorable baby and
such dinner for us when everything changed.
and then his eyes started to open. From early
as a toddler he was boisterous and creative. I
Jonathan was 12 and I was 37. He’d been playing
on, I knew he knew me. I’d lie on his bed and
enjoyed every minute of those years at home
outside with the boy from next door and I was
cuddle him and tell him about his life and read
with him and Chris.
making nachos. Just after 5 pm I called Jon inside,
him stories. I was completely driven in my mission
and minutes later I heard a huge bang.
to restore what little semblance was left of my
Becoming a mother defined me. How can
Jonathan didn’t see the car coming. The car
you not change when suddenly there exists
family. I saw signs of positivity everywhere. Around the two-month mark I knew I had
something that is more precious than your own
took him out and sent him flying for 20 metres.
life? I discovered new things about, and deeper
I found Jonathan lying on the street, his leg all
something to work with. I wheeled Jonathan to a
levels within, myself – because I held so much
twisted, with a horrible amount of dark-red blood
piano in the hospital music room. He had no neck
more in my arms. Of course the boys took my
coming out of his mouth and nose. There were
control, he was still dribbling and not talking, but
time, my space, even my patience – but they gave
two voices in my head – one telling me to scream
he was just starting movement in his right arm.
it all back with a smile.
hysterically and the other telling me to stay calm
He’d begun to reach up and touch my face and
because my baby needed me calm. That was the
take my rings off and do little things he’d done
voice I chose to listen to.
as a toddler. At the piano he reached out and
Now that my boys are men, it’s not the fancy holidays or big events that are my most golden memories. It’s the ordinary, everyday things.
At the hospital I didn’t cry; I just felt numb. A
Bedtime stories were a special time because they
doctor told us a CT scan indicated a brain injury;
opened up their imaginations. Music: playing
that Jonathan’s clinical signs weren’t good, and
their favourite songs and dancing crazily with
he couldn’t tell us if he’d make it. I thought, ‘You
them. Dinner times: every night, without fail, we
don’t know Jonathan’.
ate at the dining table together – the same meal
Jonathan was in an induced coma for the first
for everyone, too. This was, and is, an important
month and for four more months I didn’t leave his
started playing ‘Chariots Of Fire’, which he’d been learning at the time of the accident.
more on page 2 © 2014 Michael Grose
from Michael Grose. Join Stay one step ahead of your kids with great ideas & expert advice b.com.au. You’ll be so glad you did. Michael’s NEW Parentingideas Club today at parentingideasclu
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INSIGHTS
... a mother like no other ...
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Our kids learn through watching us There were no doctors around but the teachers saw it and everyone was crying – me hardest of all. That’s his theme song now, and he played it at the launch of my book. Jono had post-traumatic amnesia for about 10 months, which indicates the worst kind of brain injury and the unlikeliness that memory will be regained. But we didn’t listen to the doctors. I see his memory improving all the time and that’s because he has a full and active life. It’s been a long, hard journey. At three months he started making moaning sounds. I saw that as positive – he was trying to communicate. And then he started making ‘mmmm’ sounds. I literally pulled apart his lips to get his mouth moving but I closed the curtains around us because people thought I was crazy. But then one day he looked at me and said ‘Mum’. I can’t describe the joy I felt. The first day I left him, to go to the hairdresser because I was a mess, my sister stayed with him and gave him a drink of grape juice that hadn’t been diluted. He gagged and blurted out: ‘I want my Mum!’ I’d cried all the way through getting my hair done but I walked back into his room and he was talking! We called Robert and I said ‘Someone here wants to speak to you’. Without any prompting, Jonathan said in the softest voice: ‘Hi…Dad…I…Love…You…Dad’. We were all in floods of tears. Jono’s accident not only changed who I was, it also changed the complete dynamic of our family. I had to wear so many different hats in my new role as mother to Jono. I was – and, to varying degrees, still am – his carer, his rehabilitation case manager, speech therapist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, tutor, social secretary, counsellor for depression, and by and large his navigator through life. My mothering of Chris did a complete 360, too. Chris was only 10 at the time of Jonathan’s accident and I had to neglect him and his needs for the best part of five to 10 years because my entire energy was driven towards getting Jonathan better. To this day, I feel an enormous amount of ‘mother-guilt’ about not being there throughout probably the most crucial years of a boy’s life: adolescence. I was also guilty of being overprotective because I was terrified something bad would happen to Chris too. But I learnt, with time, to let him find his own way and I’m so glad I did, because he has become the most extraordinary young man, with the right blend of compassion and empathy, integrity and humility. He’s a civil engineer and he married his girlfriend Danielle last year, with Jono as his best man. It was an incredibly happy day for our family. Jono made a five-minute speech he’d memorised, jokes and all, which brought the house down. I’m enormously proud of both of my boys although Chris is probably my proudest achievement, because he’s done it all by himself. But our kids learn through watching us, in ways we don’t even realise at the time.
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